News Summary
Recent Mater Dei graduates Sean Turk and Patrick Keegan have introduced Instant Energy Gum, an innovative product designed to provide a smooth energy boost with 100 mg of caffeine from green coffee beans. Inspired by personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, the gum also contains electrolytes and vitamin E for added benefits. The duo launched their product while managing university studies and has received positive consumer feedback. Local stores now carry the gum, which is also available on Amazon, indicating nationwide interest.
Huntington Beach – Local entrepreneurs Sean Turk and Patrick Keegan, both recent graduates of Mater Dei High School in 2020, have launched a new product called Instant Energy Gum aimed at providing a quick and effective energy boost. This innovative gum contains 100 milligrams of caffeine, primarily sourced from green coffee beans, and was introduced to the market in March. The duo, now freshmen at the University of Arizona, designed their product to give consumers a smoother caffeine high without the spikes and crashes commonly associated with traditional energy drinks or coffee.
The inspiration for Instant Energy Gum stemmed from their personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it challenging for the two to meet new friends and socialize. During that time, they dedicated significant hours to working out at the gym, while also experimenting with various energy drinks and pre-workout supplements to enhance their performance. However, Turk had a concerning reaction to one supplement, prompting him to stop using such products due to his family history of heart problems. Seeking a better alternative led to the creation of their energy gum.
In addition to caffeine, the gum incorporates electrolytes derived from pink Himalayan salt, which adds flavor, as well as a touch of vitamin E. These ingredients come together in a liquid center fill designed for rapid absorption, allowing for quicker effects than typical energy-enhancing products.
While managing their university studies, Turk and Keegan participated in an entrepreneurship program at the Eller College of Management, where they secured startup funding through sales competitions to help them launch Instant Energy Gum. Upon returning to Orange County, they actively promoted their product at local running clubs and events, including Cars ‘N Copters in Huntington Beach and activities at the International Surf Museum. The feedback from consumers has been positive, with some expressing interest in additional flavors beyond the current sour apple variant.
Furthermore, their gum contains only eight simple ingredients, reflecting their commitment to offering a clean and raw product without unnecessary additives. Local convenience stores in Huntington Beach are now featuring the gum near cash registers, with individual pieces priced at approximately one dollar or slightly higher. Additionally, 15-piece bags of Instant Energy Gum are available for purchase on Amazon, leading to nationwide interest as orders come in from various locations across the country.
Turk has introduced Instant Energy Gum to his colleagues in accounting, resulting in reduced reliance on conventional energy drinks among his peers. Customers have reported that chewing the gum aids in maintaining focus and energy throughout the day, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a healthier energy boost.
As both entrepreneurs continue their studies while managing their business, they remain dedicated to expanding their reach and enhancing their product offerings based on consumer feedback. Their journey reflects the adaptability and innovation that arose from the challenges presented by the pandemic.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Arizona Freshmen Launch Instant Energy Gum
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Huntington Beach Natives Launch Energy Gum
- Wikipedia: Energy Gum
- Los Angeles Times: Entrepreneurs Introduce Energy Gum
- Google Search: Energy Gum
- Los Angeles Times: Huntington Beach Startup Presses Forward
- Google Scholar: Energy Supplements
- Los Angeles Times: Youth Entrepreneurship in Huntington Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneurship
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.
