Does Gum Boost Energy? Answering the Science

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a study conducted at Cardiff University, people who chew gum report feeling more alert, focused, and even cheerful. But does gum boost energy in a meaningful way, and if so, how? The answer lies in both the physiological and psychological effects of the act of chewing itself, along with potential added ingredients.

Quick Summary

This article examines the scientific basis behind the link between chewing gum and increased energy or alertness. It details the physiological mechanisms at play, such as increased blood flow to the brain and sympathetic nervous system activation, and compares the effects of standard and caffeinated gum.

Key Points

Brain Blood Flow: Chewing increases cerebral blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which enhances alertness and cognitive function.
Nervous System Activation: The act of chewing stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing a mild increase in heart rate and muscle tension that contributes to a more alert state.
Stress and Mood: Chewing gum has been shown to reduce stress hormones like cortisol and improve mood, which can combat mental fatigue and provide a sense of energy.
Metabolism and Expenditure: The physical effort of chewing can increase resting energy expenditure and even boost fat oxidation, particularly when combined with activity like walking.
Caffeinated vs. Regular Gum: Regular gum boosts alertness via physiological and psychological pathways, while caffeinated gum provides a rapid, direct stimulant effect that is absorbed quickly through the mouth.
Flavor Effects: Certain flavors, especially peppermint, provide an additional sensory boost that can enhance feelings of alertness.
Timing and Type: The effects of chewing gum are often most potent in the short term. For best results, particularly for focus, choosing a sugar-free, strong-flavored gum and chewing before a task may be more effective.
Potential Downsides: Excessive or prolonged chewing can lead to jaw issues like TMD and headaches. Sugar-free gum contains sugar alcohols that may cause digestive distress.

The Science Behind the 'Energy' Boost from Chewing

The perceived energy boost from chewing gum is not a myth, though it may be more about enhancing alertness and focus rather than providing a true caloric lift. The act of mastication, or chewing, initiates several physiological changes that can contribute to a feeling of being more awake and energetic.

Increased Cerebral Blood Flow

One of the primary mechanisms behind gum's effect on alertness is its ability to increase blood flow to the brain. The repetitive chewing motion activates muscles in the jaw and face, signaling the brain to increase circulation. This brings a richer supply of oxygen and nutrients to brain regions associated with attention and memory, leading to improved cognitive function. Studies using neuroimaging techniques like fNIRS have confirmed an increase in oxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex during chewing.

Stimulation of the Nervous System

Chewing also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response. This stimulation can lead to a slight increase in heart rate and muscle tension, which are known to improve alertness. This is different from the tension often caused by caffeine, offering a potentially less jarring way to stay focused. Some studies even show that chewing gum can increase resting energy expenditure and influence fat oxidation.

The Mood-Enhancing Effect

Beyond the physiological changes, there is a strong psychological component to how gum affects perceived energy levels. The act of chewing has been linked to a reduction in stress and anxiety, which can clear mental fog and lead to a feeling of improved energy. This happens partly by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. A clearer, less anxious mind can feel more robust and capable. For students, this has been shown to potentially enhance exam success by mitigating stress.

The Role of Flavors and Added Ingredients

Not all gum is created equal when it comes to boosting energy. The flavor and active ingredients can play a significant role.

The Power of Peppermint

Flavor can be a key factor in the energizing effect. Peppermint, for instance, is known for its ability to increase alertness. The scent itself activates regions in the brain related to being awake and attentive, providing an additional sensory boost beyond the act of chewing.

Caffeinated Gum: A Direct Energy Source

For those seeking a more potent energy kick, caffeinated gum is an increasingly popular option. Unlike energy drinks or coffee, the caffeine in gum is absorbed quickly through the oral mucous membranes, often providing a faster onset of effects without the jitters associated with sugar-heavy beverages.

Faster Absorption: Bypasses the digestive system for quicker effects.
Controlled Dosage: Allows for a precise and consistent intake of caffeine.
Enhanced Performance: Has been shown to enhance both aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance.
Convenience: Offers a portable and discreet way to get an energy boost anytime.

