Frequently Asked Questions

A blend of 11 carefully selected nootropics, adaptogens, and superfoods designed for sustained energy, focus, and holistic well-being make up this first-of-its-kind healthy energy drink mix. The difference is in our approach to energy. Where caffeine and stimulants overload your system, producing an energy boost by eliciting a stress response, our natural energy booster, paraxanthine, offers caffeine-free energy that doesn’t increase stress, make you irritable, or end in a crash.

But then we take it further with 10 additional naturally bioactive ingredients that work synergistically to support whole body health without all the sugars and artificial stuff. A drink mix made to fit seamlessly into your daily routine, MTE (More Than Energy) supports vitality, mood, focus, stress recovery, and much more.*

To help you think, feel and perform your best. Much like we use multi-vitamins to supplement basic nutrients in our diet, MTE supports vitality by promoting foundational energy, stress response, calm mood, focus, recovery at night, and more.* 

It's not a magic bullet - there is no such thing - but in conjunction with healthy lifestyle choices, this daily clean energy supplement can transform the way you feel day-to-day, and your energy levels long-term.

How to make the most of your daily dose of MTE?

• Make sleep a priority
• Stay hydrated
• Eat right
• Be active
• Be consistent

We find MTE is a great tail wind for our own efforts to be our best.

Our EVERYDAY blend has a smooth pineapple-mango flavor. Our PERFORMANCE blend is a bright lychee-passionfruit vibe.

We don't use any sugar, artificial sweeteners or flavors. Instead, we use natural, no-calorie stevia plant extract, so you get a balanced taste you can feel good about.

We use 11 powerful adaptogens, nootropics and superfoods to support foundational energy, stress response, calm mood, motivation, focus, recovery at night, gut health and more.*

If these things are important to you, you’ve found your new daily wellness supplement.

MTE stands for “More Than Energy,” which sums up our mission: to support feeling good and well-being by promoting caffeine-free energy, a relaxed mood, calm focus, stress resilience, better recovery at night, gut health, and more*.

Not in the way you’ve thought about energy drinks for the last 30 years. Rather than one-dimensional energy, often with a crash, MTE is a plant-powered powder that promotes feel-good energy while also supporting mood, stress resilience, calm focus and many other benefits to well-being that are often ignored.*

Accordingly, MTE was designed to be a daily supplement rather than a quick fix. Mix one scoop with 8oz of cold water or into your favorite protein drink or smoothie once a day to start feeling great. Because MTE’s adaptogens and nootropics act on your vital systems, it helps you have the energy you need to be at your best. It’s a healthy energy supplement that helps eliminate the need to reach for an energy drink in the first place!

The EVERYDAY blend in MTE contains no caffeine and instead uses paraxanthine, a cleaner, more effective energy source that avoids the common side effects associated with caffeine.

MTE is produced and tested for safety in a manufacturing facility that has the following registrations and certifications:

• FDA Registered
• cGMP
• OTC
• QTC (Quality Certification Services)
• IASC Certified
• Kosher (On Request)
• HALAL
• Certified Organic
• Health Canada Registered

MTE is manufactured in the United States. 

MTE packaging is BPA free. 

MTE is a first of its kind, daily wellness supplement that actively supports feel-good energy and foundational well-being at the same time. A healthier alternative to energy drinks, our caffeine-free energy powder utilizes natural energy boosters and complementary functional ingredients to support mind and body day and night.

1 packet of MTE’s Everyday Blend wellness drink powder contains 11 active nootropics, adaptogens and superfoods to help you think, feel and perform best, offering benefits that include:

ENERGY

MOOD

FOCUS

STRESS RESPONSE

IMMUNE RESPONSE

INFLAMMATION RESPONSE

RECOVERY AT NIGHT

GUT HEALTH

PERFORMANCE is flavored with a lychee-passionfruit vibe using all-natural flavors, and sweeteners.

EVERYDAY is flavored with all-natural mango and pineapple. 

Both with no sugar, no fake sugars, and no crap.

MTE and AG1® are definitely different, but they’re also complementary. Athletic Greens are meant as a comprehensive nutritive replacement for your multivitamin, multi-pill supplement routine. AG1 is comprised of over 75 natural ingredients that include superfoods, probiotics, adaptogens, and more.

Although both MTE and AG1 come in powder form, they have different benefits. With 11 clinically-backed adaptogens, nootropics, and superfoods, MTE’s formulation is focused on mood, focus, energy, and holistic well-being. MTE is a boost for your daily routine that offers well-rounded support for natural, sustained energy and more.

That’s up to you! Our goal is to get people off the caffeine hamster wheel, but that doesn’t mean you have to get religious about cutting out all coffee. MTE works well as a replacement for your morning coffee, but there’s nothing to say you can’t have both! 

Some of our customers like to keep their morning coffee routine and use MTE in the early afternoon for a boost. Others use it as a complete alternative to caffeine-based drinks like coffee or energy shots.

Yes and no. Here’s the breakdown of both these nootropic-packed productivity drinks: 

Both MTE and Magic Mind® contain L-theanine. Studies support L-theanine’s ability to increase antibody response, reduce markers of inflammation, and anti-oxidative activity.

Nootropics in Magic Mind but not MTE:

Rhodiola rosea: An adaptogen and nootropic that may help the body adapt to stress and improve both physical and cognitive function.

