Chewing gum might seem harmless, just a little habit to freshen your breath or pass the time. However, most people are unaware that conventional gum is often 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 peculiar thought; it’s a significant issue for both 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, and even in the food we eat.
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 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 emerged as demand for gum increased and companies sought 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, a common ingredient 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 break down into tiny pieces, contributing 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 can be found in 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
Health and Safety: What’s Really in Your Gum?
Beyond the plastic problem, conventional gum often contains a cocktail of artificial ingredients that raise health concerns. Understanding what’s lurking in that seemingly innocent piece of gum can help you make better choices for yourself and your family.
Artificial Sweeteners to Watch Out For
Many mainstream gums rely on aspartame and acesulfame K to deliver that intense sweetness. While FDA-approved, aspartame can be problematic for people with phenylketonuria (PKU), and some individuals report headaches or digestive issues. Acesulfame K has raised concerns about its long-term health effects, although research is still ongoing.
Plastic-free gums typically use xylitol, stevia, or organic cane sugar instead of sweeteners that your body can naturally recognize and process. Xylitol even supports dental health by reducing harmful bacteria; however, pet owners should note that it’s toxic to dogs.
Artificial Colors You Don’t Need
That bright, candy-like appearance? It often comes from artificial dyes like Blue 1, Red 40, and Yellow 5. Studies have linked these synthetic colors to hyperactivity in children and potential allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive skin.
Natural gums skip these unnecessary additives entirely, allowing the genuine ingredients to shine through. Your gum doesn’t need to look like a rainbow to effectively freshen your breath.
The bottom line: when you choose plastic-free gum, you’re not just avoiding synthetic polymers, you’re stepping away from a whole range of artificial ingredients that your body doesn’t need.
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 truly plastic-free gum will use a natural base, such as chicle, tree sap, or other plant resins. These materials come straight from nature and are fully biodegradable—no synthetic polymers, no hidden plastics, just the way it used to be: 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, the flavor may last for a shorter time, or the texture may be a bit softer or firmer. That’s normal and a small trade-off for opting for natural materials. Additionally, many people claim to prefer the cleaner, more subtle taste once they become accustomed to it.
What makes gum “plastic-free”?
Natural Gum Base (Chicle or Tree Sap) Instead of petroleum-derived plastics like polyvinyl acetate or polyethylene, plastic-free gums use natural alternatives:
- Chicle: biodegradable latex from the sapodilla tree
- Mastic: resin from the mastic tree
- Spruce gum: harvested from the spruce tree resin
No Synthetic Polymers: Plastic-free brands avoid the plastic-like substances that create chewiness in conventional gums:
- Polyvinyl acetate
- Polyethylene
- BHT and artificial softeners
Natural Sweeteners and Flavors: These gums use xylitol, stevia, erythritol, or organic cane sugar, along with plant-based flavorings such as peppermint oil or fruit extracts.
Eco-Conscious Packaging: Many brands enhance sustainability with packaging that is compostable, recyclable, or biodegradable.
Look for gums that list their base ingredients—avoid products with vague “gum base” unless specified as plant-derived.
9 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. Refresh Gum
Refresh Gum embraces simplicity and transparency in every chew. Made with a natural chicle gum base, a biodegradable tree sap traditionally harvested in Central America, it’s a plastic-free alternative to conventional Gum that often contains synthetic polymers.
With a blend of xylitol, stevia, and organic plant powders, Refresh delivers breath-freshening flavor using ingredients you can recognize. Its packaging is recyclable and eco-conscious, designed to support a low-impact lifestyle.
Clean ingredients, cleaner conscience:
- Natural chicle base
- Sweetened with xylitol and stevia
- Biodegradable formula
- Recyclable, plastic-conscious packaging
2. Tree Hugger Gum
Tree Hugger Gum is a vibrant, eco-friendly chewing gum made for people who want to know what they’re putting in their bodies.
Unlike conventional gum, which often contains hidden plastics plant-based gum base instead.
