Could paraxanthine replace caffeine? What we know about the new stimulant appearing in coffee and energy drinks

Berit Kessler/Shutterstock

Paraxanthine, a compound the body naturally produces when it breaks down caffeine, is starting to appear in energy drinks and even some coffee products as a potential caffeine alternative.

Brands claim that using this compound directly can provide a steadier form of alertness, promising “focused, clean energy” and no jitters or crash.

A small number of beverage and supplement companies are now exploring paraxanthine as an alternative stimulant. Some coffee...