{"id":64552,"date":"2026-03-09T10:53:51","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T17:53:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/?p=64552"},"modified":"2026-09-15T01:03:47","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T08:03:47","slug":"whats-in-your-chewing-gum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/blog\/whats-in-your-chewing-gum\/","title":{"rendered":"Are You Eating Plastic? What\u2019s Really in Your Chewing Gum"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

People have been chewing gum since prehistoric times \u2014 birch tar for Europeans, chicle for the Maya, spruce resin for Indigenous North Americans. But somewhere between ancient tree sap and your favorite minty stick, something changed. Today, most chewing gum is made from synthetic polymers \u2014 the same materials used in car tires and plastic bottles. And with every chew, you may be releasing thousands of microplastic particles into your mouth.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s time to peel back the wrapper and explore the world of chewing gum: the surprisingly unnatural ingredients, the actual health effects (both good and bad news here), and the sticky environmental footprint of our love of chewing. We\u2019ll also take a look at natural alternatives and see if there are \u201cgood gums\u201d out there whose benefits more than outweigh their downsides.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Brief History of Chewing Gum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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istock.com\/NetPix<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The headline that alerted me to the fact that gum chewing isn\u2019t a recent fad comes from the Smithsonian magazine<\/a>: \u201cAncient DNA Reveals That a Teenage Girl Chewed on This Wad of \u2018Gum\u2019 10,500 Years Ago.\u201d DNA preserved in the gum, which was tar from a birch tree, told the archeologists who discovered it in present-day Estonia that the chewer probably had brown hair and brown eyes. A similar find<\/a> in Denmark, dated 5,700 years ago, also preserved bits of the gum chewer\u2019s previous meal, including hazelnuts. Researchers surmise that people chewed the birch tar and other plant gums for breath freshening, dental cleaning, and other medicinal purposes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Mesoamerica, Indigenous peoples have traditionally chewed chicle<\/a>, a natural latex from the sapodilla tree, for similar reasons, including oral hygiene, thirst relief, hunger suppression, and taste. Indigenous peoples of North America have long favored spruce and other tree resins<\/a> for their satisfying taste, texture, and oral health benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The story of chewing gum’s commercialization<\/a> is part comedy, part tragedy. The story is too juicy and complicated to cover here in all its gory detail, but I have to share some highlights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

General Antonio L\u00f3pez de Santa Anna, ex-president of Mexico and the guy whose actions Texans remember when they \u201cRemember the Alamo,\u201d was living in obscure exile in Staten Island, New York, trying to figure out how to regain his fortune and influence. He saw the burgeoning automobile industry and thought that the chicle from the sapodilla tree in his native country could make tires that would rival those manufactured by Goodyear. (And in what was either great foresight or a very strange way to pack, he had brought a large amount of chicle with him into exile.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A local inventor, Thomas Adams, tried to turn the gum into suitable tire rubber, but got nowhere. Finally, he gave up and started selling flavored chicle gum to candy shops instead. Soon, the candy coating was added, the process was mechanized, and voil\u00e0 \u2014 Chiclets!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the first half of the 20th century, careless tapping<\/a> of Mexico\u2019s sapodilla trees left them vulnerable to insects, bacteria, and fungi. This unsustainable extraction disrupted ecosystems and put the sapodilla forests on a path to extinction. So by the mid-20th century, gum manufacturers replaced chicle with synthetic polymers<\/a>, saving trees, lowering prices, and improving gum\u2019s quality and consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s in Most Chewing Gum Today?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Modern gum contains a mixture of synthetic and natural ingredients. The most-consumed (chewed?) brands typically use lab-created chemicals<\/a> like polyisobutylene and butyl rubber, which have structures and properties similar to plastics. Some niche gum manufacturers still use chicle and other natural resins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sweeteners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Originally, chewing gum was sweetened with refined sugar. While you can still find sugar-sweetened gum, it\u2019s clear that this is terrible for dental health. In most brands, sugar has been replaced<\/a> by artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame-K, and\/or sugar alcohols such as xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol. Xylitol<\/a> in particular may support dental health; it has an alkalizing effect and may help prevent cavities.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flavorings and Colors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These may be natural or artificial. Many gums use encapsulated flavors and timed-release sweeteners so they last longer<\/a> when you chew them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Softeners and Stabilizers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These additives make gum softer and more flexible, which improves mouthfeel. They can be natural or synthetic; for an overwhelmingly comprehensive list of these chemicals, check out the US Code of Federal Regulations\u2019 thrilling, edge-of-your-seat section<\/a> on allowable chewing gum ingredients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike foods, the disclosure of gum ingredients is often vague. This means it\u2019s hard to know what\u2019s in our gum, masking environmental costs, including microplastic content<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potential Health Benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite its questionable ingredients, chewing gum can provide a number of benefits to your health, focus, and mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oral Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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istock.com\/ipag<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Saliva is good for your teeth. It supports healthy<\/a> oral pH by buffering acids and \u201cclearing the palate\u201d of any plaque-promoting food particles. And the act of chewing gum can boost saliva flow by 10 times<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sugar-free gum flavored with xylitol, in particular, can help<\/a> reduce plaque and cavity-causing bacteria. It turns out that xylitol plays an active role by essentially starving harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans<\/em> that cannot digest it. This process makes plaque less sticky and helps your saliva keep minerals in your enamel, allowing your teeth to stay strong and repair themselves more effectively. This is why research often shows<\/a> that habitual gum chewing with a high concentration of xylitol provides long-term protection against tooth decay.