Sweetened with cane sugar and brown rice syrup, each piece delivers clean flavor without compromise. The brand hits all the important marks:
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-Free
- Free from artificial colors and flavors
3. Simply Gum
Simply Gum strips away everything unnecessary, using just six natural ingredients with absolutely no synthetic gum base.
Made with organic raw cane sugar, natural chicle, and organic flavoring, it proves that clean labels don’t have to sacrifice taste.
Their plastic-free packaging and partnerships with chicle farmers demonstrate their commitment to transparency at every step. The result is gum that’s as honest as it is flavorful:
- Organic ingredients
- No preservatives
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Biodegradable gum base
4. Glee Gum
Since 2003, this family-owned company has been proving that great-tasting gum doesn’t need synthetic fillers.
Using sustainably harvested chicle from rainforest trees, Glee Gum supports both environmental conservation and traditional chicle farmers.
What sets them apart isn’t just their natural ingredients; it’s their commitment to leaving out everything questionable. Each piece delivers pure, honest flavor:
- 100% natural chicle base
- No synthetic polymers
- No artificial additives
- Sustainably sourced
5. Chewsy
Chewsy is a UK-based brand leading the charge in plastic-free chewing. Made with a natural chicle gum base, a biodegradable tree sap from Central America, it skips the synthetic polymers found in conventional gum.
Sweetened with 100% xylitol, Chewsy supports dental health by helping reduce plaque and neutralize acids. It’s also vegan, sugar-free, and free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives.
Each piece comes in home-compostable packaging, demonstrating that sustainability and convenience can coexist.
- Natural chicle base
- Xylitol for dental health
- Home-compostable packaging
- Vegan and plastic-free
6. Nathan & Sons
Nathan & Sons crafts premium plastic-free gum using traditional tree saps and modern sustainability standards.
Their natural chicle, mastic, and spruce gum base delivers a biodegradable chew that’s free from synthetic polymers and artificial additives.
Sweetened with xylitol and erythritol, each piece supports oral health while offering a clean, refreshing flavor. Produced in small batches and hand-cut for quality, this gum blends old-school craftsmanship with new-school values.
- Traditional chicle, mastic & spruce base
- Xylitol & erythritol sweetened
- Small-batch, hand-cut production
- No synthetic additives or microplastics
7. Milliways
Milliways reimagines chewing gum as a clean, planet-friendly ritual. Made with a natural chicle gum base and sweetened with xylitol and stevia, it delivers fresh breath and supports oral health, without the synthetic polymers found in conventional gum.
Each piece is crafted with plant-based ingredients and designed for long-lasting flavor, making it a guilt-free companion for daily wellness. The packaging is plastic-free and recyclable, aligning with Milliways’ commitment to sustainability.
- Natural chicle gum base
- Xylitol for oral health
- Extended natural flavor
- Plastic-free and vegan
8. Honest Gum
Honest Gum lives up to its name with complete transparency about every ingredient and process. Made with natural chicle, plant-based sweeteners, and real flavor extracts, it skips the synthetic fillers found in conventional Gum.
Their commitment extends beyond the chew, supporting ethical sourcing and using biodegradable packaging that aligns with a low-impact lifestyle.
- Full ingredient transparency
- Natural sweeteners only
- Sustainably sourced chicle
- Home-compostable, plastic-free packaging
9. Georganics
Georganics approaches gum through the lens of natural oral care, crafting pieces that actively support dental health while avoiding synthetic materials.
Their formula combines a biodegradable chicle base with xylitol and peppermint essential oil ingredients known for their antibacterial and plaque-reducing properties.
- Xylitol-based formula
- Natural antibacterial ingredients
- Supports oral health
- Part of a complete plastic-free oral care system
How does the taste and texture compare to regular gum?
The flavor is more natural and less artificially sweet, typically lasting 10-20 minutes. Natural gum starts firmer but softens as you chew. Many people prefer the final texture once it warms up in your mouth.
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 ↩︎