Bacopa monnieri: An herb used in Ayurveda that has been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, and mental performance, as well as decrease stress.Lion’s mane mushroom: A functional mushroom that has been shown to improve cognitive function and protect the brain from damage.

Green Tea: Green tea is well-known for its ability to improve energy, focus, and attention while also supporting the immune system with antioxidant activity and free-radical scavenging.

Nootropics in MTE but not Magic Mind:

Paraxanthine (Enfinity®): A caffeine metabolite, paraxanthine is a healthier, caffeine-free energy booster. Emerging research indicates paraxanthine supports focus, performance and jitter-free energy without the side effects of caffeine, like stress and bad mood.

GABA: Studies have seen GABA improve sleep, stress resilience, cognitive function, and immune function.

Saffron (Affron®): Clinical experiments back saffron for reducing symptoms of depression, protecting the liver and kidneys, protecting DNA integrity, and enhancing cognitive health.

A couple reasons. First, everyone is different. Whether its age, physical condition, mental health, all of the above – you get it – adaptogens and nootropics affect people differently. Second, because adaptogens and nootropics act systemically, their benefits tend to accumulate over time as they help your body adapt to stress, set it back into balance, and shore up your vital systems. 30 days is the typical time it takes to really see what’s up when it comes to bioactive plants.

While MTE and MUD\WTR® both offer healthy energy and support for stress, immunity, inflammation, mood, and sleep, MUD\WTR uses adaptogenic mushrooms and supportive superfoods, while MTE relies on adaptogens, nootropics, and superfoods.

Both products use bioactive plants with experiential and clinical evidence to support their benefits. Both are meant as a healthy daily habit that can serve to replace coffee and energy drinks.

Yes! No added sugars to be found in our energy drink powder! Instead, we use other natural sweeteners like chicory root and stevia.

MTE contains no sugars, artificial sweeteners, or synthetic flavors. We use stevia leaf extract and chicory root to create that sweet, pleasant taste of our healthy energy drink powder.

We wanted to make MTE taste great without relying on sugar bombs. Is sugar the easiest way to sweeten something? Yes. Is it the best way? Not in our opinion. And artificial sugars are no better, so the sweeteners in MTE include inulin (chicory root) and stevia.

Chicory root is a superfood containing inulin, a sweet-tasting compound that also provides the fiber in our sugar-free energy drink. Inulin is also a prebiotic, so it supports gut health.

Stevia is a natural plant-sourced compound about 200x sweeter than sugar, but without the calories or negative effects on blood sugar. Stevia supports healthy blood sugar levels, gut health, insulin sensitivity, and immune function.

Totally – MTE is free of all the things you’re trying to avoid on your keto diet:

• No sugar
• No dairy
• No processed foods
• No starches
• No gluten
• Low-carb

And since it’s an energy drink powder made purely of greens and green-sourced things, it gets you marks for those leafy dark veggies you should be eating.

It’s definitely more gut-friendly than your other pick-me-ups like coffee, tea and energy drinks. Because MTE is free of sugars, gluten, dairy, other allergens, and isn’t acidic or over-caffeinated, it is gentle on the gut. Plus the chicory root, which aids digestion, as well as some secondary nootropic effects that support a healthy gut. If you’re looking for an IBS alternative to coffee, this plant-powered energy powder is a great place to start.

Yes, MTE is free from added sugars, artificial colors, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, herbicides, pesticides, GMOs, preservatives, gluten, dairy, eggs, peanuts, and animal byproducts. As a result, MTE is friendly for a variety of limited diets and dietary restrictions.

MTE is designed to be safe for most people. It’s free from common allergens and stimulants, so side effects are rare. However, if you’re sensitive to any ingredients, consult a healthcare provider.

Many users notice an immediate boost in focus and energy with their first sip. Long-term benefits, like improved mood and stress resilience, develop with consistent use.

You should always consult with a healthcare provider before taking MTE if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding to ensure it’s safe and suitable for your specific needs.

MTE is generally safe and shouldn’t interact with medications. However, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider if you’re taking medication.

Nootropics replace excessive caffeine to support calm mood, dialed-in focus, and healthy energy without any of the common pitfalls like jitters, crashes, and insomnia.

Adaptogens balance and protect by supporting stress resilience, which allows for more natural energy reserves and better recovery at night. 

Prebiotic fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut to help reduce inflammation and fight harmful bacteria.

Use it regularly for 30 days and we bet you’ll never want to live without it. Why 30 days? Adaptogens and nootropics reach full effect around this time.*

MTE was designed as a daily energy supplement rather than a quick fix, so regular use is recommended. If you use 1 scoop of MTE daily, whether in water or as a part of your favorite daily wellness drink, after 30 days, you’ll never want to go without it! And because MTE doesn’t rely on caffeine as its energy source, you’re not up all night if you decide you don’t want it in the morning – maybe you want to use it as an afternoon preworkout. Go for it.

As for our people, some drink it early as a coffee replacement or supplement. Jeff, our co-founder, drinks his around lunch. His dad drinks his MTE in the early afternoon. Drink yours any time that fits your lifestyle and desired results.

Do not exceed 1 packet in any 24 hour period.

Yes, in fact, MTE is a great complement to coffee. Caffeine offers a quick boost, while MTE’s adaptogens, nootropics, and superfoods support long-lasting energy without crash. That’s a good way to get the benefits from both worlds.

