I enjoy — and sometimes probably “need” — caffeine. I know that’s not exactly a badge of honor, and one of these days I should probably dial it back. But I also really love coffee.
The only problem with coffee is that it’s not always convenient. Sometimes I want a little boost before an afternoon run, and since I don’t drink soda or energy drinks, brewing a fresh pot at 3 p.m. isn’t exactly high on my priority list. Plus, I don’t always want to head out the door with 8-16 ounces of coffee sloshing around in my stomach.
I also grew up playing baseball. Unfortunately, chewing tobacco was just part of the culture back then. My dad always had one of those little round tins in his pocket, much to my mom’s dismay. I tried it exactly once, got incredibly sick, and never had any desire to touch the stuff again.
I mention both of these things because something we were sent immediately is sort of a marriage between these two stories.
Wip makes tobacco-free, nicotine-free caffeine pouches that sit between your gum and lip, or in your cheek, much like traditional “dip”. Instead of nicotine, each pouch delivers a measured dose of caffeine, available in either 100 mg or 200 mg strengths. It’s certainly an unconventional way to get a caffeine boost, but that’s exactly what makes it stand out.
WIP currently offers eight flavors:
- Mint
- Fruit Punch
- Strawberry Kiwi
- Sour Cherry
- Orange Citrus
- Blue Raspberry
- Yuzu Ginger
- Watermelon
They’re sold in traditional round “tins”, but you can also pick them up in smaller travel pouches that are easy to toss into a running vest, gym bag, or glove compartment.
The new Watermelon flavor we received definitely doesn’t hold back. There’s no mistaking the bold flavor, and while it wasn’t overpowering, it certainly isn’t subtle either. If you’re expecting just a faint hint of watermelon, this isn’t that. It was bright, enjoyable, and lingered just enough without becoming unpleasant.
That said, this is absolutely a niche product. It’s also not something I’d broadly recommend.
While Wip doesn’t contain tobacco or nicotine, it intentionally mimics the format of smokeless tobacco, and caffeine is still a stimulant that should be used thoughtfully. This isn’t a product for kids, and it’s not something I’d suggest as an everyday replacement for your morning cup of coffee.
That being said, they also go to great lengths to make this safer and more ideal than other caffeine options (looking at you energy drinks). The caffeine is clean and natural, there are vitamins and minerals added, and is very up front on responsibility – which we appreciate. I single pouch has as much caffeine as 1 1/4 cans of energy drink – without all the other crap in there.
Where I did find it useful was in a very specific situation.
Last week was one of those days. I slept terribly, spent the morning shuttling kids around, rolled straight into a full workday, and by 3 p.m. I was fading. I still wanted to get my run in, but I wasn’t craving coffee and making a pot felt like more effort than I wanted to invest. I tossed in a Wip pouch while getting ready, and it gave me just enough caffeine to shake off the afternoon fog and get out the door.
Did it make me run faster? No. But for that very specific scenario—when I wanted a little caffeine without drinking a full cup of coffee—it did exactly what it was designed to do.
For most runners, a cup of coffee will probably remain the simpler choice. But also, energy drinks are sort of all the rage and they generally add other stuff into the beverage (sugar, for one) that is equally not ideal. But for those looking for a portable, no-liquid option with natural clean caffeine, Wip fills a unique niche. It won’t be for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay.
