Functional chewing gum startup Life Loop has secured nationwide Tesco listings for its blister pack range.
Life Loop, which debuted in early 2026, has now secured distribution across 2,500 distribution points, including 1,600 Tesco stores, as well as Boots and Rontec Shop ’n Drive stores for its four-strong range (rsp: £2.50/10-pack).
The lineup of caffeine and vitamin-enhanced gums are positioned as a “rapid” and sugar-free alternative to energy drinks and supplements.
It includes Energy, a cool mint-flavoured gum containing 50mg of caffeine per piece, along with vitamins B3, B6 and B12 that support the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, according to the brand. Energy+ is also available, providing double the caffeine at 100mg per piece.
Life Loop said caffeine delivered via chewing gum can be absorbed within five to 10 minutes, compared with 30 to 45 minutes for coffee or energy drinks, citing research from the International Journal of Pharmaceutics.
The range also includes Wellness and Beauty variants. Wellness gum comes in a raspberry and lemon flavour and combines magnesium, B vitamins, rhodiola root extract and lemon balm. The magnesium helps support muscle function and reduce fatigue, while B vitamins support energy yielding metabolism, according to Life Loop. Meanwhile, rhodiola and lemon balm are included for their calming properties.
Beauty, meanwhile, is a berry-flavoured gum that contains biotin, zinc, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Biotin and zinc help maintain healthy hair, skin and nails, while vitamin C supports collagen production, according to Life Loop. Hyaluronic acid is commonly used in skincare for hydration.
Life Loop is a joint venture between Alfred Franks & Bartlett and Dmg Ventures, the venture capital arm of DMGT.
Manuel Lopo de Carvalho, CEO of Dmg Ventures, said the chewing gum category had not seen a serious challenger in years.
“Our vision is to give consumers a genuine alternative to coffee, tea, energy drinks and supplements,” said Carvalho. “We are investing at scale to shake up the category.”
Luke Reid, MD of Alfred Franks & Bartlett, said there was a “clear gap” in the wellness and energy space. “As routines become busier, consumers are looking for functional products that fit seamlessly into their lifestyles,” Reid told The Grocer. “Life Loop offers a faster, accessible solution in a convenient, on-the-go format,” he said.
To support the launch in grocery, the brand will take over London’s Victoria Station on 7 May, distributing 50,000 samples to commuters.
Caffeinated gums sit within a growing market of alternative caffeine formats, including pouches. Research & Markets estimates the global market for caffeine pouches will grow from $71.3m (£52.5m) this year to $107.2m (£78.9m) by 2032.
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