You can also combine MTE with a smaller amount of coffee if you’re trying to cut back on caffeine. That way, you can gradually lower your caffeine intake until you’re ready to ditch it completely.

MTE is formulated for adults 18 years and older.

As with every supplement, please consult your healthcare provider before use if you have a medical condition, are taking prescription medications, are taking any other dietary supplements, are planning a medical procedure, or are pregnant and/or nursing.

The ingredients in MTE have all been clinically researched for safety in adults 18+, and the facility where our proprietary energy drink substitute is produced follows rigorous safety guidelines, registered and/or certified with:

• FDA Registered
• cGMP
• OTC
• QTC (Quality Certification Services)
• IASC Certified Kosher (On Request)
• HALAL
• Certified Organic
• GMP Registered for Dietary Supplements
• Health Canada Registered

MTE is actually a great idea as a pre-workout. Adaptogens and nootropics get you in the zone, mentally and physically, to perform your best. And as for afterward, those same potent ingredients help with post-workout recovery.

It’s really easy to mix your daily scoop of MTE into pretty much anything you want, including smoothies. You can check out our article on how to incorporate MTE into your daily wellness routine for more suggestions on mixing MTE into other drinks.

Yes; it’s safe to have a serving of both every day, as the majority of ingredient do not overlap, and neither product has a large amount of caffeine.

MTE is actually great for an afternoon energy boost that gets you through the rest of your day with a clear mind and the energy to do the things you love. This is because MTE’s energy-boosting mechanisms do not disrupt your sleep/wake cycle or trigger a stress response that hurts your ability to sleep.

Great question. MTE is meant as a tailwind to your health and wellness efforts. While this is a supplement you can experience no matter the state, if you make the most of your lifestyle, you’ll make the most of MTE. Our replacement for energy supplements and caffeine is activated by:

• Regular exercise
• Healthy, nutrition-focused diet
• Prioritizing sleep

In addition, because the effects of adaptogens and nootropics work systemically, the benefits you may experience with MTE accumulate over time. Stay consistent for at least 30 days and we’ll bet you’ll be feeling great day in and day out.

Yeah! MTE supports muscle recovery via adaptogens like ashwagandha, superfoods like spirulina, and nootropics like theacrine and saffron. Our advanced blend of bioactive greens also promotes better recovery at night, which every fitness enthusiast knows is vital to preventing injuries and optimizing recovery between daily workouts.

MTE contains 10 calories per serving, which means it will technically break a fast. However, since it’s so low in calories, it’s unlikely to diminish the primary benefits of fasting and should have only a minimal impact.

MTE already tastes great with its natural mango-pineapple flavor, but here are a few ways to customize your drink:

• Mix with ice-cold water for a refreshing boost.
• Use your favorite milk alternative (like almond or oat milk) for a creamy texture.
• Blend into a smoothie with fruits like bananas or berries for added flavor and nutrition.

Yes, MTE shouldn’t interfere with your sleep. However, to fully enjoy its benefits like focus and energy, we recommend consuming it earlier in the day.

If you’re new to MTE, you can start with half a packet to see how it works for you and gradually increase to a full packet as you get accustomed.

Yes, MTE pairs well with many other supplements. Keep in mind that some ingredients may interact and affect results, so consult with a healthcare provider if you’re combining multiple products.

Yes, we recommend no more than two packets per day to avoid overconsumption and ensure you’re getting the intended benefits without any issues.

MTE is a wellness supplement powder comprised of 11 adaptogens, nootropics and superfoods that offer comprehensive support for energy, focus, mood, sleep, stress, inflammation, gut health, and more. Our formula consists of:

• AMARANTH is a superfood that supports sustained energy and performance.*
• ASHWAGANDHA is an adaptogen that supports the reduction of stress & anxiety.*
• CHICORY ROOT (Inulin) is an adaptogen and superfood used to support gut health.*
• ELEUTHERO (Siberian ginseng) is an adaptogen that supports energy.*
• GABA is a nootropic that supports stress response and a calm mood.* 
• HOLY BASIL is an adaptogen that supports reduced stress.*
• L-THEANINE is a nootropic used to support calm concentration.*
• MACA is an adaptogen used to support energy, mood.*
• PARAXANTHINE (Enfinity®) is a nootropic used to promote jitter-free energy without caffeine.*
• SAFFRON (AFFRON®) is a nootropic used to support mood, and recovery at night.*
• SPIRULINA is a superfood that supports Inflammation response.*

You can access detailed descriptions of each of these on our Ingredients page, and visit our Wellness Blog for articles deep diving into the science behind these potent, naturally bioactive extracts. If you’d like to learn even more about any of our ingredients and the benefits they can offer, one of our go-to resources is PubMed.gov, a free website by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Choose any ingredient, plug it into the search bar, and you will be amazed at the volume of information available.

