Chewing Gum

A healthy snack?

Author

Benji
August 04, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Hey, it’s Benji 👋 

It’s the perfect pocket snack.

Small, sweet, and always handy.

But you don’t swallow it!

Can you guess what it is?

🥗

Starter

Sticky Waste

It might be one of the most mindless things we do as humans.

We see it in every shop, grab it at checkout, and pop it in our mouths without a second thought. 💭 

But behind this mindless habit lies a global sticky issue.

Chewing gum is the second biggest litter problem in the world. 🌎️ 

It coats 92% of Britain’s pavements, and removing it costs millions of dollars every year.

Still, you probably have a pack in your jacket, your car, or maybe even working your jaw as you read this. 👀 

And you're not alone - together we have helped chewing gum grow into a $49 billion industry.

But what exactly is chewing gum?

And is it a waste problem slowly coating our planet or a cheap performance enhancer hiding at every gas station?

Let's unwrap this sticky situation. 👇️ 

🥙

Main Course

The Truth About Gum

What is chewing gum?

Chewing gum is a candy designed to be chewed but not swallowed. 🍬 

It’s typically made by mixing a gum base with sweeteners and flavorings to create that chewy, flavorful bite.

What is it made of?

In the early days, gum was made from natural tree sap boiled into a thick, chewable material. 🌲 

Nowadays, chewing gum is made from

  • Synthetic rubber (referred to as gum base)

  • Resin for strength

  • Fillers for texture

  • Preservatives to extend shelf life

  • Softeners - (like wax) to prevent hardening

  • Sweeteners and flavorings - from sugar and corn syrup to sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners

Tasty? Yes! 😍 

Natural? Not really! 😢 

What does chewing gum do?

Chewing gum increases saliva (spit) production, which helps rinse away food particles and neutralizes acid in your mouth. 🦠 

This means fresher breath, healthier teeth, and a cleaner mouth overall. (Only if sugar-free!!!)

What’s the history?

Humans have been chewing gum for thousands of years.

Evidence shows that Northern Europeans were chewing birch bark tar 9,000 years ago.

The difference:

Back then, it came straight from nature. 🏞️ 

Now, it mostly comes from a machine. 🤖 

Why do people chew it?

Because it’s ridiculously convenient!

Chewing gum requires zero preparation, no cleanup, costs pennies per use, and can be done anywhere (except in Singapore).

We instinctively reach for it to freshen breath, improve focus, ease nerves, or just pass time. 😎 

Is chewing gum good for us?

It depends on what’s in it.

Most gums aren’t dangerous in small amounts, but

  • Sugary gum can lead to tooth decay

  • Sugar alcohols (like sorbitol) may cause bloating or digestive distress

  • Plastic-based gum base? Not ideal for long-term health

  • Chewing excessively can also strain your jaw

Wait - plastic in gum??

Yes, plastic is hidden under the term gum base, even if the label doesn’t say so.

Unfortunately, chewing gum brands don’t have to disclose that their gum base is made from plastic!

Some of the plastics that can be found in regular gum are

  • Butadiene-styrene rubber

  • Isobutylene-isoprene copolymer (butyl rubber) - used in tires 🚗 

  • Paraffin (via the Fischer-Tropsch process)

  • Petroleum wax

  • Petroleum wax synthetic

  • Polethylene - the main culprit in plastic bags 🛍️ 

  • Polvinyl acetate - used for brands such as Extra, Hubba Bubba, and Airwaves

Let’s be honest: that doesn’t sound super edible… 👀

But what about the benefits?

Chewing gum regularly but in moderation has been shown to

  • boost focus 🔍️ 

  • improve memory 🧠 

  • reduce stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms 😰 

  • increase alertness 👀

  • help lose weight ⚖️ 

  • increase your metabolic rate 🔋

  • prevent tooth decay (if sweetened with xylitol) 🦷 

  • stimulate saliva production 👄 

  • improve facial structure (jawline) over time 😊

👩‍🍳 Chef Tip: Choose sugar-free gums with xylitol - it actually fights cavity-causing bacteria.

Chew for 10 minutes after meals to help digestion and give your jaw a mini workout. 😉 

🍰

Dessert

The Good Gum Checklist

Let’s be honest:

Chewing gums are just too good to quit. 😉

Luckily, not all gums are full of plastic!

You can enjoy many gums without the guilt.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a better chew 👇

⛔️ Plastic-free

We’re already swallowing enough microplastics.

Let’s not chew on them too!

🍬 Sugar-free

Look for xylitol.

It helps prevent cavities and doesn’t spike your blood sugar.

🌱 Plant-based

Nature’s been making chewables for thousands of years.

Let’s stick with real ingredients.

♻️ Biodegradable

Gum shouldn’t outlive you.

And you shouldn’t have to feel guilty for spitting it out.

🔍 Transparent labels

Have you ever checked the label?

If the gum base is a mystery, that’s a red flag 🟥

Choose brands that are open about their ingredients.

🌿 Clean flavoring

Skip the fake stuff.

Choose gums with natural flavors and colors - like mint that comes from a plant.

My tip: Quality > quantity.

It’s worth spending a little extra on gum that supports your health and the planet.

Your jaw, teeth, and the earth will thank you. ❤️

🥜

Snacks

Dad Joke of the Week

What do you call a train that carries gum?

A chew-chew train!

A Deep Question

What’s one small thing you’ve overlooked lately that deserves your full attention?

A Friendly Reminder

❝

“Take it step by step”

Unknown

🎁

Takeaway  

You aren’t satisfied yet? 

Here are my Ingredients and Recommendations for you:

🎙️ Podcasts

📚️ Book

📺️ Videos

📑 Articles

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Thank you for being here 💝 

Looking forward to serving you next week.

Much love,

Benji

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