FAQs
Straight answers to common questions.
People have chewed natural resins and gums for thousands of years. From early tree resins to sugar-free gums recognised for oral health benefits, gum’s story reflects both tradition and innovation.
Health & Wellbeing
Is chewing gum good for oral hygiene?
Yes. Chewing sugar-free gum is widely recognised as beneficial to oral health. It stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralise plaque acids, supports enamel remineralisation, and can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 40%. Sugar-free gum is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but it can help protect teeth between brushes.
Can chewing gum be part of a balanced diet?
Yes. Sugar-free gum contains little or no calories and can provide sweetness and flavour variety without added sugar. It may also help reduce the urge to snack between meals.
Can chewing gum help with stress or focus?
Emerging research suggests that chewing gum may support focus, alertness, and emotional regulation, especially during high-pressure situations. While it is not a replacement for rest or mindfulness practices, many people report that chewing gum helps them stay centred and productive.
Quality & Safety
Is there a risk of choking when chewing gum?
As with many food products, parental supervision is recommended when gum is consumed by children. Young children may not have developed proper chewing habits, so it is generally advised that very young children do not consume chewing gum.
Is chewing gum safe to swallow?
Chewing gum is not intended to be swallowed, but if accidentally ingested, it generally passes through the digestive system without harm.
Does chewing gum contain microplastics?
Microplastics are not intentionally added to or used as ingredients in chewing gum. ICGA is aware of preliminary, method development studies that have explored ways to determine whether microplastic type particles may be released during chewing. To date, ICGA is not aware of any validated studies or methods for detecting or quantifying microplastic particles present in or released from chewing gum.
Is there research associating chewing gum with microplastics?
Preliminary studies have looked at whether chewing gum may release microplastic-type particles. One pilot study at the University of California, Los Angeles reported that both so-called natural and synthetic gum products released similar levels of particles. Another study conducted at Queen’s University Belfast also explored this question. However, these studies were small in scale and carried out using methods that have not been validated, which means the results cannot be considered conclusive. ICGA follows scientific developments closely and welcomes independent research that helps ensure discussions remain based on robust evidence. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), trace levels of microplastics are found across the entire food chain, including in most common food products, and in water and air. In that context, trace amounts may also be expected in chewing gum. Importantly, food safety authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have stated that “current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that levels of microplastics or nanoplastics detected in foods pose a risk to human health.” Similarly, the WHO has stated that “limited data provide little evidence that [nano- and microplastic particles] have adverse effects in humans.”
Does chewing gum contain plastic?
Chewing gum does not contain intentionally added plastic microbeads or industrial grade plastics (such as those used in ‘’bicycle tires’’ or ‘’wood glue’’). The comparison to plastics used in industrial products is misleading. All ingredients used in chewing gum must be food grade and are subject to safety standards and regulations that are not applicable to industrial products.
Ingredients & Composition
Does chewing gum contain allergens or animal-derived ingredients?
Chewing gum typically does not contain significant allergens. However, some varieties—especially pellet gums—may use animal-derived ingredients like gelatin. These are clearly labelled in accordance with local regulations. Consumers with specific dietary concerns should consult individual product labels or contact the manufacturer.
Are the flavours and colours in gum natural or synthetic?
Chewing gum may contain either natural or synthetic flavours and colours. All additives used in gum are food-grade and must meet safety standards set by relevant authorities.
What are sugar alcohols?
Sugar alcohols (polyols) are sweeteners that provide bulk and sweetness with fewer calories than sugar—typically about 2.4 calories per gram. They do not contribute to tooth decay and are considered suitable for people with diabetes when consumed in moderation. Some individuals may experience mild digestive effects if consumed in large quantities.
Does chewing gum contain alcohol?
Chewing gum does not contain the kind of alcohol found in wine, beer, or spirits. However, many sugar-free gums use sweeteners called sugar alcohols or polyols, such as xylitol or sorbitol. These are chemically different from ethyl alcohol, do not cause intoxication, and are approved for food use.
What is gum base?
Gum base is what gives chewing gum its chewable texture. It enables the gum to hold flavour and deliver functional benefits like oral care. Each gum manufacturer uses its own proprietary gum base formulation, which is not publicly disclosed. All components of gum base must comply with safety standards set by regulatory authorities such as EFSA and the FDA.
What is the difference between “natural” and “synthetic” chewing gum base ingredients?
Among the many gum base ingredients that have been reviewed and authorized around the world are natural plant extracts such as chicle, synthetic polymers, waxes of natural and synthetic origin, and softening ingredients that are derived from plants and then modified. While the gum base in some chewing gum products may contain ingredients of natural origin, these ingredients should not be presumed to provide advantages in terms of safety, sustainability, or degradability and are available only in limited quantities.