Superfoods are nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, grains/cereals, and meats. Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other important compounds, superfoods are considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.*

We utilize 3 superfoods in our formula:

Amaranth: A superfood grain that’s been cultivated in the Americas for 6000+ years. It contains all 9 amino acids, making it a complete protein. Amaranth also contains important fatty acids, and a host of other nutrients that support everything from brain health to muscle function and energy levels. A recent review of the literature found amaranth has the following effects on the body:

• Anti-cancer properties
• Antimicrobial properties
• Antioxidant support
• Blood pressure management
• Cellular support
• Nervous system support

Spirulina: One of the most well-known superfoods, spirulina was first used as an energy supplement over 1000 years ago. It’s a blue-green algae that was used by the Aztec’s long-distance runners, as well as by NASA as a nutrient-rich food for astronauts. Spirulina is packed with proteins, including a hard-to-find one called phycocyanin, which acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neural protectant.

Chicory root: Chicory is part of the dandelion family, which are known for their nutrition profile and digestive support. Chicory contains mostly inulin a type of prebiotic fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. This can lead to improved digestion, and even reduced risk of some chronic diseases. It contains important trace minerals, and is low in fat and calories. Research indicates it supports:

• Blood sugar
• Gut health
• Inflammatory response
• Antioxidant action
• Anti-allergenic

Adaptogens are plants, algae or mushrooms with bioactive properties that support healthy stress response by acting on hormonal processes and neurotransmitter activity. As such, adaptogens energize and help us better ‘adapt’ to stress. More stress resilience means better mood and more energy.*

The adaptogens we use in our greens supplement are:

Ashwagandha: A rooty plant used for 6000+ years in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has been shown to support cognitive health and sleep.

Eleuthero: A woody shrub and ginseng cousin, the World Health Organization supports its ability to reduce the physical effects of stress on the thymus and spleen, increase resistance to toxic chemicals, and improve sleep duration and quality.

Holy Basil: An herb used for 6000+ years in Ayurveda, studies show it can help reduce the psychological effects of stress, including mood and sleep support, attention, and willingness to adapt.

Maca: A cruciferous vegetable domesticated 2000 years ago in Peru, maca has demonstrated abilities to improve energy levels, physical performance, stress response, and mood in clinical settings.

Often referred to as “cognitive enhancers” or “brain boosters,” nootropics are naturally derived compounds that generally can pass through the blood-brain barrier to act on neuronal activity. Nootropics energize and help improve cognitive functions, especially attention, memory, creativity, and motivation.*

The nootropics we’ve chosen for our plant-powered energy mix are:

GABA: A neurotransmitter that naturally occurs in the brain. It acts as the main “calm down” agent, which is why it’s associated with a feeling of calm that doesn’t come with drowsiness. Studies have seen GABA improve sleep, stress resilience, and cognitive function.

L-Theanine: A bioactive compound found in black and green tea leaves, the literature supports L-theanine’s abilities to manage stress and mood, boost cognitive performance, and support quality sleep.

Saffron (Affron®): Used by humans in some form for 30000+ years (seriously!), some of saffron’s many talents that clinical experiments back include reducing low mood, enhancing cognitive health, and supporting sleep at night.

Paraxanthine (Enfinity®): A metabolite of caffeine known to provide similar cognitive-enhancing effects, such as improved focus, alertness, and energy. Unlike caffeine, paraxanthine is less likely to cause the jitteriness and crashes associated with caffeine consumption, which makes it a cleaner, more efficient alternative for enhancing mental performance.

Here’s what’s not in MTE:

• ADDED SUGARS
• ARTIFICIAL COLORS/FLAVORS
• ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
• HERBICIDES/PESTICIDES
• GMOS
• PRESERVATIVES
• GLUTEN DAIRY
• EGG
• PEANUTS
• ANIMAL BYPRODUCTS
• LACTOSE

 That means MTE’s mix is friendly to limited diets like:

• Halal
• Kosher
• Vegan
• Organic
• Dairy-free
• Gluten-free
• Keto

Yes, MTE is Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free and appropriate for Keto and Paleo diets

When it comes to getting that steady, zoned-in energy you want when you’re going in for a workout, MTE is the perfect pre or post-workout companion.

3 of the key ingredients that help optimize your workouts include:

• Ashwagandha – energy, focus, anti-inflammation
• Paraxanthine – jitter-free energy, mood, focus, cognition
• Eleuthero – energy, metabolism, athletic performance

But those aren’t the only ingredients that help with your workout, because they all work together to offer overall support for energy, focus, recovery, and wellbeing. Learn more about our formula in our Wellness Blog and Ingredients page.

• Paraxanthine (Enfinity®) – energy, focus, mood, oxygen uptake
• L-theanine – alert calm, focus and concentration
• Maca – sustained energy and relaxed, even mood

• Ashwagandha – mood, motivation, stress resilience
• GABA – relaxation, stress resilience, immunity
• Holy basil – mood, energy, stress resilience
• Eleuthero – energy, nerve health, stamina
• Saffron (Affron®) – mood, memory, brain health
• Spirulina – inflammation, immune support, endurance
• Amaranth – athletic performance, nutrition

Nope! Stevia is an all-natural extract that comes straight from the stevia plant. It’s been used as a sweetener in South America for centuries. The cool thing is that it’s 300x sweeter than sugar and 0 calories, which means you need just a touch to get a great taste.

Adaptogens don’t give you more energy, per se. What they do is optimize your body’s energy-production signaling while reducing your body’s stress-signaling. This (1) helps the body produce more of its own energy and (2) frees up resources and energy the body would spend fighting all that stress signaling. 

Interested in what adaptogens can do to boost your energy and mood without the stress side effects that come with caffeine? Check out our article: Adaptogen Stacking for Stress-Free Energy.

