We didn't set out to make a gum. We set out to understand cravings.

After a stressful finals week at UC Berkeley, we were sitting at our study table exhausted. Surrounded by candy wrappers, empty donut boxes, and sugary snacks we’d been reaching for all week. Looking at the mess, Sky Gastinel turned to Jonathan Lee and asked a simple question:

Why is sugar so addictive?

That question became CraveX.

Two founders. One shared frustration.

We’re Jonathan and Sky, co-founders of CraveX. We met our freshman year at UC Berkeley and bonded over organic chemistry study sessions, early morning gym workouts, and a shared drive to constantly improve ourselves through science and intentional habits.

Like many people, we knew too much sugar wasn’t good for us. But avoiding it felt nearly impossible. Sugar isn’t just food. It’s built into our routines, stress responses, and environment. When it’s everywhere, willpower alone isn’t enough.

The Insight.

At the time, Jonathan was studying physiology and remembered how sweetness directly influences reward pathways in the brain. At its essence, sugar works because it tastes good.

So we asked a different question:

What if you could temporarily block your sweet taste, just long enough to help you say no to that sweet treat?

And then CraveX was born.

What CraveX is

CraveX is a refreshing peppermint gum designed to help you regain control when sugar cravings hit.

It works by temporarily reducing sweet taste perception for up to two hours, helping sugar lose its influence when you need it most. CraveX is powered by Gymnema sylvestre, a plant long used in traditional medicine and often called the “anti-sweet” herb. Think of it like the "miracle berry" instead of making sour things sweet, it neutralizes sweet taste. We like to call it the "miracle herb."

Why it matters

Sugar isn’t the enemy. As a premed, Jonathan knows glucose is essential for normal biological function. But in today’s environment, chronic excess has become the norm.

Sky’s work in sleep and neuroscience research showed the same pattern: awareness alone doesn’t change behavior. People need practical tools that fit into real life.

Through diabetes research and healthcare work, Jonathan came to understand how personal this issue truly is, especially as it affects his family. And for countless people, existing solutions remain extreme, expensive, or unrealistic.

CraveX was our response to that gap.

More than a gum

Over the past year, we’ve shared CraveX with students, founders, parents, and anyone we could talk to. What we learned surprised us.

CraveX isn’t just a product.
It’s a pause.
A moment of control.
A first step.

This is a community built around progress, not perfection. Better choices, made easier.

Try CraveX. Change starts today.