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Think Gum Review: Does This Brain-Boosting Gum Actually Work?

  • 2 days ago
  • 6 min read
Think Gum Review: Does This Brain-Boosting Gum Actually Work?

Legitimate Rating

Ever wished you could chew a piece of gum and instantly feel smarter?


That is exactly the promise behind Think Gum. Originally created by a college student looking for better focus during late-night study sessions, this brain-boosting chewing gum claims to help improve memory, increase concentration, and keep you mentally alert.


But does it actually work?


In this review, we break down the ingredients, the science behind the claims, the flavor, and how Think Gum compares to newer energy gums on the market.


Table of Contents



Think Gum Review: Quick Facts About Think Gum


Goal: Designed to enhance memory and concentration


Energy: Contains 20 mg of natural caffeine per serving


Flavor: Strong herbal peppermint


Science: Backed by a published study on memory performance


Important Note: Contains Vinpocetine, which the FDA warns pregnant women to avoid


What Are People Saying


Everyday Scientist Review


Think Gum Review

Source: https://blog.everydayscientist.com/think-gum/


Candy Favorites Review


Candy Favorites Review

Source: https://www.candyfavorites.com/products/think-gum?srsltid=AfmBOooAUemts89nSFuXbgRExznzDpH7Xg8GZRCAVLW7Ew-FQqzIk8fr


SupplementHQ.com Review


SupplementHQ.com Review

Source: http://www.supplementhq.com/think-gum-review/


What Exactly Is Think Gum?


Think Gum is not your average chewing gum. It belongs to a category known as functional gum, meaning it is designed to deliver active ingredients that may support mental performance.


The product launched in 2007, making it one of the earliest pioneers in the nootropic gum space.


The idea came from Matt Davidson, a student at UC Berkeley who later developed the product while completing his PhD at Stanford.


His goal was simple: combine caffeine with traditional herbal ingredients known for supporting brain function.


But why use gum instead of capsules or pills?


Two reasons stand out.


First, research suggests that chewing gum can increase blood flow to the brain, which may support alertness.


Second, chewing a specific flavor while studying and then chewing that same flavor again during recall may help trigger memory associations.


This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as context-dependent memory.


Breaking Down the Brain-Boosting Ingredients


Think Gum uses a blend of herbal ingredients designed to support focus, memory, and cognitive performance.


Here is a closer look at what is inside the formula.


Guarana for Gentle Energy


Instead of synthetic caffeine, Think Gum uses guarana, a plant native to the Amazon that naturally contains caffeine.


A serving of Think Gum, or two pieces, contains 20 mg of caffeine.


For comparison:


  • Coffee: about 95 mg

  • Energy gums: often 40 to 50 mg per piece


This means Think Gum provides a very mild energy boost.


For people sensitive to caffeine, this may be ideal. For heavy coffee drinkers, it may feel too light.


Bacopa Monnieri for Memory


Bacopa Monnieri is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.


Research suggests Bacopa may help support:


  • memory recall

  • learning ability

  • cognitive processing speed


However, Bacopa typically works best when taken consistently over several weeks, so immediate effects from a single piece of gum may be limited.


Ginkgo Biloba for Cognitive Support


Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most widely studied herbal supplements for brain health.


Some studies suggest it may help improve circulation to the brain and support cognitive performance.


However, results across scientific studies remain mixed.


Peppermint and Rosemary for Aromatic Effects


Think Gum also uses aroma-based stimulation.


Research suggests:


  • Peppermint scent may increase alertness

  • Rosemary aroma may support memory performance


Because chewing gum releases aroma continuously while chewing, these scents may provide subtle cognitive stimulation.


The Controversial Ingredient: Vinpocetine


One ingredient in Think Gum deserves special attention.


Vinpocetine is a synthetic compound derived from the periwinkle plant.


It is often used in supplements intended to increase blood flow to the brain.


However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued safety warnings about Vinpocetine, especially for pregnant women or women who may become pregnant.


The FDA warns that Vinpocetine may cause pregnancy complications.


Because of this, individuals in that category should avoid Think Gum entirely.


Does the Science Actually Hold Up?


One of the most interesting aspects of Think Gum is that it has published scientific research examining the product itself.


A study published in the journal Appetite compared three groups:


  • participants chewing Think Gum

  • participants chewing regular gum

  • participants chewing no gum


The results showed that participants chewing Think Gum performed better in certain short-term and long-term memory tests.


However, it is important to note that the study was conducted by the creator of the gum, which introduces potential bias even though the research was peer reviewed.


Still, having product-specific research is rare in the chewing gum industry.


What Does Think Gum Actually Taste Like?


Flavor is one of the biggest talking points about Think Gum.


If you expect the sweet mint taste of traditional gums like Extra or Trident, you may be surprised.


Because Think Gum contains real herbal extracts like Bacopa and Ginkgo, the taste is noticeably stronger and more earthy.


Many users describe the initial flavor as:


  • bitter

  • herbal

  • medicinal


After about a minute of chewing, the intense herbal notes usually fade, leaving a more traditional peppermint flavor.


The company even suggests thinking of Think Gum more like a supplement you chew, rather than a piece of candy.


How Think Gum Compares to Other Energy Gums


The functional gum market has expanded significantly since Think Gum launched.


Here is how it compares to newer products.


Think Gum Vs. NeuroGum


How Think Gum Compares to Other Energy Gums

The Final Verdict


Think Gum is a fascinating product that helped pioneer the functional chewing gum category.


It offers a unique blend of herbal ingredients designed to support mental performance and even includes a published research study supporting some of its claims.


There are several strengths:


  • unique herbal formulation

  • mild caffeine energy

  • scientific research support

  • affordable price


However, there are also some drawbacks:


  • strong herbal flavor

  • lower caffeine than modern energy gums

  • FDA safety warning due to Vinpocetine


If you are a student looking for a study ritual and do not mind an herbal taste, Think Gum may be worth trying.


If you simply want a clean, enjoyable energy gum for everyday use, newer options may provide a better experience.


Think Gum - Frequently Asked Questions


Does Think Gum actually improve memory?


Some research suggests it may help. A peer-reviewed study showed improvements in memory tests among participants chewing Think Gum compared with regular gum.

However, results may vary between individuals.


How much caffeine is in Think Gum?


Each piece contains 10 mg of natural caffeine from guarana.

The recommended serving of two pieces provides 20 mg of caffeine total.


Is Think Gum safe for everyone?


No.

Think Gum contains Vinpocetine, which the FDA warns pregnant women and women trying to conceive should avoid.

People taking blood-thinning medications should also consult a doctor because of the Ginkgo Biloba ingredient.


Why does Think Gum taste so strong?


Herbal ingredients such as Bacopa and Ginkgo naturally have strong flavors that are difficult to mask.

This gives the gum a more medicinal taste than traditional chewing gum.


How should Think Gum be used?


The creator recommends chewing two pieces for about 15 minutes while studying or learning something new.

Then chew it again before a recall situation such as an exam or presentation.

This may help reinforce memory associations.


References



Disclaimer


This review is based on available scientific research, product information, and consumer feedback.


This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.


These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.



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