Chicory is a flowering plant widely used across the world for centuries. It’s considered a superfood with adaptogenic abilities. Each part of the plant has medicinal qualities, but the roots are where the real good stuff is at. Traditionally, chicory root tonics and pastes have been used for everything from treating gout to malaria to wounds. We included it in our formula because there is scientific evidence to indicate it is:

• Antimicrobial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-allergen
• Digestion aid
• Liver support
• Immune support
• Antioxidant
• Heart protectant

Yes! MTE is suitable for both Kosher and Halal diets.

Because caffeine isn’t a solution to fatigue – it’s just a temporary band-aid. We felt like the energy drink market had a hole: a holistic, natural alternative to excessive caffeine, sugars and artificial… stuff. We chose bioactive plants as the foundation for our formula that offer the benefits of energy drinks without the negative stuff like anxiety, jitters and dependence. How?

• Adaptogens promote stress resilience, mood, healthy energy levels, and recovery by fighting the negative effects of chronic stress. This frees up energy the body would be spending dealing with stress, which not only supports against fatigue, but promotes immunity and fights inflammation as well.
• Nootropics promote focus, concentration, mood, and sleep by modulating neurochemical signaling in the brain. Nootropics help balance levels of important chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and acetylcholine, which supports mental clarity, calm mood, and a tranquil, zoned-in focus.

Superfoods are the perfect complement to an adaptogen-nootropic stack! They support the adaptogens and nootropics by providing comprehensive nutrition – especially important compounds we often don’t get enough of. We chose three proven, multi-talented superfoods for our greens powder:

Spirulina: In clinical research, spirulina has demonstrated the ability to boost energy and immunity.

Amaranth: In clinical research, amaranth has presented anti-allergen, anti-oxidant, as well as nervous system support, cell health support and reduced inflammation.

Chicory: In clinical research, chicory root has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-allergen behaviors, digestive support, blood sugar support, and restorative actions on the immune system.

Saffron is much more than the star herb in your favorite Moroccan dish. Saffron’s history with humans is tens of thousands of years long, and as much more than a seasoning – dyes, pastes, tonics, teas, and medicines. Current research suggests saffron’s potential as a(n):

• Energizer
• Neuroprotectant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Mood-booster
• Antioxidant
• Brain health protectant

Affron® is a high-quality standardized extract of the active compounds in saffron. It is completely natural; it is a branded product because of the way it is standardized.

Affron® is produced by Gencor™.

Paraxanthine is the largest metabolite of caffeine, and the one largely responsible for caffeine’s benefits – but not its side effects. Paraxanthine acts both alongside and independently of caffeine, and studies indicate it boosts energy, thermogenesis, mood, focus, and productivity without increasing blood pressure, heart rate, stress, or feelings of being overwhelmed or overstimulated. It actually doesn’t even elicit the biological markers typical of stimulant side effects despite offering similar benefits.

Paraxanthine is a natural compound observed as a caffeine metabolite. As an ingredient in wellness drink powders and performance supplements, it is synthetic, as it had to be synthesized in order to occur any place besides our liver after we drink caffeine. This in no way means it is made of fake stuff; it just means it took a lot of critical thinking and experimentation to create a perfect replication.

For a deep dive on this super-cool solution to stimulants, check out our article: Understanding Caffeine’s Metabolites & How Paraxanthine Works.

Short answer? It sure looks like it. Long answer? Studies are stacking up that support this claim, and they also indicate the increased metabolism doesn’t come with jitters or anxiety. A few recent studies indicated:

·       Paraxanthine increases metabolism without increasing stress. (Sleep, 2010)

·       Paraxanthine increases physical performance while lowering cholesterol. (Nutrients, 2022)

·       Paraxanthine induces thermogenesis, lipolysis and fat oxidation. (Journal of Dietary Supplements, 2024)

·       Paraxanthine improves cognitive performance after physical exertion. (Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2024)

·       Even low doses of paraxanthine can cause these effects. (Nutrients, 2021)

Nootropics regulate and modulate neuronal activity to balance all that brain-body messaging back out. Many nootropics specifically target learning, memory and emotion centers of the brain, such as the HPA axis, the limbic system and the amygdala. Nootropics also promote the production of dopamine, which helps get you in a calm, positive mood.

The HPA axis is responsible for reactions to stressors. It stands for the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, because these are the three locations in the brain that work together to create and then dissipate stress responses. In other words, the HPA axis is the neuroendocrine link between physical and psychological responses to stress.

Ashwagandha is thought to reduce the effects of stress by acting as a modulator for the HPA axis and a nervous system suppressant. In addition, ashwagandha has shown an ability to lower cortisol levels and subjective levels of perceived stress. 

Ashwagandha has also shown an ability to increase dopamine levels.

Eleuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng, is a somewhat mysterious adaptogen. The exact mechanisms by which it acts on the body are still opaque, but clinical evidence supports eleuthero’s ability to:

• Improve cognitive and athletic performance under stressful conditions

• Regulate blood pressure and reduce cholesterol

• Boost the immune system via cellular genesis

• Reduce negative activity-induced blood coagulation

Both! And it’s also a nootropic. And an amino acid. GABA’s (gamma-aminobutyric acid) main role is as the body’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter, aka the calm-down chemical. GABA suppresses overexcited neurons while its complementary chemical glutamate increases activity in underactive neurons. Lower, balanced neuronal activity = a calm, even mood and a better stress response.

