Maya Ellison
Bubble gum is a hot commodity for many, but what is it made of? The short answer is yes, there is plastic in bubble gum. An ingredient listed as gum base in many formulas is plastic, and it is what gives the gum its chewiness. This plastic is often mixed with chemicals, sweeteners, and softeners to mask the plasticky taste. While gum won't remain in your stomach for seven years as some believe, it is non-digestible and will pass through your system unchanged. With growing awareness of plastic's environmental impact, some companies offer natural, plastic-free gum alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in bubble gum | Yes |
| Plastic ingredients | Polyethylene, Polyvinyl acetate, Petroleum, Talc, Latex |
| Percentage of plastic in gum | 25-30% |
| Plastic-free gum alternatives | Honest Gum, Simply Gum, True Gum, Swell Gum, Glee Gum, The Humble Co. |
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What You'll Learn
Bubble gum is made of plastic
The plastic in bubble gum is part of the ingredient called the "gum base", which gives the gum its chewiness. The gum base typically makes up 25-30% of the gum and is a mix of plastic and different chemicals. An example of plastic in chewing gum is "polyethylene", which is also used to make plastic bags and bottles. Other types of plastics used in bubble gum include polyvinyl acetate and latex.
Before World War II, chewing gums used natural latex derived from sapodilla trees. However, since then, synthetic elastomers have been preferred to cut down on costs. Synthetic rubber, such as polyvinyl acetate, replaced the natural chicle sap in conventional gum. Manufacturers added sweeteners, flavourings, and softeners to mask the chemical, plasticky taste of the new synthetic gum base.
The presence of plastic in bubble gum has raised concerns about its environmental impact, as gum litter on the streets can break down into microplastics that end up in the ocean. Additionally, there are health concerns about the potential toxins in plastic gum and the indestructible property of gum in the human body. While it won't last for seven years in your stomach, it won't be digested or broken down by stomach acids.
However, it's important to note that not all chewing gums contain plastic. Some companies offer natural and eco-friendly alternatives, such as True Gum, Swell Gum, Honest Gum, Simply Gum, and Glee Gum. These gums are made with natural ingredients like chicle, a tree sap that was once the Aztec chewing gum of choice.
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Plastic in bubble gum is harmful to health
Chewing gum typically contains plastic, synthetic rubber, and other chemicals. The plastic in gum gives it its sticky, elastic texture, allowing people to chew for hours. However, the presence of plastic in gum raises concerns about its potential harm to human health. While swallowing gum is not likely to cause it to remain in the digestive system for years, as some rumours suggest, it is still important to understand the implications of ingesting plastic through gum.
Firstly, the plastic in gum is not digestible by the human body. Our stomach acids are no match for the plastic, and if swallowed, the gum will pass through the digestive system undigested, exiting the body in the same form it entered. This fact underscores that gum is not truly a food product and reinforces the common advice to refrain from swallowing gum.
Secondly, the plastic in gum can contribute to environmental pollution. When gum is improperly disposed of, it can end up on pavements, in the ocean, or in other natural environments. The plastic in gum does not break down over time, leading to the accumulation of microplastics in the environment. This pollution can have indirect adverse effects on human health, as microplastics can contaminate water sources, soil, and the food chain.
Additionally, some of the chemicals used in gum production have raised health concerns. For example, polyvinyl acetate, a common synthetic rubber in gum, is manufactured using vinyl acetate, which has been linked to tumour growth in lab rats. Other chemicals found in gum, such as petroleum and polyethylene, are also concerning. While research specifically on the health impacts of chewing gum is limited, the presence of these chemicals warrants further investigation and caution.
In conclusion, while the direct health effects of chewing and swallowing plastic-containing gum may not be as dramatic as some rumours suggest, it is important to recognize that ingesting plastic is not ideal for human health. The potential for indirect health impacts through environmental pollution and the presence of concerning chemicals in gum formulations should encourage consumers to seek natural, plastic-free alternatives.
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Plastic in bubble gum is harmful to the environment
Chewing gum contains plastic, which is harmful to the environment. The plastic in gum is typically found in the "gum base", which makes up 25-30% of the gum and gives it its chewiness. This plastic, such as polyethylene, is the same type used in plastic bags and bottles and does not break down in the environment. As a result, discarded gum contributes to plastic pollution, littering streets and releasing microplastics into drains and oceans.
While swallowed gum does not remain in the human body for years as commonly believed, it also cannot be digested or degraded naturally in our digestive systems. This means that swallowed gum will pass through the body unchanged, contributing to plastic waste in landfills or elsewhere in the environment.
