Intel from the field
Independent stories, articles, and operational insights from the field.
Military Energy Gum: From Military Innovation to Civilian Performance Booster
- Eugene Nielsen
MEG was developed at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research to keep warfighters alert in conditions where coffee and energy drinks aren't practical. Caffeine absorbed through the mouth hits faster than any beverage — the same formula the military validated over 20+ years is now available to civilians.
Military Energy Gum Becomes First Gum to Earn NSF Certified for Sport
- NSF
MEG is the first gum ever to earn NSF Certified for Sport® — the certification recognized by MLB, the NHL, and USADA and recommended by the NFL and NBA. Every pouch is tested against 295+ banned substances, so athletes can use it without risking their eligibility.
Military Energy Gum Added to USO Care Package Program
Military Energy Gum is now included in USO Care Packages starting April 2026, reaching service members deployed across more than 100 countries year-round.
The partnership was announced by Ford Gum CEO Scott Lerner, a Marine Corps veteran, alongside USO Care Package Program Manager Sarah Bostic.
Military Energy Gum speaks on its USO partnership
MEG is now included in USO Care Packages and has become the first gum ever certified by NSF Certified for Sport, which tests for over 295 banned substances. Scott Lerner, Ford Gum CEO, discusses the product's two-decade military history and a new bulk carton format in development for professional sports teams.
Caffeinated gum aims to combat military fatigue
Marine veteran and Ford Gum Company CEO Scott Lerner discusses Military Energy Gum, designed to fight fatigue and provide a quick energy boost on ‘Fox & Friends Weekend.’
Marine Veteran Finds Healthier Alternative for Military Fatigue: Gum
Ford Gum CEO and Marine veteran Scott Lerner speaks with Military.com about MEG's two-decade history supporting troops, from its origins in the Military Fatigue Research Program to its new USO care package partnership delivering gum to service members in over 100 nations.
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