Ethan Clarke
Chewing gum is a popular confectionery product enjoyed by many, but its plastic content has become a growing concern. While it may be surprising, most modern chewing gums contain plastic and synthetic rubber, with brands like Extra being called out specifically. The presence of plastic in gum has sparked environmental and health worries, as it is non-biodegradable and can release microplastics into the saliva when chewed. This has prompted some companies to develop natural, plastic-free alternatives, addressing consumer concerns about the potential impact of chewing plastic-based gum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in chewing gum | Yes, modern chewing gum contains compounds also found in plastic. |
| Plastic molecules in food | Chicle, which is used in "organic" and "natural" chewing gum, is made of plastic, along with sand, terpenes, and steroids. |
| Plastic in Extra chewing gum | Extra chewing gum was found to release an average of 100 microplastics per gram (g). |
| Plastic-free chewing gum alternatives | Swell Gum, Simply Gum, Peppersmith, Chicza, Glee Gum |
Explore related products
$10.99
$10.99
What You'll Learn
Chewing gum contains plastic
The "'gum base'" is what gives chewing gum its gummy texture. In the past, this was often made using natural ingredients such as chicle, a tree sap that was once the Aztec chewing gum of choice. However, since World War II, synthetic alternatives have been developed, including polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate (plastic and glue). These synthetic materials can also be found in plastic bags, shoe soles, and glue.
The presence of plastic in chewing gum has raised environmental concerns, as gum is not water-soluble and can be costly to remove from streets. There are also health concerns, as chewing gum has been found to release microplastics into the saliva, which are likely to be absorbed into the body when swallowed.
While natural alternatives to plastic-based gum exist, such as gum made from chicle or gum Arabic, they may not be as easily accessible or affordable as their synthetic counterparts. Nonetheless, the growing awareness of the presence of plastic in chewing gum and its potential health and environmental impacts may lead to a shift in consumer preferences and the development of more eco-friendly options.
Identifying Reusable Plastics: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Choices
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic micro-particles can enter your saliva
Chewing gum is made of synthetic rubber and plastic. The "gum base" is usually a trade secret, but it generally contains plastic, rubber, and waxes. Polyethylene, which is used in plastic bags and toys, and polyvinyl acetate, an ingredient in PVA glue, are two such examples. These synthetic materials are also found in plastic bags, shoe soles, and glue.
A study conducted by UCLA researchers found that chewing gum can release an average of 100 microplastics per gram (g). Given that gum is usually between 2 and 6 g, this means that a single piece of gum can shed hundreds of plastic particles. For instance, one piece of Extra brand gum weighs 2.5 g.
The study collected saliva samples from a volunteer who chewed seven pieces of gum from each brand for 4 minutes, producing samples every 30 seconds, followed by a final mouth rinse. In another experiment, the volunteer provided saliva samples over 20 minutes of chewing gum to determine the rate of microplastic release.
While the health effects of microplastic exposure are still unknown, ingestion of plastics is "probably not a good thing." The technology used in the study could only identify microplastics 20 micrometers wide or larger, so the microplastic counts are likely underestimates.
If you are concerned about ingesting plastic, there are plastic-free gum alternatives available, such as those made with chicle, a natural tree sap that was once the primary ingredient in commercial gum production.
Eliminating Odor from Stinky Plastic Toys
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Natural gum alternatives exist
One natural alternative is chicle, a natural latex made from the bark of the sapodilla tree, which was used in most commercial gum production until the 1960s. Brands like Marybelle's, Simply Gum, Glee Gum, and Peppersmith use chicle in their products, offering flavours like chocolate mint, bubble gum, cinnamon, pomegranate mint, and peppermint.
Other natural gum brands include Pur Gum, which is vegan, gluten-free, GMO corn syrup-free, and diabetic-friendly, and Spry, which is sweetened with xylitol to encourage a healthier rate of tooth remineralization. These brands offer similar flavours to traditional gum, such as wintergreen, spearmint, peppermint, and pomegranate mint.
For those seeking a completely natural option, sliced fresh ginger root is an excellent substitute. It is pure, paleo-friendly, and has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the stomach and reduce nausea.
Natural gum alternatives are available at stores like Natural Grocers, Whole Foods, and over 7,500 stores worldwide for Pur Gum.
Discmania vs Innova: Plastic Comparison
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic in gum is an environmental concern
The plastic in gum comes from its base, which is made from synthetic rubbers and plastics such as butadiene-styrene, petroleum wax, polyethylene, and polyvinyl acetate. These are the same materials used in plastic bags, shoe soles, and glue. The gum base is usually listed as a single ingredient, with manufacturers not disclosing the exact combination of products used or their quantities.
Chewing gum with a natural base, such as chicle (a kind of tree sap), was used for commercial gum production until the 1960s when companies switched to synthetic bases to cut down costs. Natural gum bases are plant-based polymers or bioplastics, while synthetic gum bases are made from petroleum-based polymers.
The indestructible property of gum comes from its base, which is non-digestible and water-insoluble, meaning it does not break down easily. This is a concern, as it contributes to the growing environmental problem of plastic pollution. In the UK, authorities spend an estimated £60 million annually removing gum from streets, and it is unclear where this waste goes.
In addition to environmental concerns, there are also health concerns regarding the ingestion of microplastics from chewing gum. A pilot study found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of tiny plastic particles into saliva, which are likely to be absorbed into the body when swallowed. While the health effects of microplastic exposure are still being studied, experts agree that ingestion of plastics is "probably not a good thing."
Screen Protectors: Plastic Covering or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic is used to make gum cheaper
Chewing gum is made of synthetic rubber, which is a type of plastic. Plastic is used in the production of chewing gum to cut down costs. Natural gum was used in most commercial gum production until the 1960s when companies shifted to using synthetic rubbers such as polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate. These plastics are also found in plastic bags, shoe soles, and glue.
The use of plastic in chewing gum has come under scrutiny due to its environmental impact and potential health risks. Chewing gum is non-digestible and water-insoluble, leading to challenges in removing it from streets, with UK authorities spending an estimated £60 million on gum removal each year.
Additionally, researchers have found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles into saliva, which are likely to be absorbed into the body when swallowed. While the health effects of microplastic exposure are still being studied, ingestion of plastics is "probably not a good thing".
Some companies have started offering natural and biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastic-based chewing gums, such as Swell Gum, which uses chicle, a natural tree sap, and xylitol, a natural sweetener. These plastic-free gum alternatives aim to contribute to a mindset that encourages consumers to question the ingredients in their food and seek plastic-free options.
The Ultimate Guide to Replacing Plastic Sink Drains
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Extra chewing gum contains plastic. In fact, most chewing gums contain plastic. The "gum base" in the ingredients list is usually made of synthetic rubbers and plastics such as butadiene-styrene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl acetate.
During World War II, the natural latex derived from sapodilla trees used in gum was in short supply, so synthetic replacements were researched. Synthetic gum bases are cheaper and easier to source than natural gum bases like chicle, a tree sap that was once the Aztec chewing gum of choice.
Yes, there are several plastic-free chewing gum brands available, such as Peppersmith, Chicza, Glee Gum, and Swell Gum.
