What is chewing gum made from?
Chewing gum is made from a rubbery material called polyisobutylene, which forms the gum’s base. It’s a synthetic version of what chewing gum was historically made from — the sap of the Sapodilla tree. The polyisobutylene is mixed with food-grade sweeteners, plasticisers and softener so that it has the distinctive chewy texture.
Is chewing gum vegan?
It depends on whether the brand adds animal-derived ingredients for either colour of texture. Some brands use gelatin to change the texture of the gum, as well as other products unsuitable for vegans such as carmine for colouring (derived from insects) and Lecithin which acts as a softening agent. These are things to look out for when looking for vegan gum.
Which brands are vegan and where can I find them?
Those who are on a plant-based diet can still find gum suitable for them. Childhood favourite Hubba Bubba is vegan, as are the two major gum brands Extra and Orbit. Wrigley’s is also vegan, so there are absolutely vegan gum options whenever you pick up a pack from major supermarkets or newsagents.
