The Surprising Truth About Envelope Adhesives
Many people have heard urban legends about the caloric content and potential dangers of licking envelopes. The adhesive, often made from a substance called gum arabic, is a complex carbohydrate derived from the sap of acacia trees and is safe for consumption. While it does contain calories, the amount is so tiny it’s virtually meaningless for your overall diet.
For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that the adhesive contains about 1.7 calories per gram. Given that a single lick involves only a fraction of a gram, the calorie intake is minimal—around 0.1 calories per lick in the U.S.. For context, it would take an astronomical number of licks to even register on a calorie-tracking app.
What Exactly is Gum Arabic?
Gum arabic, also known as acacia gum, has been used for centuries for various purposes, including as a food additive. It acts as a stabilizer and emulsifier and can be found in common items like soft drinks, candies, and some types of ink. Its presence in envelope glue is simply due to its effective and non-toxic adhesive properties. Other compounds like dextrin (a starch) may also be used.
Comparing Calories: Envelope Glue vs. Common Foods
To put the caloric content of envelope adhesive into perspective, consider this comparison table. The values are approximate, but they clearly illustrate just how insignificant envelope calories are.
| Item | Estimated Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lick of a U.S. Envelope | ~0.1 calories | Based on FDA estimate. |
| Single M&M Candy | ~3 calories | Gum arabic is often used in the shell. |
| Single Gumdrop Candy | ~8 calories | Gum arabic is a common ingredient. |
| Cup of Black Coffee | ~2 calories | Can vary based on brew strength. |
| Small Apple | ~80 calories | Far more than you could ever consume from envelopes. |
This table highlights the sheer difference in scale. Trying to gain weight or track calories from licking envelopes is a fruitless endeavor. The calories from the glue are negligible, and other factors would have a far greater impact on your daily intake.
Other Factors to Consider
Beyond the calorie count, there are other reasons to avoid excessive envelope licking, though they are mostly minor.
- Taste: Many people find the taste of the adhesive unpleasant. For some, it can be a sensory issue that makes sealing envelopes a chore.
- Hygiene: While the adhesives are generally safe, you can transfer bacteria from the envelope's surface to your mouth. While the risk of infection is very low, using a moist sponge or wetting stick is a more hygienic alternative, especially when dealing with large volumes of mail.
- Paper Cuts: A sharp paper cut on the tongue is a far more likely and painful consequence than any caloric or toxic harm from the glue itself.
Dispelling Myths About Envelope Licking
Several myths have persisted over the years regarding envelope adhesive. Let's set the record straight.
- Toxic Substances: The adhesives used are overseen by regulatory bodies like the FDA and are generally non-toxic and safe for human contact. Stories about death or illness from licking envelopes are unfounded urban legends.
- Animal Products: For vegans, it's good to know that most envelope adhesives are derived from plants like acacia trees or starches, making them vegan-friendly.
- Gluten Content: The Envelope Manufacturers Association has specifically stated that remoistenable adhesives are derived from corn starch and do not contain wheat or rye gluten.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the minuscule calorie content of licking envelopes is not a health concern for anyone. While the act does involve ingesting a tiny number of calories, the amount is so small it is inconsequential from a nutritional standpoint. Concerns about toxicity are also unfounded, as the adhesives are regulated and derived from safe, edible materials like gum arabic. For those who find the taste off-putting or are sealing large batches, simple alternatives like a damp sponge can easily be used. So, next time you need to seal an envelope, don't worry about the calories—your diet is safe. For more information on the safety of envelope adhesives, you can consult resources from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
A Quick Look at Envelope Adhesives
- Composition: Primarily made of gum arabic, a non-toxic, edible substance from acacia trees, or various plant starches like dextrin.
- Caloric Value: The caloric content is extremely low, approximately 0.1 calories per lick in the U.S..
- Safety: The adhesives are considered safe for human consumption by regulatory bodies like the FDA.
- Vegan-Friendly: Most envelope adhesives are plant-based and thus suitable for vegans.
- Hygiene: While safe, it is more hygienic to use a wetting stick or sponge, especially when sealing numerous envelopes.
- Common Use: Gum arabic, a key ingredient, is also used as a food additive in items like candies.
Key Takeaways
- Negligible Calories: There are calories in licking envelopes, but the amount is so tiny (around 0.1 calories per lick in the U.S.) that it is nutritionally insignificant.
- Safe for Consumption: The adhesives are made from non-toxic, edible substances like gum arabic and are regulated for safety.
- Urban Myths are False: Myths about envelope glue being toxic or laden with germs are largely unfounded.
- Hygienic Alternatives Exist: For those uncomfortable with the practice, a damp sponge or wetting stick is a perfectly viable and more hygienic option for sealing envelopes.
- Primarily Plant-Based: Envelope adhesives are typically derived from plants and starches, making them suitable for most dietary considerations.
