What do Chewing Gums Contain and What should you Avoid?

Chewing gum has a long and interesting history. People of all ages around the world enjoy chewing gum to pass the time, freshen their breath, or simply for the taste. It is generally believed that chewing gum has no negative effects on health. However, this is not entirely true. If you pay attention to a few things, you can enjoy chewing gum without side effects and take full advantage of its potential. Nowadays, it is important to know what your favorite chewing gum contains. In this article, we will focus on the gum base, some common chewing gum ingredients, and explain why it is important to know what you are chewing. We will also highlight key ingredients that you should avoid when buying chewing gum.

Common Ingredients in Chewing Gum

The composition of chewing gum varies greatly today, but it usually contains a gum base, sweeteners, flavorings, softeners, preservatives, and colorings.

1. Gum Base (rubber base)

The gum base (chewing gum base/chewing gum/rubber base, etc.) gives the gum its chewable consistency. It is usually a mixture of elastomers, resins, fats, emulsifiers, and waxes. These ingredients provide a structure that allows the gum to be chewed. In addition, it works for a long time without breaking down. There are three types of chewing gum bases:

a gum base with plastic materials (most commonly used in chewing gum—commonly available chewing gum contains this),
a plastic-free version—i.e., a gum base without plastic materials (for example, Xylichew chewing gum), and
a natural gum base (natural chewing gum—Gud Gum and The Humble Co.).

The choice of which gum to chew is always up to you. However, it is useful to have information about what different types of gum may be made of. Different gums—whether with a conventional gum base, alternative synthetic blends, or a natural gum base—may release certain components when chewed. It has long been believed that chewing gum with plastic or synthetic polymers is completely inert (unchanging). However, some newer findings, such as a pilot study from 11/2025 [0], suggest that certain components of the gum base may be mobile during chewing or may be partially released. What this may mean for human health will likely require further research.

It is therefore advisable to be informed and read the ingredients on the packaging of your favorite chewing gum. If the ingredients list includes the general term “gum base,” this usually means a mixture of several substances, which may include synthetic polymers (plastic materials). However, the specific composition may vary depending on the manufacturer.

2. Sweeteners

Today, people sweeten chewing gum with various sweeteners, including sugar, artificial sweeteners, and natural sweeteners. Sugar is used in the form of either sucrose or glucose. It provides sweetness but also contributes to dental issues like cavities. While, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, maltitol, mannitol, isomalt and sorbitol offer sweetness without the added calories. However, artificial sweeteners are often associated with oral health problems. Therefore, the best alternative is the use of natural sweeteners like xylitol and stevia.

3. Flavorings

Flavorings give chewing gum its distinct taste. These can be natural or artificial. Natural flavors are derived from sources like fruits, mint, or spices, while artificial flavors are synthesized in a lab to mimic natural flavors. Mint, fruit, and gum are some common flavor options [1].

4. Softeners

Softeners are added to chewing gum to enhance its texture and make it easier to chew. Some softeners used in chewing gum include Glycerol, vegetable oil, and lanolin. These ingredients are added because they prevent the gum from becoming too hard or brittle.

5. Preservatives

Preservatives are added to prolong the shelf life of chewing gum. It works by preventing the growth of mould and bacteria. Mostly, BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) are used in commonly available chewing gums. However, these substances have adverse health implications and therefore, should not be used in chewing gums. While buying chewing gums, you must read the ingredients list to check out the use of preservatives.

6. Coloring Agents

Coloring agents are used to give chewing gum its vibrant colors. These colors can be natural or artificial. While natural colorings come from plants, fruits, or vegetables, artificial colorings are artificially produced.

What to Avoid in Chewing Gum

High Sugar Content

Chewing gum with high sugar content can cause dental issues like cavities and tooth decay. This happens when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar from gum, they produce acids that erode tooth enamel. Opting for sugar-free gum or gums with natural sweeteners can help reduce this risk [2].

Why you need to use Chewing Gum without Aspartame

Some chewing gums use artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, sorbitol, maltitol, or mannitol. They provide sweetness without the calories. However, these sweeteners have been linked to controversial health effects. There are concerns about their impact on metabolism, and gut health. Choosing gums with natural sweeteners like stevia, erythritol or xylitol may be a safer alternative (These gums are often referred to as Aspartame Free Chewing Gum. But always take into account that they should contain especially these healthy alternatives exclusively, but not in a mix with other low-quality synthetic sweeteners such as the already mentioned sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, etc. and not even in small quantities).

It is often stated that these are xylitol chewing gums, but xylitol accounts for only 5 % of the chewing gum, and the rest is sweetened with cheap synthetic sweeteners that may not be beneficial to your health.

Synthetic Flavorings with Potential Allergens

Synthetic flavorings are often used in chewing gum without aspartame to create a variety of appealing tastes. While they range from fruity to minty in taste, these artificial flavorings may contain allergens or trigger sensitivities in some individuals.

Additives Linked to Health Risks

Certain additives commonly found in chewing gum have been linked to health risks. For instance, preservatives like BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) have raised concerns due to their possible association with health issues like cancer and hormonal disruptions. Similarly, some colorings used in gums may have adverse effects on health. Avoiding gums with these additives or choosing alternatives is the right strategy.

Potential Health Concerns

Plastic materials contained in the gum bases of commonly available chewing gum dissolve in the body when chewed, which can have an adverse effect on the entire digestive system. Read the packaging and decide whether to chew commonly available chewing gum or healthy alternatives that do not contain plastic materials.
Sugar in chewing gum can contribute to tooth decay and cavities. This happens because bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that erode tooth enamel [3].
Artificial sweeteners impact metabolism, and gut health, and even have carcinogenic properties.
Synthetic flavorings used in chewing gum may contain allergens that can trigger sensitivities or allergic reactions. Ingredients like artificial fruit flavors may contain compounds that mimic natural flavors but could also cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
BHT is used as a preservative in chewing gum to extend shelf life by preventing the growth of mold and bacteria. However, it has been linked to cancer and hormonal disruptions.
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in sugar-free chewing gum as a low-calorie alternative to sugar. As of 7/14/2023, Aspartame has been classified as a “potentially carcinogenic substance” (group 2B) by the World Health Organisation [4]. Regulatory agencies like the FDA have deemed aspartame safe for consumption within recommended limits, but concerns persist among some consumers regarding its possible long-term effects. Thus, it is advisable to use Chewing Gum without Aspartame.

Wrapping it Up!

If you know that there are chewing gums with plastic materials on the market, but also healthier alternatives, you can decide to avoid those that pose a potential risk to your body. It is good to read the ingredients on the packaging and decide according to your own preferences.

If you know what your aspartame-free gum contains, you can make better decisions about your life. Gum containing sugar should be avoided because it contributes to excessive calorie intake and causes dental problems. Gum with artificial sweeteners affects hormonal health, and preservatives also have a negative impact on health. Therefore, always check labels carefully and choose healthier gum (healthy gum alternatives). You can browse our collection of healthy chewing gums, which we hold to high quality standards!