WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Positioned as an alternative to energy drinks and coffee, Energy Bombs chewing gum is the latest caffeinated gum to roll out at retail sites in the United States. It previously was available mainly in Europe.
Offered in two flavors, mint and cinnamon, the gum delivers 40 milligrams of caffeine and 5 calories in every piece.
The company said Energy Bombs were created to tap the growing number of consumers seeking an energy supplement, noting the gum provides the same amount of caffeine as a half-cup of an 8-ounce energy drink. The company also said the gum contains vitamins B12, B6 and taurine.
"We are thrilled to announce the availability of Energy Bombs, especially as people are looking for new ways to stay energized and focused," said Alon Lubezky, co-founder and vice president of business development for Energy Bombs. He said the gum is more convenient than a beverage for consumers to get an energy boost throughout the day.
The Energy Bomb gum joins a list of other caffeine gums sold in the U.S., including Blockhead Energy, Jolt, X8 and Vibe. Each has varying levels of caffeine.
Caffeine Informer, a website devoted to research on caffeine, contains a list of caffeinated gums and those that have been discontinued, including Wrigley's Alert Energy that was pulled in 2013. At the time, Mars-owned Wrigley said it took the action to give the FDA time to investigate caffeine in food and drinks. The only information on the FDA website about caffeinated gum is the Wrigley announcement from three years ago.
The most common complaint people have about caffeinated energy gum is the flavor, according to Caffeine Informer, which noted that the gum tends to have a bitter taste as soon as the sweetener ingredient is dissolved.
On its website, Energy Bombs warns the gum should not be used by those who are pregnant, nursing or under 16 years of age.
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