Chewing gum might seem harmless—just a little habit to freshen your breath or pass the time. But most people don’t realize that most conventional gum is made with plastic. That’s right. The same kinds of plastics used to make water bottles, car tires, and wood glue are hiding in those tiny pieces of gum.1 And whenever you chew, you’re working a piece of plastic around your mouth.
It’s not just a weird thought—it’s a bigger problem for our health and the environment. Gum made with synthetic materials doesn’t break down naturally. Instead, it sticks around, contributing to the growing issue of microplastic pollution. Those tiny, invisible plastic fragments are now found almost everywhere—from the ocean to the soil to the food we eat.
When I first learned about the plastic problem in gum, I honestly couldn’t unsee it. I had already been making swaps to cut back on plastic waste in other parts of my life, but somehow, gum had flown under my radar. Finding plastic-free gum alternatives became one of those small but meaningful switches that felt empowering, and surprisingly easy once I knew what to look for.
If you’re curious (or a little horrified) about what’s actually in traditional gum—and what better options are out there—you’re in the right place. Let’s take a closer look at what’s really hiding in your chew and the plastic free gums that are changing the game.
Is There Really Plastic in Gum?
Believe it or not, chewing gum wasn’t always wrapped in plastic. Originally, gum was made from chicle, a natural tree sap harvested from sapodilla trees in Central America. It was chewy, biodegradable, and about as close to nature as possible.
However, synthetic substitutes took over as demand for gum grew and companies searched for cheaper, longer-lasting alternatives.
Today, most mainstream chewing gums use a “gum base” made from synthetic polymers such as polyethylene—the same plastic used to make shopping bags—and polyvinyl acetate, an ingredient commonly found in glue.
And it doesn’t stop at the chewy part. Many gums are coated with plastic-based shine agents to give them that glossy, candy-like appearance.
Why does this matter? These plastics don’t break down naturally. Instead, when gum gets discarded (which happens a lot), it sticks around—literally. Over time, it can fragment into tiny pieces, adding to the global microplastic pollution problem.
Even more concerning? Recent research from the American Chemical Society found that chewing conventional gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles into your saliva, within just a few minutes.2 It’s a reminder that plastic-based gum doesn’t just harm the planet after it’s tossed; it can also expose you to microplastics while chewing.
While research is ongoing, there’s real concern about the potential health impacts of regularly chewing plastics, especially regarding chemical exposure and the ingestion of microplastic particles.
Related Article: The Truth About Plastic: Why Plastic-Free Living Matters
Why Switch to Plastic-Free Gum?
Making the swap to plastic-free gum isn’t just about feeling better about what you’re chewing (although that’s a great reason). It’s a small shift with a big ripple effect on your health and the planet.
Healthier for You
When you choose plastic-free gum, you avoid the hidden plastics and synthetic additives that sneak into conventional brands. Instead of chewing on polyethylene or polyvinyl acetate (no thanks), you’re opting for natural plant-based ingredients that your body—and your peace of mind—can feel much better about.
Many plastic free gum brands also skip artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, and synthetic flavorings. That means a cleaner, simpler chew without all the extra junk your body doesn’t need.
Better for the Planet
Plastic-free gums don’t just make a difference in your mouth—they make a difference after you’re done chewing, too. Unlike synthetic gums that stick around for decades (sometimes centuries), natural gums made from ingredients like chicle, sap, or plant fibers break down naturally over time. They don’t leave behind microplastic pollution that winds up in our soil, water, and food supply.
Choosing plastic free gum helps support a cleaner planet and sends a message to companies that people care about real sustainability—not plastic disguised as candy.
Related Article: Microplastics in Our Lives: Why It’s Time to Take Action
What to Look for in Plastic Free Gum
Not all gums are created equal, especially when trying to avoid chewing on hidden plastics. Here’s what to keep an eye out for when picking a truly plastic-free gum:
Look for a Natural Gum Base
A real plastic free gum will use a natural base like chicle, tree sap, or other plant resins. These materials come straight from nature and are fully biodegradable. No synthetic polymers, no secret plastics—just good old-fashioned chew the way it used to be.
Check for Certifications
Certifications can be a helpful shortcut when scanning labels. When possible, look for products labeled biodegradable, non-GMO, and organic. These certifications speak to ingredient quality and show that the brand is more committed to sustainability.
Watch Out for “Gum Base”
Be cautious if you see “gum base” listed in the ingredients without any details. This catch-all term often hides a mix of synthetic plastics, rubbers, and resins. Unless the company clearly states it’s using a natural, plastic-free base, it’s usually safe to assume that “gum base” = plastic.
Adjust Your Flavor and Texture Expectations
Natural gums sometimes feel a little different than conventional ones. Depending on the brand, you might notice that the flavor lasts less time or that the texture is a bit softer or firmer. That’s normal—and a small trade-off for skipping the synthetic materials. Plus, many people say they prefer the cleaner, more subtle taste once they get used to it.
5 Best Plastic Free Gum Brands to Try
Ready to make the switch to a cleaner chew? Here are some standout plastic-free gum brands that prioritize natural ingredients, sustainability, and great taste:
1. Simply Gum
Founded in Brooklyn, Simply Gum is known for its commitment to natural ingredients and sustainable practices. Its gum is made with a chicle base, a natural tree sap, and is free from synthetic plastics, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. It offers a variety of flavors, including mint, cinnamon, and ginger, all packaged in biodegradable materials.
2. Glee Gum
Glee Gum offers a nostalgic chewing experience with its natural chicle base and classic flavors like peppermint and bubblegum. Their products are non-GMO, gluten-free, and packaged in recyclable materials. Glee Gum also emphasizes ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.
3. Tree Hugger Gum
Tree Hugger Gum is a playful, eco-friendly choice that delivers on flavor without the plastic. Made with natural ingredients and sweetened with cane sugar and brown rice syrup, it skips the artificial colors and flavors altogether. It’s also vegan, non-GMO, and available in various fruity flavors.
4. Chewsy
Chewsy is a UK-based brand offering plastic-free, plant-based gum that’s also sugar-free. Sweetened with 100% xylitol, Chewsy’s gum is biodegradable and comes in flavors like peppermint, cinnamon, and lemon. It’s free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives, making it a clean choice for conscious chewers.
5. Refresh Gum
Refresh Gum offers a modern take on natural chewing gum, using a chicle base—a sustainably harvested tree sap—instead of synthetic plastics. Their gum is plant-based, sugar-free, and free from artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives. It is sweetened naturally with xylitol and stevia and provides a clean, long-lasting flavor experience.
This Has Been About Plastic Free Gum
Switching to plastic-free gum might seem like a small change, but it makes a real difference. By choosing gum made with natural, biodegradable ingredients, you’re not only avoiding hidden plastics and questionable additives but also helping tackle the growing problem of microplastic pollution.
Microplastics don’t just pollute the environment; they’re also making their way into the food we eat. If you want to learn more about the widespread issue, check out this article on microplastics in food here.
Making the switch to plastic-free gum is a simple, feel-good way to protect your health and the planet—and the best part is, with so many great plastic-free brands out there, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to do it.
References
- Jones, D. (2025, March 17). Chewing gum is plastic pollution, not a litter problem. Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2025-03-gum-plastic-pollution-litter-problem.html ↩︎
- American Chemical Society. (2025, March 27). Chewing gum can shed microplastics into saliva, pilot study finds [Press release]. American Chemical Society. https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2025/march/chewing-gum-can-shed-microplastics-into-saliva-pilot-study-finds.html ↩︎