In isolated stress responses, cortisol spikes are beneficial. But in chronic stress responses, not so much. Cortisol puts stress on the adrenal and cardiovascular system, which eventually weakens your immune response. Negative effects of cortisol include:

• Sleep disturbances

• Irritability

• Fatigue

• GI problems

Several adaptogens and nootropics in MTE work in and around the emotion and behavior control centers of the brain to support sufficient levels of dopamine (the feel-good chemical). They modulate neurotransmitter activity, which reduces stress and balances the release and reuptake of dopamine and other mood-related chemicals.

The specific ingredients in MTE with data to back their ability to increase dopamine levels include:

• Eleuthero
• Ashwagandha
• L-theanine
• GABA

Totally! You should check out our Wellness Blog (Be ready to do a deep dive, if a healthy lifestyle is your thing). You’ll find tips on adaptogens and nootropics to add to your routine, articles on the uses and dangers of things like caffeine and artificial sweeteners, how to reduce stress, natural ways to boost energy levels, sleep quality and more.. you know, since we add new ones all the time.

Good question! Short answer: because of the way caffeine works. Slightly less short answer:

• Caffeine tells your body to release a bunch of WAKE UP chemicals while smothering the I’M TIRED ones. When caffeine starts to wear off, which can be as early as 2 hours if you have a caffeine tolerance, it loses its grip on the I’M TIRED chemicals, which then rebound. Aggressively.
• Caffeine tolerance is a real thing. If you rely on caffeine to maintain decent energy levels, you’ll need more and more over time. Suddenly, that energy drink that used to give you a huge kick does nearly nothing to clear your mind.
• You drink water, right? Caffeine is a diuretic, which is why you have to pee all the time when mainlining coffee at work. If you’re not drinking water, you’re dehydrated. This causes tiredness, fogginess, low energy, etc, even if you’re stuffed to the gills with caffeine.

Learn more about the crappy side of caffeine in our article: The Perils of Excessive Caffeine Use: How Much is Too Much?

Adaptogens fight the psychological and physical effects of stress by modulating neurochemical signaling in the body. Different adaptogens might affect neurotransmitter, hormonal, or other chemical activity in a way that increases the body’s resistance to the negative effects of stress in 1 or more ways:

1. Reducing levels of stress hormones
2. Increasing immune system capacity
3. Modulating activity in the HPA axis

For more, check out our article: Adaptogens: A New Name for Some Very Old Medicinal Herbs

Exactly what it sounds like! Adaptogen stacking is when you purposefully use a selection of adaptogens together to achieve a purpose – like reduced stress, better mood, more energy, etc. By combining adaptogens with specific abilities, they can enhance and support each other’s effects to truly transform how you feel.

Learn about adaptogen stacking and get tips on some of the best adaptogen stacks in our article: Adaptogen Stacking for Stress-Free Energy.

Biohacking is basically just tweaking the body back into balance. It could refer to supplements, activities, devices – any tool you can use to affect your neuro-immune system in a positive way. We refer to MTE’s formula as biohacking because the adaptogens and nootropics in our greens supplement literally hack your body back into a homeostasis by acting on important systems that regulate mood, focus, energy, sleep, immunity, and more.

You can learn about how one of MTE’s key nootropics, GABA, hacks your daily energy levels back into balance in our article: GABA: Nootropic, Amino Acid, Neurotransmitter, or All of the Above?

And for more about the rarest class of bioactive plants, read our article: Adaptogens: A New Name for Some Very Old Medicinal Herbs

Yup! Read our article for suggestions: A Healthier Way to Boost Energy Levels: The Best Energy Drink Alternatives

There are two big factors that can determine mood balance and function: neurochemical activity and stress. Unbalanced hormones, overexcited neurotransmitters, high cortisol levels, and fatigue all play a part in how you feel day-to-day.

More than a few of the adaptogens and nootropics in our healthy energy drink powder support tranquil, even moods, and they do it in complementary ways that equal more than the sum of their parts, including:

• L-theanine: well-known mood support supplement that modulates dopamine, serotonin and glutamate
• Saffron: evidenced to regulate the HPA axis, support dopaminergic and GABAergic activity, and reduce cortisol levels
• GABA: body’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter, known to play a part in mood disorders
• Eleuthero: adaptogen evidenced to modulate serotonergic activity, regulate the HPA axis and act as an anti-inflammatory, which is associated with mood health

Our natural alternative to caffeinated beverages like energy drinks, coffee or tea promote a zoned-in focus without things like anxiety, jitters and clammy hands. Some of the ingredients in MTE that support clarity, cognition and concentration include:

• GABA: An amino acid evidenced to improve performance on tasks that require significant concentration and attention under stress.
• Paraxanthine: A metabolite of caffeine that delivers clean, focused energy without the usual jittery side effects of caffeine.
• Eleuthero: An adaptogen that supports attention, memory, and learning while reducing the physical and psychological effects of stress.
• L-theanine: Shifts your brain into the right gear by promoting brainwaves associated with relaxed, calm alertness.
• Saffron: Some compounds in this exotic herb interact with the brain’s key feel-good chemicals, which supports a positive and focused mental state.

