The Promise of Plastic-Free Gum
For years, Simply Gum has built its brand on a core promise: creating a truly natural, plastic-free chewing gum. Unlike most conventional gums, which list vague "gum base" ingredients that can hide synthetic plastics like polyvinyl acetate, Simply Gum proudly states its use of chicle. Chicle is a sustainable, natural tree sap harvested primarily in Central America, historically used as the foundation for chewing gum. The company's website clearly states its gum is "MADE OF TREE SAP, NOT PLASTIC" and details the synthetic substances, like polyisobutylene and butylated hydroxytoluene, that are deliberately excluded from their recipe. This transparent approach has earned Simply Gum a loyal following among health-conscious and eco-minded consumers seeking a cleaner, more natural alternative.
The Shifting Landscape: A 2025 Pilot Study
While Simply Gum's recipe remains synthetic plastic-free, a 2025 pilot study presented at the American Chemical Society challenged the notion that any gum can be entirely microplastic-free during chewing. Researchers at UCLA tested both five natural and five conventional gum brands and found that chewing released hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles into the saliva for all samples. The most surprising finding was that the natural gums and synthetic gums released similar amounts of microplastics. Polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalates (PET), and polystyrenes—common plastics—were detected in both groups. The study concluded that the vigorous, abrasive action of chewing, rather than chemical breakdown by saliva, was the primary mechanism for microplastic release. After just eight minutes of chewing, 94% of the microplastic particles detected had been released. This suggests that the issue is not simply the intentional addition of plastic, but the wear and tear of the gum base itself.
Potential Sources in "Natural" Gum
So, if Simply Gum uses natural chicle, where do the microplastics come from? The researchers were initially perplexed by this finding. One theory is that natural polymers like the polyisoprene in chicle itself can behave like a naturally occurring plastic and shed particles under stress. Other potential sources include environmental contamination during harvesting or processing, or contamination from packaging. For instance, polyethylene—a common packaging material—was one of the plastics found in the chewed gums. Until more research is conducted, the exact source of microplastics in natural gums is not definitively known, but the evidence points to it being a widespread issue affecting all chewed gum.
Simply Gum vs. Conventional Gum
| Feature | Simply Gum (Natural) | Conventional Gum |
|---|---|---|
| Gum Base | Natural chicle (tree sap) | Synthetic polymers (e.g., polyvinyl acetate) |
| Microplastic Release | Observed in a 2025 study during chewing | Observed in a 2025 study during chewing |
| Advertised as Plastic-Free | Yes, specifically referencing synthetic plastic | No, synthetic gum base is used |
| Artificial Ingredients | None listed; uses natural flavors and oils | Often contains artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors |
| Primary Appeal | Transparency, natural ingredients, health-conscious | Stronger flavor, more robust chew, typically less expensive |
What This Means for Consumers
For consumers, these findings introduce nuance to the idea of "plastic-free" gum. While Simply Gum is clearly a better choice than conventional gum due to its natural base and avoidance of artificial additives, it doesn't offer a 100% guarantee against microplastic exposure from the chewing process itself. The pilot study's findings are a starting point, not the final word, and experts emphasize the need for more research to fully understand the health implications.
If minimizing microplastic ingestion from gum is a priority, researchers suggested a practical approach: chew one piece for a longer period rather than chewing multiple pieces throughout the day, as most of the particles shed in the first several minutes. It’s also wise to remember that gum is just one of many sources of microplastics in our environment. Broader actions, like reducing overall plastic use, remain crucial for limiting exposure. Ultimately, Simply Gum's commitment to avoiding synthetic plastic still makes it a preferable option compared to conventional alternatives containing known synthetic polymers.
How to Assess Your Gum's Ingredients
It's notoriously difficult for consumers to know the exact composition of their gum. For conventional gums, the term "gum base" on the ingredients list is often a black box, hiding a mix of synthetic substances. This lack of transparency is a key reason why brands like Simply Gum stand out, as they explicitly name their chicle base. The recent findings highlight the need for greater transparency across the industry so consumers can make more informed choices.
For more detailed information on the pilot study and its findings, consult the American Chemical Society's press release from March 2025.
Conclusion: Navigating the Microplastic Question with Simply Gum
Does Simply Gum contain microplastics? The simple answer is no, in the sense that it doesn't contain intentionally added synthetic plastics like conventional gums. However, the more complex answer, revealed by recent pilot research, is that chewing any gum, including natural chicle-based gum like Simply Gum, may result in the release of microplastic particles from the physical abrasion. This does not diminish Simply Gum's position as a cleaner, more natural alternative, but it redefines the nature of the "plastic-free" claim. For consumers, it is important to understand that microplastic exposure is a broader environmental issue, and while Simply Gum removes synthetic plastics from the ingredient list, the physical act of chewing introduces another, smaller layer of complexity.
