Munich, Germany – At the world-famous Oktoberfest, most visitors expect overflowing steins of beer, Bavarian music, and revelers in traditional attire. But among the crowds, you might also spot a peculiar trend: locals sniffing white powder off the backs of their hands or even beer-stained tables. This isn’t a drug scandal—it’s Wiesn Koks, also known as “Oktoberfest cocaine.”
Despite its nickname, Wiesn Koks is neither illegal nor narcotic.
According to local sources, Wiesn Koks—also called “Wiesn Pulver” or “Bavarian cocaine”—is a mixture of glucose and menthol, sold legally at around €5 per vial in souvenir shops and vendor stands during the festival. It contains no cocaine, tobacco, or intoxicating substances. Its effects are limited to a quick sugar rush and a sharp menthol sensation in the sinuses, offering a brief jolt of energy in an otherwise alcohol-heavy setting.
The white powder has grown into a quirky seasonal tradition during Oktoberfest, even as security officials and some vendors attempt to curb its use. Wiesn Koks is typically sniffed in lines, similar to the manner in which cocaine is consumed, but the similarities end there.
While some festivalgoers use it as a novelty or for social bonding, others have criticized the visual resemblance to illicit drug use. Nonetheless, Wiesn Koks remains legally available and culturally accepted during the celebration—an eccentric, peppermint-scented reminder of Munich’s unique party customs.
Despite its legality, excessive use can irritate the nasal passages, and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the tradition responsibly. As long as Oktoberfest continues to evolve, Wiesn Koks appears to be one powdered curiosity that’s here to stay.
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