- Comparison Puts It in Perspective: A single M&M candy contains significantly more calories than a single envelope lick, demonstrating the minimal impact.
FAQs
Is it harmful to lick envelopes? No, it is not harmful. The adhesives are made from safe, edible substances like gum arabic and are regulated by authorities like the FDA.
How many calories are in one envelope lick? In the U.S., a single lick of an envelope contains an estimated one-tenth of a calorie (0.1 calories), an amount so small it has no impact on a person's diet.
What is envelope glue made of? Envelope glue is typically made from gum arabic, a hardened sap from acacia trees, or other starches like dextrin from corn. It's the same substance used in many common food products.
Are there calories in self-sealing envelopes? Self-sealing envelopes use a different type of adhesive that does not require moisture from your tongue to activate. This type of adhesive is often based on synthetic materials and contains no calories.
Can you get sick from licking too many envelopes? While the adhesives are safe, it's possible to transfer bacteria from the envelope's surface to your mouth, especially when dealing with large volumes. However, the risk of serious illness is minuscule.
Do British stamps have more calories than U.S. stamps? Historically, some reports have suggested British stamps may have had a higher caloric count per lick, but the use of self-adhesive stamps is now common and eliminates the need for licking.
Is the adhesive on envelopes vegan? Yes, the adhesive is almost always plant-based, derived from materials like gum arabic or starch, and is therefore suitable for vegans.
Citations
The Improbable Endurance of the Lickable Envelope. Atlas Obscura. Retrieved from https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/licking-envelopes-endurance Bride Says She Consumed 1,000 Calories Licking Save-the.... People.com. Retrieved from https://people.com/bride-to-be-says-she-consumed-thousand-calories-licking-wedding-invitation-envelopes-8664247 What Are The Health Implications of Licking Envelopes?. Letter Jacket Envelopes. Retrieved from https://letterjacketenvelopes.com/blog/what-are-the-health-implications-of-licking-envelopes/ What's in the glue that seals envelopes?. How It Works Daily. Retrieved from https://www.howitworksdaily.com/question-of-the-day-whats-in-the-glue-that-seals-envelopes/ How to Seal Envelopes Without Licking: Advice and Alternatives. The Knot. Retrieved from https://www.theknot.com/content/how-to-avoid-licking-envelopes Envelope Adhesives: Why We're Still Licking. Tedium.co. Retrieved from https://tedium.co/2017/04/11/envelope-adhesives-licking-history/ Gum arabic. Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gum_arabic WATCH | Good Question: Is it safe to lick the glue on any new.... Youtube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoLPuUPeFjU Envelope Glues. Intercol Adhesives. Retrieved from http://adhesives.intercol.eu/en/envelope-gluing/ Bride claims she consumed 1000 calories licking her invitation.... Independent.co.uk. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/bride-invitation-envelopes-calories-tiktok-b2564664.html Why Is Licking Envelopes Still a Thing?. VICE. Retrieved from https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-is-licking-envelopes-still-a-thing/ What Are The Health Implications of Licking Envelopes?. Letter Jacket Envelopes. Retrieved from https://letterjacketenvelopes.com/blog/what-are-the-health-implications-of-licking-envelopes/ Bride Says She Consumed 1,000 Calories Licking Save-the.... People.com. Retrieved from https://people.com/bride-to-be-says-she-consumed-thousand-calories-licking-wedding-invitation-envelopes-8664247 What Are The Health Implications of Licking Envelopes?. Letter Jacket Envelopes. Retrieved from https://letterjacketenvelopes.com/blog/what-are-the-health-implications-of-licking-envelopes/ The Improbable Endurance of the Lickable Envelope. Atlas Obscura. Retrieved from https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/licking-envelopes-endurance The Improbable Endurance of the Lickable Envelope. Atlas Obscura. Retrieved from https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/licking-envelopes-endurance Envelope Adhesives: Why We're Still Licking. Tedium.co. Retrieved from https://tedium.co/2017/04/11/envelope-adhesives-licking-history/ 3 Myths about Envelope Gum: Is it Safe to Lick Envelopes. Tension. Retrieved from https://www.tension.com/blogs/3-myths-about-envelope-gum/ How to Seal Envelopes Without Licking: Advice and Alternatives. The Knot. Retrieved from https://www.theknot.com/content/how-to-avoid-licking-envelopes Why Is Licking Envelopes Still a Thing?. VICE. Retrieved from https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-is-licking-envelopes-still-a-thing/ How to Seal Envelopes Without Licking: Advice and Alternatives. The Knot. Retrieved from https://www.theknot.com/content/how-to-avoid-licking-envelopes What's in the glue that seals envelopes?. How It Works Daily. Retrieved from https://www.howitworksdaily.com/question-of-the-day-whats-in-the-glue-that-seals-envelopes/ Envelope Adhesives: Why We're Still Licking. Tedium.co. Retrieved from https://tedium.co/2017/04/11/envelope-adhesives-licking-history/.
