SAN DIEGO -- Coloring and a candy flavoring added to the drug methamphetamine are part of a disturbing ploy to make the drug more appealing to younger users, according to authorities.

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So-called "meth candy" started showing up recently, according to law enforcement officials.

"The bottom line is to sell the product and make money," said Arden Wiltshire of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. "Unfortunately, our young people are very vulnerable."

Wiltshire said manufacturers are adding color during the cooking process. She said the highly addictive drug's effects remain the same.

One variation of the drug has a bright pink color and fruity flavor. Authorities first discovered the drug, known as Strawberry Quik, last month in Missouri. Flavored and colored drugs also were found in California, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Texas, New Mexico, and Minnesota, according to authorities.

The drug is cooked with chocolate, cola and red energy drinks to mask its bitter taste. Methamphetamine crystals usually are white.

"I think it's really important for parents to be aware this is happening," said Dianne Pavia of the Riverside Unified School District.

Addictive-disease expert Dr. Sean O'Hara said it is sometimes mixed with Jell-o and other drugs, and it can be very appealing to young people.

"They think if they're getting something that has color in it or is sweet to the taste because it's been cut with sugar or Jell-o and had other chemicals added to it," O'Hara said. "It makes it seems like it's a less threatening drug."

O'Hara said parents need to be aware of this new form of a very dangerous drug.

"Parents need to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms in their kids that they could be using drugs. And kids, most importantly, have to realize some of these drugs that seem like they're packaged and marketed like they're not harmful really are," O'Hara said.