Caffeinated Gum: A Review

Getting caffeine from a source other than coffee is all the rage these days. Sales of energy drinks and energy shots have surged in recent years. These, however, are not the only ways for one to get a caffeine fix. Many makers of energy drinks have put caffeine laced gum on the market for sometime now. This is a review and comparison of caffeinated gum(s).

To get a feel for the whole caffeinated gum experience, I sampled Rockstar Energy Gum and Jolt Icy Mint. Both of these products are similar though there are slight differences. First, both advertise that their product contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee: bunk. Two pieces of each gum amounts to one serving and one serving provides 80mg or caffeine; the average cup of brewed coffee has anywhere between 150mg and 200mg of caffeine depending on size and strength. In actuality, one serving has about half the caffeine of a 16oz cup of strong coffee.

As far as taste goes, these are not the best tasting gums. Both start out with a decent to good taste but end with a moderate to strong aftertaste that is not pleasant. It seems like the flavor of the gum is masking something and I would guess that this "something" is the caffeine. Here, I would give a slight edge to the Rockstar brand as it possess a stronger mint flavor.

Another downside is the price. These brands retail in the $1.00 to $2.00 range - closer to $2.00. The Jolt brand might have a slight edge here as it sells in bubble packs of twelve and Rockstar sells in packs of ten. Most single packs of regular gum can be found in stores for one U.S. dollar or less.

The big plus for caffeinated gum is contains have caffeine. The caffeine contained therein gets into one's system relatively fast as it enters sublingually (under the tongue and in the porous tissue of the gums and mouth) . Most caffeinated products like drinks or tablets enter the system through digestion. The advantage with caffeinated gum is that entering the bloodstream sublingually can be very fast - depending upon the speed at which one chews, swallows and moves the gum around. Additionally, this method provides the user with a greater ability to regulate caffeine intake. One can more easily moderate the speed at which caffeine enters the system.

For everyday use I would not recommend caffeinated gum - at least not the two brands reviewed here. It's more expensive, though not greatly so. Also, the taste is far inferior to other brands that are much more readily available. However, it is cheap enough to have around for an "emergency". If one needs a quick caffeine fix that is very portable, or you need a medicinal dose to fend off a headache, then having caffeinated gum on hand from one of these manufacturers is a real option.