The thing that gives chicory root its gut-boosting powers is inulin. Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that is not digestible by humans. That may sound counterintuitive, but the fact that it sits in the digestive system but is not digested has several positive consequences:

• It serves as a feast for good gut bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. These helpful microbes ferment the inulin, producing beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate. SCFAs nourish the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and support overall digestive health.
• A healthy gut boasts a diverse microbiome. Chicory root, by favoring the growth of specific beneficial bacteria, helps increase overall bacterial diversity, strengthening the gut's resilience and function.
• Inulin acts as a bulking agent, adding volume to stool and promoting healthy bowel movements, which can help alleviate constipation and regularity issues, regulating and even boosting metabolism.

The impact of your digestive system goes far beyond your stomach, intestines and all the stuff below. The microbiome of your gut is comprised of billions of microorganisms that function in a similar way to the brain. Seriously – it’s even got its own nervous system (ENS). 

It’s not this simple – but think of every microorganism in your gut as a mirror of every neuron in your brain. Some of the ways your gut health influences cognition and mental health include:

• The microbiome is constantly sending signals via the vagus nerve, producing neurotransmitters similar to those in the brain, and even impacting brain development and function
• Conditions traditionally associated with the mind, like low mood and even cognitive decline have been linked to imbalances in the gut microbiome. Conversely, improving gut health through diet, prebiotics, or probiotics can positively impact mood and mental well-being.
• The phrase "gut feeling" reflects the subtle influence the gut can have on our decision-making. Research suggests the ENS may contribute to intuition and emotional responses, playing a role in how we make choices beyond just conscious reasoning.
• While connected to the central nervous system, the ENS has some degree of autonomy, regulating digestion, gut motility, and even some immune responses.

We can also consider diet adjustment in neurological disorders as evidence of the gut affecting brain and metabolic function. For instance, the medical keto diet is often used for treatment-resistant movement disorders.

From a 2018 review and case study on the clinical toxicology of caffeine in the Journal of Toxicology Reports, on negative side effects of caffeine:

“Some features can include hypokalemia, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, seizures, dysrhythmia and a constellation of symptoms, referred to as “caffeinism”, which is apparently indistinguishable from severe chronic anxiety.”

And the CDC and the FDA have a lot to say about caffeine and energy drinks, too: 

• Caffeine overdoses and emergency responder training (CDC)
• Energy drinks in schools (CDC)

Archive for high-concentration caffeine supplements (FDA)

First: the best time of day to work out is whenever you can fit it in. Period. You have 30 minutes on a lunch break and that’s it? Perfect. No time before 8pm can possibly work? No problem. But if you’re lucky enough to use time of day as a way to optimize your workouts, prevailing knowledge suggests:

• Morning exercise is best for fat loss. This is due to your morning hormonal profile, as well as the fact that you haven’t eaten, so your body gets right to using fat to burn calories. Downside is it takes longer to warm up.
• Afternoon exercise is best for power. The middle of the day is when you’re at your most alert and when your core temperature is highest. Downside is it’s hard to get a work out in in the middle of the day – we’re busy.
• Evening is best for endurance. People who exercise in the evening take longer to reach exhaustion, and muscle strength and flexibility is highest in the evening. Downside is evening workouts need to be low to moderate intensity, as high-intensity exercise at night can disrupt sleep.

The how of it all is complicated, but it’s also simple. Caffeine excites the nervous system; MTE does not. Caffeine promotes energy production by jamming I’M TIRED signals while pushing LET’S EFFING GO signals. It does this by hijacking the body’s natural stress response processes to keep it in a heightened state of alertness that lasts for 4-6 hours. 

When the caffeine’s gone, those mood-boosting, energy-promoting, zoned-in benefits are gone all at once, and all those fatigue signals come flooding in. This is the caffeine crash, and what defines the caffeine hamster wheel.

MTE is way different. We use nootropics and adaptogens to tap into your body’s natural energy reserves. Adaptogens promote stress resilience, while nootropics promote energy, mood, and focus. They work synergistically to:

1. Free up energy by fighting the effects of stress.
2. Boost focus by promoting the production of neurochemicals associated with calm clarity.
3. Gently modulate I’M TIRED and LET’S GO chemicals to provide smooth, sustained energy that doesn’t come with stress, jitters, or over-excitation.
4. Support balanced activity of neurotransmitters and hormones controlling mood, memory, learning, motivation, and attention.

The result? Feel-good energy that doesn’t rely on making your mind and body panic for no reason. This energy is a result of optimizing your body’s natural processes instead of violently interrupting them.

If you ask us, not that much. Many people are sensitive to the effects of caffeine and can get overstimulated even with one cup of coffee. So, how much caffeine is too much really depends on you.

Some things to consider:

• The FDA cites 400mg a day as the safe maximum for healthy adults. That is about 4 cups of coffee. 
• Depending on sensitivity and body composition, it may take anywhere from 30mg to 200mg for a person to be able to feel the effects of caffeine.
• The more caffeine you drink, the more you’ll need to feel its effects (tolerance). That also means that later, if you want to cut down or cut out caffeine, you may experience adverse effects (withdrawal).
• People with health conditions or on medications might be more sensitive to caffeine.
• People who are pregnant and/or nursing should limit caffeine intake (talk to your doctor).
• Chronic excessive caffeine use comes with negative physical and psychological effects.

