The Smarter Caffeine Choice: Why We Use Half Caffeine in Minus Instant Oat Milk Latte

Finding the Sweet Spot with Caffeine

Caffeine is a powerful tool when used correctly. It can boost energy and sharpen focus, but too much of it can lead to jitters, crashes, and sleep disturbances (1). Instead of going to extremes, either fully caffeinated or completely caffeine-free, we landed on a middle ground: 50mg of caffeine per serving. That’s about half the amount in a typical cup of coffee, offering just enough of a noticeable boost without the downsides of a stronger jolt (2).

Why Not Just Cut Caffeine Completely?

For most people, completely quitting caffeine isn’t necessary (3). A small amount, like the 50mg in Minus, can still offer cognitive benefits like sharper focus and alertness without overloading the system (2). Research suggests that moderate caffeine intake (20mg–200mg) can improve mood, energy, and sociability, while excessive amounts (over 400mg per day) may cause side effects like increased heart rate, anxiety, and sleep issues (1,4).

If you've ever felt overly wired, restless, or had trouble sleeping after drinking coffee, Minus is designed to let you enjoy the boost without the side effects.

A Smoother Boost with Half Caffeine

Many people experience a caffeine crash, but it's not just because the caffeine is leaving their system. Caffeine blocks adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation. When caffeine wears off, adenosine floods back in, leading to fatigue, sluggishness, and difficulty concentrating (5).

That’s why we didn’t stop at just lowering the caffeine content, we also included L-theanine and protein to create a smoother, more sustained energy boost.

• L-theanine, an amino acid, helps slow caffeine absorption, reducing jitters and promoting calm, focused energy (6,7).
• Pea protein helps prevent sudden blood sugar dips, which can make caffeine crashes feel worse, and keeps your energy more stable throughout the day (8).

A caffeine crash can also be a sign of withdrawal, especially for those used to consuming high amounts daily. Cutting back too quickly can lead to headaches, irritability, and fatigue (1,9). Instead of quitting cold turkey, a gradual reduction in caffeine intake can help prevent these symptoms.

By pairing half caffeine with L-theanine and pea protein, Minus provides the perfect middle ground: just enough caffeine for a boost—without the crash.

Why We Made Minus with Half Caffeine

At Minus, we’re all about balance—giving you the energy boost you want while avoiding the unwanted side effects of too much caffeine. Our Instant Oat Milk Latte is designed to be a smooth, steady source of energy, thanks to our carefully chosen blend of half caffeine, L-theanine, and protein.

By choosing 50mg of caffeine per serving, we’re making it easier to:

• Enjoy the benefits of caffeine without overloading your system
• Reduce dependence on multiple cups of coffee
• Maintain steady focus and energy without the jitters or crashes

Paired with L-theanine, it prevents the afternoon crash and gives you sustained energy.

Whether you're cutting back on caffeine, looking for a better midday boost, or just want a gentler way to enjoy your morning latte, Minus is here to help you feel your best—without compromise.

How much caffeine is right for you? Let us know in the comments!

Curious to try Minus? Try it today!

Citations

1. Sajadi-Ernazarova, K. R., Anderson, J., Dhakal, A., & Hamilton, R. J. (2023). Caffeine Withdrawal. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

2. McLellan, T. M., Caldwell, J. A., & Lieberman, H. R. (2016). A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 71, 294–312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.001 

3. Wikoff, D., Welsh, B. T., Henderson, R., Brorby, G. P., Britt, J., Myers, E., Goldberger, J., Lieberman, H. R., O’Brien, C., Peck, J., Tenenbein, M., Weaver, C., Harvey, S., Urban, J., & Doepker, C. (2017). Systematic review of the potential adverse effects of caffeine consumption in healthy adults, pregnant women, adolescents, and children. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 109, 585–648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.04.002

4. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, March 19). Caffeine: How much is too much?. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678#:~:text=Headache,length%20of%20time%20you%20sleep. 

5. Ribeiro, J. A., & Sebastião, A. M. (2010). Caffeine and adenosine. Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD, 20 Suppl 1, S3–S15. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-2010-1379

6. Addicott, M. A., Yang, L. L., Peiffer, A. M., Burnett, L. R., Burdette, J. H., Chen, M. Y., Hayasaka, S., Kraft, R. A., Maldjian, J. A., & Laurienti, P. J. (2009). The effect of daily caffeine use on cerebral blood flow: How much caffeine can we tolerate?. Human brain mapping, 30(10), 3102–3114. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.20732

7. Haskell, C. F., Kennedy, D. O., Milne, A. L., Wesnes, K. A., & Scholey, A. B. (2008). The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood. Biological psychology, 77(2), 113–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2007.09.008

8. Paddon-Jones, D., Westman, E., Mattes, R. D., Wolfe, R. R., Astrup, A., & Westerterp-Plantenga, M. (2008). Protein, weight management, and satiety. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 87(5), 1558S–1561S. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/87.5.1558S

9. Juliano, L. M., & Griffiths, R. R. (2004). A critical review of caffeine withdrawal: empirical validation of symptoms and signs, incidence, severity, and associated features. Psychopharmacology, 176(1), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-004-2000-x