News Summary
Sean Turk and Patrick Keegan, freshmen at the University of Arizona, have developed Instant Energy Gum, a healthier energy booster. With 100mg of caffeine from green coffee beans and electrolytes, the gum offers a convenient, effective alternative to traditional energy drinks, reflecting a growing trend towards wellness products. As they promoted their product locally, customer feedback was positive, indicating demand for more flavors.
Tucson, Arizona — Two freshmen at the University of Arizona, Sean Turk and Patrick Keegan, have launched a new product known as Instant Energy Gum, which aims to provide a healthier energy boost during the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Having graduated from Mater Dei High School in 2020, the duo faced difficulty forming new friendships amidst social distancing and lockdown measures, prompting them to explore fitness and wellness alternatives.
Their exploration led them to experiment with various energy drinks and pre-workout supplements. However, after experiencing adverse effects such as a racing heart from the supplements, particularly concerning due to Turk’s family history of heart problems, they sought a safer alternative. This quest culminated in the development of Instant Energy Gum, which they officially launched in March.
Each piece of Instant Energy Gum contains 100 milligrams of caffeine sourced from green coffee beans and includes electrolytes derived from pink Himalayan salt, along with a touch of vitamin E for flavor. The unique formulation allows for quicker absorption, as the caffeine and electrolytes are housed in the gum’s center fill. This design minimizes the energy spikes and crashes often associated with traditional energy products, offering users what the creators refer to as a “tame caffeine high.”
While pursuing their studies at the university, Turk and Keegan took part in an entrepreneurship program at the Eller College of Management, which led to securing start-up funding through various sales competitions. This support enabled them to further develop and market their product. After returning to their hometown of Orange County, they actively promoted the gum at various local running clubs and events, including Cars ‘N Copters in Huntington Beach and events at the International Surf Museum.
The response from customers has been favorable, with many expressing interest in additional flavors beyond the initial sour apple offering. The duo collaborated with local running clubs, such as the Huntington Run Club, for events including the Pier to Pier running challenge. Feedback reveals that users have found the gum effective for maintaining focus and energy levels at work, demonstrating its versatility as a wellness product.
The gum is crafted using just eight simple ingredients, aligning with the founders’ vision of providing a cleaner, more transparent product. Convenience stores have begun stocking jars of the gum near checkout areas, allowing customers to purchase individual pieces for around a dollar. Additionally, Instant Energy Gum is available online in 15-piece bags through Amazon, with orders reportedly beginning to come in from across the nation.
Turk, who is also studying accounting, has shared the product with colleagues. Reports suggest that they are less likely to opt for energy drinks from gas stations once introduced to this new, convenient alternative. Turk has personally found chewing gum to be beneficial for enhancing focus both during exercise and while working at his desk.
As Instant Energy Gum continues to gain traction, it stands as an example of how young entrepreneurs can adapt and innovate in challenging times, finding solutions that align with health-conscious consumer trends. The blend of practicality and well-being inherent in their product could set a precedent for future energy solutions in the rapidly evolving market.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Energy Gum Launch
- Wikipedia: Energy Chewing Gum
- Los Angeles Times: Customer Feedback on Energy Gum
- Google Search: Instant Energy Gum
- Los Angeles Times: Entrepreneurs in Action
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneurship
- Los Angeles Times: Business Growth of Energy Gum
- Google News: Energy Gum
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