The presence of plastic in gum has raised concerns among consumers, with some seeking plastic-free alternatives. Natural gum alternatives, such as those made from chicle (a tree sap), are available and do not contain plastic or synthetic rubber. These natural gums degrade more easily in the environment and offer a more sustainable option for consumers.
Additionally, the process of manufacturing certain types of plastic used in gum, such as polyvinyl acetate, has been associated with the use of chemicals like vinyl acetate, which has been linked to negative health impacts in lab tests. This further underscores the potential risks associated with plastic in gum, both for consumers and the environment.
Overall, the plastic content in bubble gum contributes to environmental harm by adding to plastic pollution and persisting in the environment without degradation. Consumers seeking more eco-friendly options can opt for plastic-free gum alternatives, reducing their contribution to this form of environmental damage.
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Alternatives to plastic-based bubble gums
Most chewing gums, including those sold at convenience stores and supermarkets, are made using plastic. They contain plasticizers and polymers like latex and polyvinyl acetate, which give the gum its sticky elastic texture. The good news is that there are some plastic-free gums on the market. Here are some alternatives to plastic-based bubble gums:
True Gum
True Gum is a Danish-produced plastic-free gum made with sap from gum trees, all-natural flavours, and plant-based xylitol sweeteners. It is suitable for vegans as it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Instead of using a traditional plastic-filled gum base, True Gum uses chicle, a natural ingredient derived from the sap of the Sapodilla tree. True Gum is also palm oil-free.
Milliways Bubblemint Super Natural Gum
Milliways offers a plastic-free, sugar-free, plant-based chewing gum with a blend of high-quality natural fruits and mint flavours. Their gum base is made from plants, and their packaging is entirely plastic-free. Milliways gum is also allergen-free, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, nut-free, and keto-friendly.
Honest Gum and Simply Gum
Honest Gum and Simply Gum are two other brands that offer plastic-free chewing gum options. Honest Gum uses chicle, the traditional gum-making ingredient, while Simply Gum is also all-natural.
Swell Gum
Swell Gum is a Sydney-based company that offers a natural and healthy alternative to plastic-based chewing gums. The company was founded by Alec Longair and his partner Nicki, who were inspired to create a natural alternative to commercial chewing gums during a trip to Guatemala.
By choosing these plastic-free alternatives, consumers can contribute to a mindset that is conscious of the environmental impact of plastic and actively seeks to reduce plastic waste.
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Plastic in bubble gum is a recent phenomenon
Plastic in bubble gum is indeed a recent phenomenon. Until the 1940s, gum was made from a natural rubber tree sap called Chicle, mixed with flavours and sugars. However, after World War II, chemists figured out how to make synthetic rubber, and natural Chicle rubber was replaced. This new rubber, called polyvinyl acetate, is a type of plastic.
The sticky elastic texture of modern gum comes from plasticizers and polymers like latex and polyvinyl acetate, which are types of plastic. These plastics give gum its signature "chew". The gum base, which typically makes up 25-30% of the gum, is a mix of plastic and different chemicals. An example of plastic in chewing gum is "Polyethylene", which is also used to make plastic bags and bottles.
The presence of plastic in gum has raised concerns about its environmental impact, as gum litter on the streets can break down into microplastics, ending up in the ocean. Additionally, the potential health risks associated with chewing on plastic are being scrutinized, especially with the revelation that polyvinyl acetate is manufactured using a chemical that has been linked to tumors in lab rats.
Fortunately, there is a growing awareness of the issue, and several companies now offer plastic-free, environmentally friendly alternatives. These include brands like Honest Gum, Simply Gum, The Humble Co., Glee Gum, and True Gum, which use natural Chicle gum base derived from tree sap.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is plastic in bubble gum.
The type of plastic used in bubble gum is often "polyethylene", the same plastic used in plastic bags and bottles. Another plastic used in bubble gum is "polyvinyl acetate", which is manufactured using a chemical called vinyl acetate, shown to cause tumors in lab rats.
The plastic component of bubble gum, often listed as "gum base", typically makes up 25-30% of the gum.
Yes, there are several plastic-free alternatives to bubble gum, including Simply Gum, The Humble Co., Honest Gum, Glee Gum, and Swell Gum.
Plastic is used in bubble gum to give it its "chew". Plastic provides the gum with its sticky elastic texture, allowing it to be chewed for extended periods without breaking down.