How Gum Impacts Metabolism

A few studies have explored the effect of gum chewing on metabolic rate. The simple, repetitive motion of chewing is a form of non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), which contributes to daily calorie expenditure.

One study found that chewing hard gum could increase metabolic rates by about 15% above basal levels.
This suggests that the energy required for mastication, while small, does add up over time.
When combined with walking, gum chewing has been shown to increase energy expenditure and even enhance fat oxidation, particularly in middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Chewing Gum: The Pros and Cons for Energy


Aspect	Chewing Regular Gum	Chewing Caffeinated Gum
Mechanism	Increases cerebral blood flow; stimulates sympathetic nervous system; reduces stress.	Provides a direct dose of caffeine, rapidly absorbed; enhances alertness via caffeine's stimulant properties.
Speed of Effect	Generally gradual, building over minutes of chewing.	Very fast, with effects felt within 10 minutes.
Type of Energy	A mental and physical alertness boost, less of a traditional 'energy' feeling.	A potent, stimulating energy lift similar to coffee, but often without the crash.
Potential Side Effects	Excessive chewing can cause jaw discomfort (TMD), headaches, and digestive issues from swallowing air.	Similar to regular gum, plus potential for restlessness, jitters, or insomnia from excessive caffeine intake.
Use Case	Ideal for mild alertness needs, stress reduction, or sustained focus during mentally demanding tasks.	Better for quick, significant boosts for athletes or individuals needing high performance quickly.

Long-Term Considerations

While chewing gum can provide a short-term boost, it is not a substitute for proper sleep, nutrition, and hydration. The energizing effects on alertness tend to be temporary, sometimes lasting only 15-20 minutes. Relying solely on gum for energy is not a sustainable strategy. Additionally, frequent or vigorous chewing could lead to jaw problems, and sugary gums can negatively impact dental health. Sugar-free varieties are generally recommended.

Conclusion

So, does gum boost energy? Yes, but not in the way a power bar or a cup of coffee does. Chewing gum acts more as a cognitive and physiological stimulant, primarily boosting alertness, attention, and mood rather than providing a direct caloric energy source. By increasing cerebral blood flow, activating the sympathetic nervous system, and reducing stress, chewing gum can effectively combat feelings of lethargy and enhance performance on certain tasks. For a more direct energy boost, especially in athletic contexts, caffeinated gum offers a rapid-acting alternative. For a more detailed look at chewing gum's effects on cognition, mood, and well-being, explore the in-depth article from BioMed Research International. Ultimately, for a simple and accessible way to sharpen focus and elevate mood, a piece of gum can be a surprisingly effective tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

The alertness-enhancing effects of regular chewing gum are typically short-lived, often lasting around 15-20 minutes after you begin chewing. The benefit is most pronounced for tasks requiring sustained attention over a short period.

Yes, studies suggest that the act of chewing gum can combat feelings of fatigue and daytime sleepiness by increasing alertness. This can be a useful tool for afternoon slumps, providing a quick mental pick-me-up.

Yes, flavor can play a role. Strong, stimulating flavors like peppermint or spearmint are often associated with a greater increase in alertness. The scent activates brain regions linked to attention and wakefulness.

For a rapid and more powerful energy effect, caffeinated gum is superior to regular gum, as it contains an active stimulant. Regular gum provides a subtle boost in alertness through the physiological effects of chewing, whereas caffeinated gum delivers a direct hit of caffeine.

Chewing gum is a form of non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), meaning it contributes to your daily calorie burn. Studies show that the constant chewing motion can increase your metabolic rate by up to 15%, especially with a tougher gum that requires more effort.

Yes, excessive or constant gum chewing can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMD) issues, causing jaw pain or headaches. Moderation is key to avoiding these potential side effects.

Research suggests that chewing gum for a short period before a task can be more effective for boosting performance than chewing throughout the task, particularly for memory-related activities.