Chewing Gum Key Terms

Take a bite out of the key terms associated with chewing gum

Whether you're interested in stocking the newest flavors or getting the healthiest gum available, knowing the terms associated with chewing gum can help you achieve your goal. Chewing gum is promoted as a healthy activity that can even help people lose weight. It is also recommended by dentists who find chewing gum helps their patients keep their teeth clean or possibly even prevent cavities.

Spend some time learning about the different ingredients used in chewing gum. Learning the key terms in the gum making process can also help you make a more informed consumer or retail decision.

 

Liquid vs. powdered sweetener

Liquid sweetener is used to coat gum that will have a hard coating, such as gum balls. A powdered sweetener coats gum in stick form to create a nonstick surface before it is packed.
Try: Read the explanation for liquid and powder sweeteners at the National Association of Chewing Gum Manufacturers.

Sapodilla

Sapodilla is the original tree used to make chewing gum. The sap from the tree was extracted and used as the main ingredient in chewing gum. There are now many other replacement ingredients used, but sapodilla is still used in some gums.
Try: Read about the Sapodilla tree at BoloKids, which explains what the tree, fruit and latex are used for.

Sorva

Sorva is another main ingredient often found in gum. The tree produces a sweet, guava-like fruit and latex used in the gum-making process.
Try: Read about the Sorva tree at Trade Winds Fruit.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener added to some gum that actually boasts cavity-prevention qualities. Research has shown that it not only doesn't cause cavities, it can actually help fight them.
Try: Read all about Xylitol, the ingredient used in some sugar-free gums, at Xylitol.org.

Sorbitol

Sorbitol is a sugar substitute used in many foods including many sugar-free gums. The polyalcohol sugar is used to sweeten gum without adding calories.
Try: Read about sorbitol and its different uses at CalorieControl.org.

Scoring

Scoring takes place when the gum manufacturer cuts long ribbons of gum into the smaller-size pieces. The process is usually done using a large robotic machine.
Try: Wrigley, manufacturer of gum, explains the entire gum-making process, including scoring.

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