What is Gum Made Of?

Gum is a popular item found not just in candy stores, but in many places we go in our everyday lives. Most people don’t think about what gum is actually made of, but it’s an interesting topic that can teach us about some of the unique and interesting substances used to make everyday products. Let’s take a closer look at what gum is made of and why these ingredients are used.

What’s in Gum Base?

At its core, gum is made up of a gum base, which is composed of several different ingredients. The gum base is made up of a number of different materials, the most common being elastomers, plasticizers, emulsifiers, softeners and fillers. Elastomers, also known as rubber, give the gum its elasticity, while plasticizers reduce the stiffness of the gum and provide flexibility. Emulsifiers help maintain the chewiness of the gum, while softeners provide a more pleasant and less sticky consistency. Fillers, like calcium carbonate and maltodextrin, are used to provide body and bulk to the gum base.

Flavorings and Sweeteners

In addition to the gum base, flavoring and sweeteners are also added to give gum its distinctive taste and smell. Flavorings, such as peppermint and spearmint oil, create the unique taste and smell of different types of gum. Sweeteners can also be added, such as sugar and corn syrup, to provide a sweeter taste to the gum.

Preservatives and Coloring

Preservatives, such as sodium benzoate, are added to gum in order to keep it fresher for longer. Preservatives are necessary because gum is an ideal environment for the growth of certain microorganisms. Coloring agents, most commonly the food dye FD&C Red No. 40, give gum its bright and eye-catching color.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are several different ingredients that go into making gum, with each ingredient contributing to the taste, texture and appearance of the gum. Next time you take a piece of gum, appreciate the fact that it is made up of several different ingredients that combine to make it the enjoyable snack it is.