Chewing gum was designed to be chewed and discarded rather than chewed and swallowed. It is thought to have existed in some form for at least 6,000 years, dating back to when humans chewed natural substances purely for the sake of chewing. Early chewing gum proved to be beneficial for taste, cleaning, and even freshening one’s breath as time passed. Chewing gum was first made in the Neolithic period. Early chewing gum was made from birch bark tar, which was thought to be antiseptic. Chicle chewing gum was used by the Aztecs and Mayans in ancient times (a tree gum). Chewing gum is now made with a gum base, sweeteners, glycerine, softeners, flavors, colors, and, in some cases, a polytol coating.
The oldest chewing gum discovered is thought to be 9,000 years old. It was discovered in Sweden.
Every year, the average person chews about 300 pieces of gum.
Between Halloween and Christmas, the majority of chewing gum is purchased.
Chewing gum while chopping onions is supposed to keep one’s eyes from watering.
Humans are the only species on the planet that chews gum.
Each year, it is estimated that children in North America spend approximately $500 million on chewing gum.
Every year, over 100,000 tons of chewing gum are consumed around the world.
It is estimated that sugar accounts for 60 to 70% of the ingredients in non-sugar-free gum.
Some African tribes have been known to accept bubble gum instead of oxen or sheep as payment for a wife.
Pink was the color of the first successful stick of bubble gum. The inventor chose pink because it was the only color he had to work with.
The energy expended by Americans every day to chew gum is estimated to be enough to power a city of 10,000,000 people.
‘Blibber-Blubber’ was the first commercially available brand of bubble gum.
During World War II, the United States military began including gum in its soldiers’ ration kits.
Turkey is the country with the most chewing gum companies. The United States has the second most chewing gum companies in the world.
Topps Chewing Gum Company gave Willie Mays a piece of gum that was the same size and weight as 10,000 regular size pieces of gum in 1974.
Chewing gum has been shown in studies to improve cognitive function, including memory and perception speed.
The ingredient xylitol, found in some sugar-free gum, has been shown to reduce cavities and plaque in those who chew it on a regular basis.
The myth that swallowed gum remains in the stomach for seven years is untrue. Because of the indigestible fiber it contains, it passes through but is not digested.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest bubble ever blown from chewing gum was 23 inches in diameter.