Why are chewing gum manufacturers using synthetic polymers when there are natural alternatives available?
While some brands are developing products with natural gum base ingredients, synthetic ingredients continue to offer benefits such as consistency, long-lasting flavor support and texture. The availability of natural polymers suitable for chewing gum production is very limited, and reformulating chewing gum is a complex process requiring extensive safety and performance testing. Whether a natural ingredient provides advantages in terms of sustainability, degradability, or any other property would need to be considered on a case-by-case basis and can by no means be presumed.
Why does chewing gum packaging list “gum base” as an ingredient?
Food labelling laws and regulations generally require that ingredients be declared using names that are commonly understood and recognized in the markets where the products are sold. “Gum base” is the widely accepted term that chewing gum manufacturers use in accordance with food labelling laws in the ingredient list for the component of chewing gum that provides its chewable texture. For this reason, it appears on chewing gum labels as the standard designation. Chewing gum base is not unique in this respect. Other categories of food ingredients, such as flavors and vegetable oils, are commonly identified in the ingredients lists on food labels by category names.
Usage & Common Questions
Can chewing gum stick to clothes or pavement?
Yes. Improperly disposed gum can stick to surfaces. That’s why ICGA and its members promote responsible disposal, public education, and research into less adhesive gum bases.
Why don’t chewing gum packages list an expiration date?
Chewing gum has a long shelf life due to its low moisture content and stable composition. While the flavour or texture may gradually diminish, it remains safe to chew well beyond typical food expiry timelines.
Can chewing gum cause false readings on breathalysers?
Some breathalyser results may be influenced by recent consumption of food or beverages, including chewing gum. For accurate testing, follow the guidance provided by the manufacturer of the breathalyser device.
Why is there a warning about laxative effects on some chewing gums?
Some sugar-free gums contain polyols (sugar alcohols) like sorbitol or xylitol, which may have a mild laxative effect when consumed in large amounts. This is a known effect and is communicated on product packaging where required by law.
Why is chewing gum talked about so much?
Chewing gum is part of everyday life, used by millions of people for many years. Because it is used across different age groups and cultures, it sometimes comes up in conversations about oral hygiene, habits, or food products generally.
Is information about chewing gum ingredients available to consumers?
Chewing gum ingredients and labels are governed by publicly available standards and regulations. Labelling laws and regulations applicable to all foods, including chewing gum, require that ingredients be listed in a clear and standardized way. “Gum base” is the recognized term for the component that provides gum’s chewable texture. At the same time, specific formulations of gum base are the result of many years of proprietary research and development and represent valuable industrial know-how. As with other food products, the precise composition is therefore safeguarded, while ensuring that consumers are provided the information they need to make informed purchase decisions.
What is ICGA doing about consumer concerns?
ICGA works to make sure information about chewing gum is clear, legally compliant, and based on science. We do this by:
a. Providing fact-based information to regulators, policymakers, and other authorities to help ensure that public discussions on chewing gum are grounded in science.
b. Following and welcoming independent, peer-reviewed research on topics such as food safety and microplastics, and sharing relevant findings with its members and stakeholders.
c. Engaging openly with authorities, scientists, and the public on matters relating to safety, sustainability, and transparency.
Environment & Responsibility
Who is responsible for preventing gum litter?
Everyone has a role to play: consumers must dispose of gum responsibly, local authorities manage public spaces, and industry supports education, innovation, and collaborative solutions. It’s a shared responsibility.
Is gum litter harmful to the environment?
Improperly disposed gum is primarily a visual litter issue — it sticks to pavements and surfaces. It does not pose a major environmental hazard in the way that plastics or hazardous waste might. Still, removing it is costly for cities, which is why prevention and education are key.
Can chewing gum biodegrade?
Traditional gum bases are not designed to biodegrade quickly. Research is underway to explore less adhesive or more degradable formulations, but these must still meet strict safety and consumer preference standards. In the meantime, responsible disposal remains the most effective solution.
What is the industry doing to reduce gum litter?
ICGA members co-fund awareness campaigns, collaborate with cities on litter reduction programmes, add disposal reminders on packs, and support school education initiatives. In some cases, these efforts have reduced gum litter by up to 70% in participating towns.
Why does chewing gum sometimes end up as litter?
Like many products, gum can cause litter if it is not disposed of properly. Most gum chewers throw their gum in the bin, but a small minority do not, which creates a visible problem in public spaces. This is why ICGA and its members support education campaigns and local partnerships to encourage responsible disposal.