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About vegan gum

Types of Vegan Gum

Like traditional gums, the vegan varieties come in several types, each designed to serve specific purposes. They often use natural gelling agents instead of animal-derived gelatins or common gum bases.

  • Chewing Gum

    Vegan chewing gum is a popular type of gum that is chewed mainly for enjoyment and freshening breath. It usually contains natural sweeteners and flavorings and does not contain sugar, making it suitable for keeping teeth healthy. Chewers can find various flavors in vegan chewing gum, including mint, fruity, and bubble gum.

  • Medical or Therapeutic Gum

    Therapeutic gums are specially formulated chewing gums for medical purposes, including supplying nutrients or helping with ailments like motion sickness or nausea. These gums contain active ingredients like CBD, vitamins, ginger extracts, etc.

  • Gum for Oral Care

    Like all-natural vegan toothpaste on the market today, oral care gums help to promote dental health. These special gums usually have antibacterial properties or natural tooth-whitening compounds like xylitol, turmeric, and neem. However, one may consider that there are better ways to go about it than relying solely on chewing these gums when looking after one’s dental health.

  • Bubble Gum

    Vegan bubble gum is made without animal-derived gelatin or chicle, the traditional base for bubble gums. Even though it is free from any animal products, it contains some synthetic ingredients, such as artificial colors or flavors and butyl rubber, which many vegan varieties possess. These vegan bubble gums come in different flavors.

  • Fun-Fctional Gums

    Functional chewing gums combine the pleasure of chewing with benefits like increasing focus, energy, or calming effects. These gums are made from natural ingredients, including caffeine, L-theanine, and ginseng for alertness, or lemon balm and CBD for relaxation. One may find these types of gums particularly appealing to people leading busy lifestyles or those who require a pick-me-up.

  • Specialty Gum

    Specialty gums include those suited for people with dietary restrictions, such as gums made without gluten, GMOs, or artificial colors. Specialty gums also include gums for children and gums for people who are allergic to certain ingredients commonly used in gums. There are even gums designed for expectant mothers containing safe and beneficial ingredients, e.g., folic acid.

Ingredients Used to Make Vegan Gum

While there are bubble gums with chemicals, even those made with natural ingredients have compounds that can cause cancer. These gums have an element called butyl rubber, and the main reason they contain these chemicals is to enhance their chewy consistency.

Chewing vegan gum is without chemicals that can cause serious health effects, including the sustainability aspect of its ingredients. Although certain ingredients are used to produce various types of vegan gums, the following are some of the commonly used ingredients:

  • Gum Base

    The base of vegan chewing gum is the main ingredient that gives the gum its chewy texture. Unlike regular chewing gum, which often contains chicle or gelatin, vegan gum base is usually made from a blend of natural resins, cellulose, and vegetable gums like guar gum or acacia gum. This plant-based gum base is free from all animal byproducts and is even suitable for people with gluten allergies because it does not contain gluten.

  • Sweeteners

    Plant-derived sweeteners like stevia, cane sugar, agave, and sugar alcohols such as xylitol or erythritol are commonly used in vegan chewing gums. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. Chewing gums sweetened with stevia will taste sweet without sugar's calories or adverse effects on dental health. Xylitol is derived from birch trees or other fruits and is known for its dental benefits, as it helps prevent tooth decay.

  • Flavorings

    Natural flavorings such as essential oils, fruit extracts, and spices are used to give vegan gums their taste. Peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, and citrus essential oils are common flavorings for fresh, long-lasting, aromatic, and refreshing flavors. Vanilla extract, cocoa, or caramel may be added to the gum base for a sweeter, dessert-like flavor.

  • Coloring Agents

    Chewing vegan gums come with several kinds of coloring agents to produce the appealing colors usually associated with certain types of bulge gums. For instance, red gums will tend to have colored agents that have been derived from beetroot, blue ones from spirulina, and yellow ones from turmeric. These coloring agents are natural and do not contain animal products or any of the chemicals that are harmful to humans.

  • Preservatives and Stabilizers

    Vegan chewing gums use stabilizers like glycerin and vegetable oils to ensure the gum maintains its texture and flavor over time. These ingredients help prevent the gum from becoming too hard or losing its chewiness. Preservatives like potassium sorbate may be added in small amounts to extend the shelf life of the gum and keep it fresh for longer.

Sustainability of Ingredients Used to Make Vegan Gum

One such benefit for vegan gum is that it is often more sustainable than its non-vegan counterparts. Ingredients used to manufacture this gum are derived from plants, and although some of them may have an adverse effect on the ecosystem, the overall impact is less than that of animal-derived ingredients.

  • Plant-Based Gum Base

    While the plant resins and gums used in the vegan gum base require harvesting, the overall environmental impact is much lower than that associated with animal-derived gelatin or chicle. Many of these plants are renewable and can be harvested without causing significant harm to the ecosystem.

  • Sustainable Sweeteners

    Sweeteners like cane sugar, agave, and stevia are generally more sustainable than animal-derived ingredients.

    Although sugarcane can be resource-intensive to grow, sustainable farming practices can mitigate its environmental impact. Stevia and agave are sourced from plants that require less water and can be grown in a wider range of climates, making them potentially more sustainable options.

  • Natural Flavorings and Extracts

    Natural flavorings like essential oils and fruit extracts are derived from renewable plant sources. As long as these plants are cultivated responsibly, their environmental impact is generally lower than ingredients derived from animal sources. It's worth noting that the sustainability of these ingredients depends on farming practices, such as whether they're grown using pesticide-free methods.

