Caffeinated gum has become a go-to for athletes who need fast energy without the side effects of standard sources. Run Gum and Neuro Gum are two of the most popular options on the market — and while they solve the same problem, each one is built a little differently.
Runners, cyclists, and athletes looking for fast energy without drinking liquids have turned to caffeinated gum. Run Gum and Neuro Gum are two of the most popular options in the functional gum category, and The Feed carries both for good reason — each one serves a distinct type of athlete.
Both deliver fast-acting energy in a portable, sugar-free format. Understanding how each formula works helps you choose the one that fits how your body responds to caffeine and what you need from your training.
What Goes Into Each
The ingredient lists reveal how each brand approaches energy delivery.
Run Gum's Approach
Run Gum keeps things simple. Each piece of their Original formula contains:
50mg caffeine
20mg taurine
2.2mg Vitamin B6
3mcg Vitamin B12
The Extra Strength version doubles the caffeine to 100mg while keeping the taurine and B vitamins at the same levels.
Taurine shows up in most energy drinks for a reason. The amino acid plays a role in cardiovascular function and energy metabolism. Combined with caffeine and B vitamins, Run Gum follows the classic energy drink formula in a chewable format — familiar, proven, and effective.
Neuro Gum's Formula
Neuro Gum takes a different approach. Each piece of the standard formula contains:
40mg natural caffeine
60mg L-theanine
B6 and B12 vitamins
The Extra Strength version increases caffeine to 100mg while preserving the same L-theanine-to-caffeine ratio and vitamin levels.
L-theanine is the ingredient that defines Neuro's identity. This amino acid, found naturally in green tea, is known for smoothing out caffeine's rough edges — helping athletes stay alert without the racing heart or scattered focus that some stimulants can cause.
Two Different Energy Experiences
The taurine vs. L-theanine distinction is the most meaningful difference between these two gums, and it's worth understanding before you choose.
Taurine supports energy metabolism and has a long track record in sports nutrition. Athletes who respond well to standard energy drinks will likely find Run Gum's formula familiar and effective.
L-theanine changes how caffeine feels. Research suggests it promotes calmness without drowsiness, creating a state of alert focus that appeals to athletes who are sensitive to stimulants or who want sharper cognitive performance alongside their energy boost. A pilot study conducted by researchers at BrainCo found that participants given Neuro outperformed those who took a placebo.
Neither formula is objectively better. It comes down to how your body handles caffeine and what kind of mental state serves you best during training or racing.
How Fast Do They Work?
Both brands emphasize absorption speed. Chewing gum allows caffeine to enter your bloodstream through the tissues in your mouth. This buccal delivery method sidesteps the digestive system, so you feel the effects much faster than with a drink or gel — often within minutes rather than the 30 to 40 minutes it typically takes for caffeinated beverages.
Run Gum claims its products deliver caffeine up to five times faster than beverages.
Neuro Gum uses a patented cold-compression manufacturing process that preserves the bioavailability of each ingredient. Where heat-extruded gums can degrade active compounds during production, the cold-compression process keeps ingredients potent from factory to mouth.
Both options are built for situations where you need energy now, not in half an hour.
Flavor Options
Run Gum offers five flavors: Mint, Fruit, Cinnamon, Wintergreen, and Bubblegum. The variety makes it easy to rotate based on mood or activity, which athletes doing long training blocks tend to appreciate.
Neuro Gum offers two flavors in its energy line — Peppermint and Cinnamon — and expands into other functional areas with Memory and Focus gum and Calm and Clarity gum. Athletes interested in nootropic benefits beyond basic energy will find more to explore within the Neuro lineup.
Nutrition and Dietary Considerations
Both brands fit most dietary needs without compromise.
Run Gum is sugar-free, zero-calorie, gluten-free, and contains no aspartame — a clean fit for athletes tracking macros or avoiding artificial sweeteners.
Neuro Gum is vegan, sugar-free, and aspartame-free. Their Extra Strength formula uses monk fruit as a natural sweetener, which appeals to athletes who prefer plant-based formulations. If vegan certification is a priority, Neuro states it on the packaging.
Caffeine Levels at a Glance
Product | Caffeine per Piece | Practical Context |
Run Gum Original | 50mg | About half the caffeine of a typical cup of coffee. A noticeable boost without a full-strength dose. |
Run Gum Extra Strength | 100mg | Comparable to a standard cup of drip coffee. One piece delivers a full dose. |
Neuro Gum Standard | 40mg | A lower starting point for sensitive athletes or those who prefer to build gradually. |
Neuro Gum Extra Strength | 100mg | Full-strength option that maintains the same L-theanine-to-caffeine ratio. |
Neuro's lower standard dose gives athletes more flexibility for precise caffeine management throughout a race or training day. Run Gum's Original suits athletes who want a meaningful boost without committing to 100mg.
Choosing the Right Gum for You
The best way to find your fit is to try both. Run Gum works well for athletes who want a familiar, energy-drink-style formula with more flavor variety and a straightforward ingredient profile. Neuro Gum works well for athletes who are caffeine-sensitive, interested in cognitive performance, or who prefer a cleaner, plant-based formulation.
Both products solve the same core problem — fast, portable energy without liquid — and do it well. The Feed stocks both brands, so you can grab a pack of each and let your body help you decide.