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cognitive and Emotional Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The very act of chewing may deliver positive neurological effects. When you chew, your cerebral blood flow increases<\/strong>, which increases activity<\/a> in the prefrontal and limbic regions of your brain. These changes support your executive function<\/a>, which includes planning, focusing your attention, remembering instructions, and juggling multiple tasks successfully \u2014 basically, all the things that help you achieve long-term goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chewing may also support emotional regulation<\/a>, helping to reduce stress and improve mood, by affecting the hippocampus<\/a> and the circuits in the body and brain that manage stress. A 2009 study<\/a> found that chewing gum while doing stressful tasks led participants to self-report less anxiety and stress. And it wasn\u2019t \u201call in their heads.\u201d Levels of salivary cortisol, a biomarker of stress, also dropped. Plus, their performance on the tasks improved when they were chewing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was curious about what \u201cstressful tasks\u201d the participants were asked to perform, so I dove into the study design. The activities included mental math, memory challenges, visual tracking of a dot inside a series of concentric circles, and the \u201cStroop test\u201d (if you like, you can try it yourself<\/a>. It\u2019s kind of fun!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interestingly, the effect was most pronounced when participants chewed gum for 5 minutes before performing a stressful task, with the benefits lasting for around 15\u201320 minutes. Chewing gum during the tests didn\u2019t improve performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The takeaway from this study? Proactively chewing gum might be a simple and convenient way to fight stress, boost your mood, and keep your brain sharp<\/a> when life is about to throw its version of the Stroop test at you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appetite and Cravings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chewing gum might be a useful tool to combat overeating. A 2011 study<\/a> found that chewing gum following a meal reduced hunger and cravings for both sweet and salty snacks. It also led to about a 10% drop in the amount of snack food eaten later, compared to when no gum was chewed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 2025 meta-analysis<\/a> confirmed that chewing gum reduces hunger and cravings but doesn’t consistently lead to weight loss. Interestingly, researchers have explored whether gum chewing after bowel or cesarean surgery can support recovery by mimicking eating, with some studies<\/a> showing that patients who chewed gum recovered bowel function slightly faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potential Risks and Downsides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are some real benefits to chewing gum. But depending on the type of gum, there are also some real downsides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microplastic Consumption <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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istock.com\/MargJohnsonVA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Given that most modern chewing gum is made from petroleum and has a chemical structure similar to some plastics, it\u2019s reasonable to wonder if any of that plastic ends up in our bodies in the form of microplastics. This is especially concerning given evidence of a link between microplastic consumption and heart disease<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 2025 study<\/a> investigated exactly this. Researchers at UCLA tested 10 widely available gum brands. Five with conventional synthetic bases, and five marketed as “natural.\u201d They found that every brand released microplastics into saliva. On average, about 100 microplastic particles were released per gram of gum, with some pieces releasing up to 600. Given that a typical stick of gum weighs 2\u20136 grams, a single piece could release thousands of microplastic particles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding that surprised researchers most was that natural and synthetic gums released similar amounts of microplastics, including polyolefins and polyethylene terephthalates. About 94% were released in the first 8 minutes of chewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since natural gum bases are derived from plants rather than petroleum, the researchers suspect that microplastics entered the system through manufacturing or packaging rather than through the gum base itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This seems like a good reason to choose plastic-free gums and to make sure they are delivered in plastic-free packaging. Whether 100% plastic-free gums actually perform better remains untested, but the reasoning is sound \u2014 and opting for one seems like a smart choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Added Sugars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While chewing stimulates saliva, which, as we\u2019ve seen, can help neutralize acids that feed cavity-causing bacteria, gum containing sugar undermines<\/a> all that good work. Sugar-sweetened gum bathes your teeth in free sugars, providing a sumptuous buffet for the plaque-forming bacteria that produce the acids that damage your teeth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the World Health Organization<\/a>, sugars are the primary dietary factor in dental caries, and if you want to lower your risk of cavities, eating less added sugar, or none at all, is the way to go.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artificial Sweeteners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As the harms of sugar-sweetened gum became widely known, gum manufacturers began formulating sugar-free varieties. Some use artificial sweeteners like aspartame or saccharin, and others rely on what are called sugar alcohols (which don\u2019t actually contain sugar and have no absorbed calories). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artificial sweeteners are approved by the FDA for use in foods. Some have been designated as \u201cGenerally Recognized As Safe<\/a>\u201d (GRAS), while others \u2014 like saccharin \u2014 are considered safe by the FDA but are regulated under a different approval process rather than the formal GRAS designation. The GRAS label itself sets a relatively low bar, often meaning long-term, independent research is limited or non-existent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Carl Sagan famously noted, \u201cAbsence of evidence is not evidence of absence.\u201d Contrary to the GRAS label, there are indications<\/a> that artificial sweeteners may have harmful effects on metabolism and the composition of the gut microbiome. Aspartame<\/a> may also increase cancer risk. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sugar alcohols<\/a> tend to have a better track record in terms of health effects, but can still cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea if consumed in excess. This may not be a big deal when it comes to chewing gum, since each piece typically contains a tiny quantity of sugar alcohols. But like with anything, it\u2019s possible to go overboard; frequent or high intake of sugar-alcohol-sweetened gum throughout the day can add up and could trigger gastrointestinal symptoms<\/a> in some people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excessive Chewing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some people, particularly those with certain jaw alignments or pre-existing TMJ issues, may develop<\/a> jaw pain or headaches from prolonged, vigorous chewing. For most people, occasional gum chewing poses no jaw risks, but if you notice discomfort, you should probably take a break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Environmental Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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istock.com\/Siarhei Khaletski<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Each piece of gum may not seem like a huge contributor to pollution (unless it gets stuck to the bottom of your shoe!), but these things add up. As we\u2019ve seen, synthetic gum bases release microplastics<\/a> into saliva as you chew. And these microplastics persist<\/a> in the environment for decades, concentrating as they enter the water supply and move up the food chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And speaking of the bottom of your shoe, gum constitutes a big source of urban litter. Researchers estimate that 80\u201390% of gum gets littered rather than disposed of in a waste receptacle.<\/strong> Worldwide, that\u2019s more than 100,000 tons of chewing gum waiting to hitch a ride on the soles of your shoes. And polymer-based gum residue that gets stuck on sidewalks and roads eventually breaks down into microplastics, which find their way into soil and waterways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These microplastics don’t just disappear. They can easily enter ecosystems<\/a>, where confused wildlife might mistake them for food<\/a>, or they can stick to fur and feathers, blocking animals\u2019 digestive tracts and hindering their movement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healthier, Planet-Friendly Recommendations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choose sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol, containing minimal ingredients and avoiding synthetic plastic or rubber bases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some options to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milliways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Milliways makes plastic-free, xylitol-sweetened, vegan, and non-GMO plant-based gums that taste pretty good, at least in my opinion. In fact, I\u2019ve been chewing their Mighty Mint flavor while writing this article! Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simply Gum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Simply Gum is made with a few simple ingredients, so it’s a good choice if you\u2019re avoiding many additives. Both sugar-sweetened and xylitol options are available. It has a sticky texture and fairly mild flavor. Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

True Gum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

True Gum, from Europe-based True Co., provides gum that\u2019s sweetened using stevia and\/or xylitol, and has a range of \u201cmodern\u201d flavors that you won\u2019t find everywhere else: raspberry\/vanilla, ginger\/turmeric, and liquorice\/eucalyptus, for example. Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If You Choose to Chew<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you choose to chew, here’s how to do it more safely: Prioritize sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol, which supports dental health rather than undermining it. Look for brands with transparent ingredient lists that clearly disclose what’s in the gum base \u2014 words like “chicle” or specific plant resins are good signs, as are \u201cplastic-free.\u201d Vague terms like “gum base” often hide synthetic polymers. Natural bases made from tree resins are preferable when available, though they may cost more and have a different texture than conventional gum. Chew in moderation rather than making it an all-day habit; the benefits come from occasional use, not constant chewing. And when you’re done, always wrap your gum and dispose of it in a trash bin \u2014 never spit it on sidewalks, where it becomes persistent litter that fragments into microplastics and harms the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Alternatives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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istock.com\/Liudmila Chernetska<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can also look for alternatives that help clean your palate and stimulate salivary activity, such as plant-based, whole food breath fresheners like fennel seeds, parsley, and cardamom. And if you want the benefits of xylitol and the saliva it can generate, consider sugar-free mints. Some brands, like Mia Botanica<\/a>, use just xylitol and peppermint oil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chewing gum is not a food or a health product, but it can provide some functional benefits, such as mouth cleaning, a bit of appetite control, improved focus and mood, and support for overall dental health. For a plastic-free, eco-conscious lifestyle, choose brands with transparent ingredient lists and biodegradable bases sweetened with xylitol. Chew in moderation, dispose of gum responsibly (even plastic-free varieties can take a long time to biodegrade), and take care of your mouth and teeth through regular dental hygiene. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Featured image: istock.com\/JenD<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell us in the comments:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n