  • Vegetable Oils and Glycerin

    Vegetable oils and glycerin are commonly used in vegan gum to maintain moisture and chewiness. These ingredients are renewable but can be resource-intensive to produce. However, they don't have the same level of environmental impact as animal-derived fats. Choosing sustainably sourced palm oil or other vegetable oils can mitigate this impact.

Benefits of Vegan Gum 

  • Cruelty-Free Choice

    Vegan gum is cruelty-free because it does not use any animal-derived ingredients, thus avoiding animal suffering in the process of its production. For people who are aware of animal ethics and the damage done to animals in the manufacture of their products, vegan gum is an appropriate choice.

  • Dental Health

    The majority of vegan gums use natural sweeteners like xylitol and erythritol, which are beneficial for dental health. These sweeteners are good because they do not cause tooth decay or reduce the overall sugar content of the gum, which helps prevent cavities and promotes good oral health. Peppermint-flavored gums have antibacterial properties that help protect the teeth and gums.

  • Natural Ingredients for a Healthy Choice

    Vegan gums are made of natural ingredients like plant-based gums, resins, and sweeteners and do not have any harmful chemicals, artificial colors, or flavors. Therefore, there are healthier options than regular gums for those interested in vegan bubble gum. A bubblegum flavor, by the way, comes with gums that have been made with natural ingredients only.

  • Environmental Benefits

    Vegan gum minimizes the impact on the environment, as the ingredients used are primarily plant-based materials, which are renewable resources. The production of vegan gum causes less damage to the ecosystem compared to animal-derived gum products. When consumers choose vegan gum, they promote a more sustainable food product in the market.

  • Functional Benefits

    There are types of vegan gums that come with additional benefits. For example, gums sweetened with L-theanine, lemon balm, and other special ingredients will give alertness and calmness, which is the functional aspect of this gum. These therapeutic gums can help with nausea, morning sickness, and anxiety.

  • Long-Lasting Freshness

    Vegan chewing gum is often formulated with high-quality natural flavorings and stabilizers, which helps the gum maintain its taste and chewiness for an extended period. This makes it effective for freshening breath and enjoyable for longer use. From minty to fruity flavors, vegan gum offers a wide range of flavors that can be refreshing and satisfying.

How to Store Vegan Gum

When it comes to food storage, organizations must always ensure that the product is stored properly to maintain its quality and increase the chances of using the product for a longer time. Here are some ways to store vegan bubble gum:

  • Airtight Container

    Vegan gum should be stored in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can dry out the gum and make it hard to chew. A sealed jar or a container with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for maintaining freshness. Avoid leaving the gum in its original packaging if it’s not airtight, as gaps in packaging can allow air to enter and degrade the product.

  • Cool and Dry Location

    Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, as UV rays and heat can break down the natural ingredients and affect the flavor. Room temperature is generally fine for most vegan gums, but extreme heat or cold should be avoided, as it can alter the gum’s texture. A kitchen cabinet or pantry is usually a good option for storage.

  • Keep Away from Strong Odors

    Vegan gum is sensitive to odors, which can be absorbed by the gum over time. To prevent this, store the gum away from strong-smelling foods or substances like spices, chemicals, or cleaning supplies. Keeping the gum in a sealed container will also help mask any external odors.

  • Refrigeration (if Necessary)

    If the climate is particularly hot or humid, refrigerating the gum can help maintain its freshness. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container to prevent moisture from condensing on the gum. Allow the gum to come to room temperature before opening the container to prevent it from becoming sticky due to humidity.

  • Monitor Expiry Date

    Although vegan gum often has a longer shelf life than regular gum due to the lack of artificial preservatives, it’s still important to keep an eye on the expiry date. Consuming the gum before its expiration date ensures the best quality, flavor, and texture. Keep the container closed between uses to maintain freshness until the last piece is gone.

Q & A

Q1: Is vegan gum suitable for everyone?

Yes, vegan gum is suitable for people with different chewing gum allergies compatible with various dietary habits. It doesn't have animal ingredients, so it's suitable for ladies and men who adhere to vegan or veggie diets. Those who are allergic to certain natural flavorings or ingredients in the gum should read the gum label carefully.

Q2: How long can vegan gum be safely stored?

Although the gum base and ingredients in the gum used to manufacture vegan chewing gum give it a longer life than other forms of food, proper storage is required to maintain its freshness and flavor. When stored well in a cool, dry place, the gum can last several months past its expiration date, but it will be most enjoyable before the expiration date.

Q3: What is the difference between vegan gum and sugar-free gum?

Chewing vegan bubbles gum can contain sweeteners like cane sugar or agave, which introduces sugar into the gum. It may also occasionally contain sugar alcohols known as xylitol, which reduces tooth decay. On the other hand, sugar-free gum eliminates all sugars, hence making it a good residue-free gum.

Q4: Does vegan gum contain artificial sweeteners?

Some vegan bubbles gums sweeteners have artificial sweeteners like stevia and sugar alcohols, which are natural sweeteners. Nonetheless, one can also find vegan gums that have been sweetened naturally without artificially sweeteners using natural sweeteners, including honey and fructose.

Q5: Can vegan gum help with bad breath?

Yes, some ingredients commonly found in vegan gums, such as peppermint oil and xylitol, have antibacterial properties that help prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth. This not only freshens breath but also helps to prevent tooth decay and maintains oral health.