Is it time to get plastic out of chewing gum?

Is plastic-free chewing gum the future? Key takeawaysMost chewing gum contains hidden plastic under the term “gum base”Chewing releases over 250,000 microplastic particles into the bodyDiscarded gum can persist in the environment for up to 1,000 yearsPlastic-free gum market projected to grow from $132m to $242mNatural gum bases face R&D challenges but meet rising consumer demandIt might come as a shock to some, but plastic has been a staple ingredient in chewing gum for decades – no wonder our parents told us not to swallow it!

Now, however, the concept of having plastic in confectionery is getting some serious push-back.

“Over 85% of consumers aren’t aware that conventional gum is made from plastic,” says Tom Raviv, founder of plastic-free gum brand Milliways. “It’s our aim to invert that.”

And Milliways isn’t alone. True Gum, Nuud and Chewsy have all joined the plastic-free fight.

“We need your support to urge the Government to protect young people’s health by regulating to stop manufacturers from concealing plastic ingredients in chewing gum,” says Keir Carni, founder of plastic-free gum brand Nuud, in a call to action on the brand’s site.

Scientists have also started digging into the possible effects of plastic chewing gums, expressing concerns over the results.

“Our research evidenced that the chewing process causes the release of microplastics and nanoplastics,” says Dr Udit Pant, a researcher at the advanced micro- and nano-diagnostics Lab at the School of Biological Sciences in Belfast.

But it’s not just about public health, the environment is under threat from plastic gums too.

“Chewing gum residues are highly persistent in the environment, and can persist for 5 to 500 years, with some estimates suggesting up to 1,000 years depending on environmental conditions,” says Dr Udit Pant. “Discarded gums release microplastics into soil and water, posing ecological risks.”

So it’s not surprising that the British Government has this month moved to change the law surrounding the use of plastics in chewing gums.

“This House notes with concern that the overwhelming majority of commercially available chewing gum in the UK contains plastic-based synthetic polymers hidden within the ingredients under the term ‘gum base’, meaning most consumers are unaware they are chewing and ingesting plastic,” said a spokesperson for the proposal.

It also noted that chewing gum is a “significant but overlooked” source of microplastic ingestion and environmental pollution, with research showing that a single piece of plastic gum can release in excess of 250,000 microplastic particles into the human body.

But what alternatives are out there? And what solutions are available for gum manufacturers?

Chewing gum residues are highly persistent in the environment, and can persist for 5 to 500 years, with some estimates suggesting up to 1,000 years depending on environmental conditions. (Image: Getty/Dragon Claws)Plastic-free gum solutionsThe good news for confectionery manufacturers is that there are alternative ingredients available. What’s more, they’re already being sold in chewing gum products worldwide.

“We use just seven plant-based ingredients compared to the many artificial and plastic-based ingredients used in most chewing gum brands,” says Milliways’ Raviv. “Our natural gum base is simply made from tree sap, which means it’s 100% plastic free, plant based and biodegradable.”

But it wasn’t easy. The R&D team at Milliways trialled hundreds of recipes before they were happy with the result.

A single piece of plastic gum can release in excess of 250,000 microplastic particles into the human body. (Image: Getty/Empty Clouds)Plastic-free gum challenges“Chewing gum is a product that people chew longer than any other food product – 5-15 minutes on average,” says Raviv. “This means there is a high expectation of taste, texture, flavour and longevity.”

Added to this, natural ingredients don’t have many of the production and formulation advantages that synthetic ingredients do, which is the exact reason that synthetic ingredients became the norm.

However, those backing the plastic-free movement say it’s worth the effort, as demand grows.

Chewing gum is a product that people chew longer than any other food product – 5-15 minutes on average. (Image: Getty/wundervisuals)Plastic-free demand growingThe global plastic-free chewing gum market is valued at $132m (€111m). Moreover, that figure is expected to almost double ($242m) by 2031. That’s a CAGR of 9% (industry analysts Market Research Reports).

And while that figure might seem like a drop in the ocean compared with the wider chewing gum market, which holds a value of $18.49bn (Maximise Market Research), plastic-free’s growth rate shows its true potential.

“Plastic-free chewing gums – typically made from natural bases like chicle or acacia gum are gaining popularity and are as safer and more sustainable alternatives to synthetic gums,” says Dr Udit Pant.

And plastic-free manufacturers are feeling the effects.

“We’ve expanded into four new markets, in addition to the UK, in the last 12 months alone,” says Milliways’ Raviv. “Two of our largest and newest markets are US and France, and the velocities and receptiveness that we’ve seen from both is incredible.”

The global plastic-free chewing gum market is valued at $132m. (Image: Getty/Creatas)The future of plastic-free gumAs scrutiny intensifies around the hidden plastics in everyday products, chewing gum is emerging as a surprising contributor to both environmental pollution and microplastic ingestion.

With mounting scientific evidence and growing consumer awareness, pressure is building on manufacturers to rethink their formulations.

Plastic-free alternatives, once niche, are now gaining traction – driven by innovation, demand, and a broader shift toward transparency and sustainability.

Whether the industry will embrace these changes wholesale remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – the days of plastic-laced gum may be numbered.