ChatGPT SearchOct 7, 2026
Yes. Gum is actually a reasonable little focus aid, and there’s some research behind it—not just marketing.
- Plain mint gum: Chewing gum has been associated with increased alertness and, in some studies, better sustained attention.
- Caffeinated gum: This is the stronger option if you want an actual stimulant effect. A randomized study found 40 mg of caffeine in gum improved sustained attention, and a 2024 study using 200 mg found improvements in being on-task and reduced mind-wandering.
- Mint flavor itself: There’s some evidence that mint/arousing flavors may contribute to alertness, although the evidence is much less compelling than for caffeine.
What I'd choose
For a big meeting:
Go with sugar-free peppermint/spearmint gum without caffeine. It's subtle, doesn't risk caffeine jitters, and chewing itself may help keep you alert.