Caffeine’s effects are largely due to its metabolites, which are basically just the decayed pieces of caffeine produced after it’s metabolized. Caffeine is almost purely digested in the liver, so it isn’t too difficult to figure out its products: paraxanthine, theobromine and theophylline.

Paraxanthine is caffeine’s largest metabolite at 82-84% (can range anywhere from 80-90%). It’s believed to be the metabolite that triggers lipolysis while blocking a neurochemical that signals to the brain I’M TIRED and encouraging signaling from a neurochemical that signals I’M AWAKE, resulting in an energy boost.

Theobromine accounts for ~12% of caffeine byproducts. It is a stimulant and mild diuretic, and it also dilates blood vessels, increasing oxygen intake throughout the body. In the brain, it blocks the breakdown of a chemical largely responsible for healthy cell signaling, boosting focus and cognition.

Theophylline is the least of the caffeine metabolites at ~4%. It’s often used as a medication for respiratory illnesses, as it’s known to relax and dilate the airways by increasing signaling of that same I’M TIRED chemical to relax and smooth the muscles of the airways.

For more on caffeine metabolomics, check out our in-depth article: Understanding Caffeine’s Metabolites & How Paraxanthine Works.

Paraxanthine works both alongside and independently of caffeine, and independently of its metabolite companions, theobromine and theophylline. As a compound that easily passes through the blood-brain barrier, some of its mechanisms of action include:

·       Blocks neurochemical signaling for fatigue

·       Stimulates the central nervous system (induces lipolysis)

·       Encourages nitric oxide signaling, which encourages production and activity of feel-good neurotransmitters associated with calm, attention, positive mood, wakefulness, and motivation

·       Stimulates increased transport of potassium and calcium unto musculoskeletal tissues.

Want to know more about how paraxanthine works? Get the details in our article: Understanding Caffeine’s Metabolites & How Paraxanthine Works.

Yes, MTE can support your body’s recovery and adaptation to time zone changes by promoting energy, reducing stress, and supporting better sleep.

You will be sent an email confirmation with a tracking number once your order has shipped.

Currently, we ship to all 50 states. International shipping coming soon.

You’ve got nothing to lose by ordering and/or subscribing to MTE, because we offer a money-back guarantee for 60 days.

For MTE to be properly experienced, you should take it daily for 30 days minimum. You can feel some of the benefits any time you take it, but the real systemic changes adaptogens, nootropics and superfoods can affect require a few weeks of regular consumption to come to fruition.

If you’ve been taking MTE consistently for weeks and it’s just not your vibe, reach out to us at mte@getmte.com. Not only do we want to give you a stress-free refund, but we also want to know about your experience so we can continue to tailor and improve our product!

With an MTE subscription, you can choose the shipping frequency that best suits you: every 15, 24, or 30 days. You can also change the delivery frequency at any time.

Not yet, but international shipping is coming soon. Stay tuned for updates.

We have a 60-day-money-back guarantee (we’re MTE after all, we wouldn’t want to ADD stress). If you are dissatisfied with your first purchase...first, are you mixing it with very cold water? Have you tried adding it to a smoothie?

Still not feeling it? Please reach out to us at mte@getmte.com. We’d love to hear more about your experience and our customer care team will be sure to get your refund sorted out.

Due to the nature of our product, we won't ask you to return it, so we encourage you to share it with a friend or colleague. Who knows, you may just make their day.

For subscriptions, you will receive an email notification a few days before your order is processed. Please be sure to make any updates at that time before your order is confirmed. Once your subscription order is processed and you get a confirmation email, it’s already in the works and we cannot provide refunds or exchanges. Cancelling your subscription at this point will apply to future orders, not the order that just processed.

Yes! We offer a 60-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with MTE for any reason. If you’re not feeling the benefits, try mixing MTE with very cold water or adding it to a smoothie. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

But if it’s still not for you, just email us at mte@getmte.com, and our customer care team will process your refund – without the need to send the product back.

If your MTE order arrives damaged, please contact our support team right away at mte@getmte.com. We’ll arrange for a replacement or refund to make sure you’re taken care of.

Use this link to log in and manage all your subscriptions: https://getmte.com/tools/recurring/get-subscription-access

Please note: all subscription requests such as address adjustment, and cancellations, must be made prior to the charge date. Once a charge has been processed, we are unable to cancel, return, or make changes to a shipment. If you are reaching out to hello@getmte.com to make changes to your order, please allow at least 1 full business day notice.

Well, first of all, there’s the whole 15% off thing: a subscription to MTE’s daily energy greens powder is a little over $2/serving.

Second of all, adaptogens, nootropics, and nutrition from superfoods take time to reach their maximum efficacy. Why? Because the bioactive plants in MTE work systemically to help your body get back into homeostasis. Consistent use supports the hormonal and neurochemical activity of your CNS, which is how our healthy caffeine alternative has much more to offer than a temporary energy boost.

Yes! Before each shipment, you’ll receive an email notification a few days ahead of time. You can use this reminder to change, pause, or cancel the order before it’s processed. Once the order is confirmed, it’s already in the works and can’t be refunded or changed. If you do it after confirmation, it will apply to future orders but won’t affect the current one.

You can cancel your subscription through your account settings or by emailing our customer support team at mte@getmte.com. Just make sure to cancel before the next processing date to avoid being charged for the upcoming order.