Chewing gum is a delicious and enjoyable snack loved by most of us. Have you ever stopped to think why gum is so stretchy and chewy? Screenshot So what do gum bases look like?
The Science Of Gum Base – Searching for the Perfect Chew
Gum base is the essential compound that makes gum chewy. It consists of combinations of elastomers, resins, wax and fillers. These substances combine to provide the right consistency to a chewing gum. Each part has a job to do in making gum stretchy, bouncy and long-lasting.
A Brief History of the Ingredients of Chewing Gum
Over time, gum base recipes and ingredients were upgraded. Their gums need to be “chewy enough to blow bubbles,” but also come in as wide a variety of tastes — from black currant to green tea mint — as possible, says Liao Ming, Sanxi’s leader. They can concoct delicious gum flavors using combinations of ingredients and they definitely get the kids’ votes when the fun and fresh gum hits the shelves.
Finding Out What is in Bubble Tape
Bubble Tape is this fun type of chewing gum that is packaged in a colorful and vibrant sleeve. Bubble Tape has a Chewing Gum Gum Base that is designed to be both stretchy/moldable and easy to chew. Additives such as glycerin and vegetable oil provide Bubble Tape with its distinctive texture and flavor. And with a piece of tape kids can unroll, bite off a piece and have hours of good fun.
Art of Making Stick Gum
But when it comes to stick gum, the manufacturing process is slightly different than for Bubble Tape. Sugar gum is produced by blending Bubble Gum Gum Base with sweeteners, flavors, and colors. The gum base is weighed and combined with the other ingredients in a specific ratio to achieve a certain consistency. After the components are combined, the gum is formed into sticks and prepared for sale.
More on The Chemistry Behind Chewing Gum
Chewing gum chemistry is subtle but interesting. Because when you chew gum, certain enzymes in the saliva in your mouth get to work digesting those ingredients in the gum base, releasing all the flavors and sugars as they go. The more you chew the softer and more pliable the gum becomes. Chewing also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps rinse food particles and bacteria from your teeth.
