Is Gum Candy? If Not What Is It?

on July 11, 2023

Do you like chewing gum? You might find it to be reviving, a quick treatment for bad breath, or a way to keep your mouth occupied. Nevertheless, have you ever questioned if gum belongs in the same category as candy?

Gum classification frequently falls into a grey area, leading many people to wonder if gum belongs in the sweets category. On the one hand, gum is sweet, comes in a variety of flavours, and is frequently consumed for enjoyment, much like confectionary sweets. Gum, on the other hand, differs fundamentally from conventional candy in a number of important ways.

Candy is a general term for a variety of confectionary goods with a usually sweet flavour that are meant to be enjoyed as a treat or an indulgence. It includes a variety of products, such as hard candies, chocolates, gummies, caramels, and more. Sweeteners like sugar or corn syrup are frequently combined with flavourings, colorings, and other components to create candy. It has a variety of forms, dimensions, and textures, making eating it a satisfying sensory experience.

Unlike gum, which is a type of candy item made expressly to be chewed. It stands out for having a tough, chewy texture. It may be regarded as a form of candy because it is a confectionery product and usually contains sugars and flavourings to enhance its taste.

Contrary to candy, gum is not ingested; rather, it is chewed for a while to savour the flavour and reap the benefits for your mouth, such as breath freshening or stimulation. It frequently comes in a variety of flavours in both sugar-free and sugar-containing variations.

What are the main ingredients in chewing gum compared to traditional candy?

Chewing gum’s primary constituents are different from those of conventional confectionery. Although they both might have flavourings and sweeteners, gum has a different composition because of its chewy texture and flavour that lasts longer. The following are the main components most frequently found in chewing gum:

Gum Base: This serves as the basis for chewing gum and gives it its chewy texture. It often comprises of several resins and natural or synthetic elastomers, including latex or natural rubber.
Sweeteners: To provide flavour and sweetness, chewing gum contains sweeteners. These can be artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sorbitol, xylitol, corn syrup, or sugar.
Flavorings: To give it its distinctive flavour, flavourings are added to gum. These flavours, which range from mint and fruit flavours to more unusual combinations, can be either natural or artificial.

Softeners: Softeners like glycerine or vegetable oil are frequently added to gum in order to improve its texture and malleability.
Fillers: To improve the texture and mouthfeel, some gum manufacturers use fillers like talc or calcium carbonate.

Traditional candies, in contrast, frequently include substances like sugar, corn syrup, chocolate, dairy, nuts, and other flavourings. Depending on the type of candy, it could also contain extra ingredients including emulsifiers, preservatives, and stabilisers. Traditional candy is different since it doesn’t have a gum basis because chewy is what distinguishes chewing gum.

Can gum be classified as a healthier alternative to candy?

Gum can be viewed as a somewhat healthier alternative to some candies, but it relies on a number of variables and personal circumstances. Consider the following factors when comparing the health benefits of gum versus candy:

Sugar Content: Many traditional candies include a lot of sugar, which when consumed in excess can lead to weight gain, tooth damage, and other health problems. On the other side, there are gum choices that don’t include sugar and instead use xylitol or artificial sweeteners. Selecting sugar-free gum can help lower the risk of tooth issues and consume less calories.
Caloric Value: Compared to most candy, gum often has fewer calories. Gum often contains fewer calories than candy because it is not supposed to be consumed in the same quantity. However, this depends on the brand and components.

Oral Health Benefits: Gum chewing, particularly sugar-free gum, increases salivation, which helps to wash the mouth, neutralise acids, and lowers the incidence of cavities. Even some gums come with other chemicals like xylitol, which may offer more dental advantages.
Mindful Snacking: Gum chewing can provide as an alternative to high-calorie snacks. It gives a feeling of fulfilment and could assist in reducing the desire to eat unhealthy snacks or kerb cravings.

It’s crucial to remember that there are still some things to think about when using gum. Chewing gum excessively, especially sugar-containing gum, might result in increased sugar intake or digestive problems from overusing artificial sweeteners in sugar-free gum. Depending on the brand and type, gum may also contain additives, preservatives, or artificial flavours.

Is it safe to swallow gum?

Most people believe that occasionally swallowing gum is safe, however it is not advised to do so frequently. Here are some details you should bear in mind:

Digestibility: While many gum ingredients, such as sweeteners and flavourings, are ingestible, the gum base itself is difficult for the digestive system to break down. The gum will finally pass through the digestive system without any negative effects.
Potential Risks: The likelihood of having digestive problems may rise if you swallow a lot of gum or do it regularly. This may involve pain, constipation, or, in rare instances, digestive tract obstructions. Children or those with digestive disorders are more likely to experience these circumstances.

Children and Gum: Due to their smaller stature and possibly greater risk of difficulties, young children, especially those under the age of four, should be discouraged from ingesting gum.
Habitual Swallowing: Regularly ingesting gum, especially in large amounts, may cause a buildup of gum in the digestive system. It is best to chew gum as directed and to properly dispose of it after usage.

In conclusion, while occasionally swallowing a tiny amount of gum is unlikely to hurt you, it’s recommended to avoid doing so on a regular basis. It is typically advised to chew gum for its intended benefits of flavour and mouth stimulation before properly discarding it. It is best to speak with a healthcare provider for individualised guidance if you have any questions or have any strange symptoms after ingesting gum.