We’re not really sure when humans first started chewing gum. Our ancestors may have chewed thickened sap to stave off hunger during famines, or someone tried to mimic the texture of dried fruit. No one is entirely sure. 

We know that modern-day chewing gum was brought to the United States by Mexico’s Santa Ana during the 1860s as a potential rubber substitute. That didn’t work out, but someone did discover that it made for a tasty, chewy candy. The rest, as they say, is history.

Chewing gum remains as popular as it’s ever been. Athletes chomp gum to work off nervous energy and calm their game-day jitters. Others use it to freshen their breath before a big meeting. Gum has also been used as an ice breaker and gateway to a conversation in social situations.

So, whether you’re working off some stress, freshening your breath, or are in the mood for blowing some bubbles, we know you love your chew. We’ve pulled together a list of the best gum with long-lasting flavors to sweeten your day. Enjoy!

1. Project 7 Naturally Sweetened Everest Peppermint Gum 12ct

BEST GUM BRAND

Project 7 Gum is more than just a delicious treat. They've taken tried-and-true candy classics and reduced the sugar, carbohydrates, and calories while maintaining the mouthwatering, nostalgic flavors you love and crave. “Too good to be true” has finally met its match.

$2.19

2. Big Red Gum 15ct

BEST CINNAMON GUM

Not everyone wants to chill out with their chew. Big Red brings the heat with a big, bold cinnamon taste that spices up your breath and sweetens your day. Its long-lasting flavor will rock your taste buds for hours and keep you on your toes.

$2.19

3. Orbit Sugar Free Gum Sweet Mint 14ct

BEST GUM FOR TEETH

You want fresh breath, you want to take care of your teeth, but you want to treat yourself, too. Orbit hears you. Keep your mouth feeling fresh and boost your confidence with sugar-free gum given the seal of acceptance by the American Dental Association (ADA) for superior quality.

$2.19

4. Extra Polar Ice Gum 15ct

BEST MINT GUM

Extra Polar Ice Gum is an avalanche of icy, cool flavor in every delicious piece. Introduce your mouth to the Arctic and turn yourself over to the chill sensation of spearmint with none of the sugar. This chewing gum will leave your mouth feeling instantly refreshed.

$2.49

5. Mentos Pure Fresh Freshmint With Green Tea Sugar-Free Gum 3.5oz

BEST CANDY/GUM COMBINATION

The Fresh Maker knows what you love and has made a gum that combines the fresh Mentos mint flavor with a flavorful kick of green tea. A delicious candy shell surrounds its chewy center, so you experience a satisfying crunch before you chew. It’s sweetly satisfying without extra calories.

$4.39

6. Juicy Fruit 15ct

BEST GUM FLAVOR

Juicy Fruit Original gum has a big fruity flavor that’s long-lasting. The taste brings us back to carefree summer days hanging out with our friends. We may not know what fruit this gum’s supposed to taste like, but it’s delicious, and that’s what’s important.

$2.19

7. Xylichew Peppermint Gum 12ct

BEST GUM FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Xylichew’s peppermint flavored xylitol gum is all-natural chewing gum and a healthier chewing gum option. Each piece packs a delicious hit of peppermint to keep your breath fresh and help keep you on track by taming your cravings for the sweet stuff.

$2.19

8. Trident White Peppermint Gum 16ct

BEST WHITENING GUM

Fresh breath and whiter teeth? Can you really expect all that from gum? With Trident White Peppermint Gum, you can. Chewing two pieces of Trident White can help remove surface stains on your teeth. Put your best smile forward with Trident.

$1.99

9. Pur Wintergreen Gum 9ct

BEST GUM FOR BREATH

Invigorate your breath with pure minty, sugar-free gum. Classic wintergreen flavor delivers an intense blast of cool refreshment with every chew. It’ll leave your breath feeling icy and energized without the sugar or aspartame.

$2.49

10. Bazooka Bubble Gum Original Nostalgia Wallet Pack 10ct

BEST GUM FOR POPPING

Some gums are meant for blowing bubbles. Others were made for popping bubbles. Bazooka Bubble Gum covers both. The original flavor and superior bubble-blowing texture are all there. And don’t forget to read the comics. Bazooka Gum wouldn’t be the same without them.

$1.49

11. 5 Gum Peppermint Cobalt Sugarfree Gum 35ct

BEST PICK-ME-UP GUM

5 Gum Peppermint Cobalt will shake up your day. Its intense flavor is a wake-up call for your mouth and makes your day more daring. Get ready to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Just make sure to take 5 first.

$4.29

12. Dentyne Ice Arctic Chill Gum 16ct

BEST STAYING POWER

Practice safe breath, take care of your teeth, and get intense freshness with Dentyne Ice Sugar-Free Gum. Dentyne Ice has a bold, icy flavor with breath-freshening power that lasts. You’ll face your day confident that your breath is as fresh and chill as your attitude.

$1.79

FAQ

Is chewing gum bad for you?

Sorry to burst your bubble, gum chewers. Most commercial gum brands are made with sugar. Sugar dissolves in your mouth’s saliva, which you swallow, so you get all those calories. But before it makes its way to your stomach, that sugar converts into an acid that can contribute to tooth decay and loss.

Another issue to consider is the additives found in most commercial gum formulations. These include butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which has been banned in some countries, potential carcinogen titanium dioxide, and artificial coloring agents that can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive people.

Finally, when you chew gum, you’re swallowing a lot of air. That can lead to issues with gas and bloating.

But all is not lost. You can mitigate many of these potential health effects by avoiding sugary gum. If you’re concerned about additives, choose a chew that uses all-natural ingredients, like Project 7 Naturally Sweetened Everest Peppermint Gum or Xylichew Peppermint Gum. And you can protect your teeth by selecting sugar-free gum options like Extra Polar Ice Gum, Dentyne Ice Arctic Chill Gum, or Pur Wintergreen Gum. These are full-flavored chewing options that won’t bathe your teeth in a cavity-causing acid.

Studies have also shown that chewing sugarless gum after a meal can help prevent cavities. Noshing on a piece of gum for at least 20 minutes increases saliva flow around your teeth, helping to remove any leftover food and cleaning away damaging acids. It can also curb plaque buildup when you chew between meals. So you don’t have to give up on chewing gum. A few minor changes are all it takes to make gum a healthy part of your oral care routine.

What gum do dentists recommend?

The ADA, the dental industry’s governing body, recommends sugarless gum to patients. These products contain artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, xylitol, or mannitol that don’t contribute to tooth decay. Look for brands that display the ADA seal, like Orbit Sugar-Free Sweet Mint Gum, to ensure that you’re buying chewing gum that won’t damage your teeth.

Does chewing gum help you lose weight?

Chewing gum has been shown to support weight loss under certain circumstances. Having sugarless gum between meals can help curb food cravings and keep you from unnecessarily snacking. Things get sticky if you’re consuming a significant amount of artificial sweeteners. 

Consuming too many sugar substitutes like aspartame and sucralose can leave you feeling jittery. Sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol can lead to stomach upset, abdominal distress, and diarrhea. If you’re feeling bloated or uncomfortable, your gum could be contributing. Good luck. If you have any questions, please contact your friendly neighborhood dietitian for help.