Chewing gum is handy on the go, at work or at home. However, products vary greatly in flavour, ingredients, packaging and quantity. A fresh-looking pack doesn't always tell you what you're actually buying. If you only pay attention to brand name or discounts, you could end up with a flavour that quickly disappoints, a tub with too many loose pieces, or a variety that doesn't suit your dietary or allergy requirements.
Sugar-free chewing gum typically contains sweeteners such as sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, sucralose, acesulfame-K or xylitol. So it doesn't mean the product is free from sweeteners. Always check the ingredients list if you're specifically looking for chewing gum without sugar or, conversely, for a product without certain sweeteners.
Many varieties also carry a warning that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. This applies, for example, to several Sportlife and Mentos products. So always follow the information on the packaging.
A chewing gum multipack or chewing gum in a tub can be handy for home, the office or for sharing. However, do compare the net weight, the number of pieces and the packaging. A 100g tub, for example, may contain a different number of pieces than a roll or portion pack.
Individually wrapped gum is easy to take with you, but creates more packaging waste. A resealable tub is practical for regular use, as long as you keep it properly sealed and stored in a dry place.
If you're looking for vegan chewing gum, it's a good idea to check both the product description and the ingredients. Not all chewing gum uses the same base or auxiliary ingredients. Gelatine, for example, is found in some soft, chewy sweets, such as Candyman Fresh Watermelon Soft Gum.
Similarly, chewing gum with xylitol isn't automatically based entirely on xylitol. In several Mentos products, xylitol is just one of several sweeteners. Also check for allergens such as soya and the statement "contains a source of phenylalanine" on products containing aspartame.
For a product without sugar, look at the nutritional information: the selected sugar-free varieties show 0g sugar per 100g. Then check the sweeteners used. Falim Mint Gum is described in the product information as sugar-free and sweetener-free, whereas Falim Mixed Fruit contains isomalt, sorbitol, mannitol, aspartame and acesulfame-K, among others.
If you particularly want to try xylitol, look at its position in the ingredients list. In Mentos Pure Fresh Black Mint, xylitol is listed as the first sweetener at 31%. This tells you something about the composition, but doesn't automatically indicate a specific effect.
For a classic mint gum, peppermint gum or fresh breath gum, mint, menthol and eucalyptus are common flavour profiles. Fruit lovers can choose fruit gum, such as strawberry, mixed fruit or watermelon.
The texture also varies. Falim Mint Gum is described as firm at first, becoming softer after a few chews. Candyman Fresh Watermelon, on the other hand, is a soft, sweet gum with sugar and beef gelatine. So don't just read the flavour name – also read the product description.
Also pay attention to storage instructions. Most products should be kept cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. Don't use a damaged pack.
Why this fits the profile: The XXL pack contains 100 individually wrapped pieces according to the product information. That's practical for sharing, storing and taking with you.
The quantity and individual wrapping are clearly stated. According to the product description, this variety contains no sugar and no sweeteners; always check the label on delivery.
Turkish mint-flavoured gum, 100 individually wrapped pieces and a firm texture that softens as you chew.
Why this fits the profile: The resealable tub is ideal for a desk, kitchen or on the go. The product description mentions a liquid centre and a sugar-free composition.
The count of 50 pieces and the net weight of 100g are specified. This makes it easier to compare the contents with rolls and multipacks.
Mint with a liquid centre, sugar-free according to the product information and suitable for vegans according to the product description. Contains soya.
Why this fits the profile: The tub contains 100 pieces and 150g according to the product information. That suits regular use at home or in the office.
The packaging makes the stock and quantity clear. The ingredients list mentions several sweeteners, including xylitol, sorbitol and maltitol.
150g content, 100 pieces and an intense mint profile according to the product description. This product is suitable for vegetarians and contains soya.
Why this fits the profile: This fruit gum combines strawberry flavour with a liquid centre. The roll contains 50 pieces according to the product information.
The flavour, content and sugar value are clearly described. The nutritional information states 0g sugar per 100g.
Strawberry flavour, liquid centre, 100g content and a sugar-free composition according to the product label. Contains soya and cochineal.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
Yes, these terms are generally used to mean the same thing: the product contains no sugar according to the nutritional information. However, it may contain various sweeteners. So always check the ingredients list and any warning about excessive consumption.
The best-before information is on the packaging. Store chewing gum in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal an opened tub properly. Do not use the product if the packaging is damaged or if the stated date has passed.
Choose a product where vegan suitability is explicitly stated and check the ingredients. Mentos Pure Fresh FreshMint, Mentos Pure Fresh Black Mint and several Mentos White varieties are described as vegan in the product description. This can vary by flavour and packaging.