Finding the Right Chew: What Chewing Gum Is Free of Artificial Sweeteners?

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Historians believe humans have enjoyed chewing gum for over 9,000 years, using natural tree saps and waxes long before modern, synthetic versions were invented. Today, many health-conscious consumers are asking what chewing gum is free of artificial sweeteners to avoid potentially harmful additives and to choose a more natural product.

Quick Summary

This guide explores which chewing gum brands avoid artificial sweeteners, detailing the natural alternatives they use, such as xylitol and stevia, and discussing their eco-friendly bases.

Key Points

Natural vs. Artificial Sweeteners: Many natural gums are sweetened with xylitol, stevia, or organic cane sugar, avoiding artificial additives like aspartame found in conventional products.
Oral Health Benefits: Xylitol-sweetened gum actively inhibits cavity-causing bacteria and plaque, making it a dentist-recommended option for improving oral hygiene.
Plastic-Free & Biodegradable: Brands like Glee Gum, Simply Gum, and Chicza use natural chicle from tree sap, which is biodegradable, unlike the synthetic, plastic-based gum in most mainstream products.
Diverse Brand Options: Consumers have several natural and artificial-sweetener-free gum brands to choose from, including Simply Gum, Glee Gum, PUR Gum, Chewsy, Xylichew, and Chicza.
Potential for DIY: It's possible to make your own natural chewing gum at home using simple ingredients like beeswax or chicle, honey, and essential oils.
Digestive Tolerance: While generally safe, some individuals may experience digestive issues from high xylitol intake, making stevia-sweetened options a better choice for those sensitive to sugar alcohols.

The Shift Away from Artificial Ingredients

For decades, mainstream chewing gum relied on synthetic, petroleum-based gum bases and artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose. However, a growing awareness of nutritional choices and environmental impact has driven demand for healthier, more natural alternatives. Concerns about potential side effects linked to artificial sweeteners, such as headaches, digestive issues, and cardiovascular risk factors, are a major reason for this shift. Moreover, the discovery that most conventional gum bases are essentially a form of plastic has led many to seek out biodegradable options made from natural tree sap.

Common Natural Sweeteners Used in Gum

Several natural alternatives exist for sweetening gum without artificial compounds. The most popular include:

Xylitol: A sugar alcohol found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, xylitol is derived for commercial use from birch trees or corn cobs. It has proven dental health benefits, as it actively fights cavity-causing bacteria by inhibiting their growth and reducing plaque formation. However, excessive consumption can cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea in some individuals.
Stevia: Derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, this calorie-free sweetener is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar. It does not impact blood sugar levels and is generally well-tolerated, though some people notice a slight licorice-like or metallic aftertaste.
Organic Cane Sugar and Agave Syrup: Used by some all-natural brands for a classic sweetness profile. Brands like Simply Gum and Chicza use these sweeteners in some of their formulations.

The Difference in Gum Bases: Chicle vs. Synthetic

One of the most significant differences between conventional gum and natural gum lies in the base. Traditional gum is made from a synthetic, plastic base, often including polyethylene or polyvinyl acetate. This is why conventional gum is not biodegradable and is a major source of litter. Natural gums, on the other hand, often use traditional, plant-based bases.

Chicle: A natural gum base harvested from the sap of the sapodilla tree, a tree native to Central American rainforests. Brands like Chicza and Glee Gum use sustainably harvested chicle, which supports local ecosystems and farming communities.
Beeswax: A less common but viable base for homemade or artisanal natural gums.

Popular Chewing Gum Brands Free of Artificial Sweeteners

Consumers have several excellent choices when searching for artificial sweetener-free chewing gum. Here are some of the most prominent brands:

Simply Gum: Made with natural chicle and sweetened with organic cane sugar or xylitol, this brand is known for its simple ingredients and minimalist packaging. Flavors include classic options like Mint and Coffee.
Glee Gum: One of the most well-known brands in this space, Glee Gum uses natural chicle and is available in both cane sugar and xylitol-sweetened varieties. It is non-GMO, vegan, and packaged in recycled cardboard.
PUR Gum: A popular brand that uses 100% xylitol for its sweetness. PUR Gum is also aspartame-free and vegan, catering to a wide range of dietary needs.
Chewsy: This UK-based brand offers a plant-based, plastic-free gum that is sweetened with 100% xylitol. It is aspartame-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
Xylichew: Another brand relying solely on birch xylitol for its sweetening. It is known for its minimal ingredients and natural flavors.
Chicza: The first certified organic, 100% natural, and biodegradable gum, Chicza is made from sustainably harvested chicle and sweetened with organic cane juice and agave syrup.
True Gum: A plastic-free and compostable gum sweetened with stevia and xylitol. This brand is also vegan and comes in eco-friendly packaging.

Comparison Table: Natural Chewing Gums


Feature	Simply Gum	Glee Gum	PUR Gum	Chewsy	True Gum
Sweeteners	Organic Cane Sugar / Xylitol	Cane Sugar / Xylitol	Xylitol	Xylitol / Stevia	Stevia / Xylitol
Gum Base	Natural Chicle	Natural Chicle	Not Specified (Vegan)	Natural Chicle	Natural Chicle
Plastic-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Vegan	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Biodegradable	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Standout Feature	Minimalist, handcrafted	Eco-friendly, classic	100% Xylitol	UK-based, oral care	Compostable packaging

Considerations When Choosing

When selecting a gum, consider not only the sweetener but also the gum base and other ingredients. Some brands may be "sugar-free" but contain artificial sweeteners. Be sure to check labels carefully. For oral health, xylitol-sweetened gums are often dentist-recommended due to their active role in fighting cavities. If digestive sensitivity is a concern, stevia-sweetened options may be preferable, or simply consume xylitol in moderation.

DIY: Make Your Own Natural Chewing Gum

For the ultimate control over ingredients, you can make your own gum. This simple recipe provides a fun, natural alternative:

Melt the Base: Gently melt 100g of food-grade beeswax or natural chicle in a double boiler over low heat. Stir occasionally until it becomes a thick, sticky liquid.
Add Sweetener & Flavor: Once melted, remove from heat. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup and 5-10 drops of a food-grade essential oil for flavoring (mint, lemon, or cinnamon work well). For sugar-free, use xylitol powder.
Knead: Let the mixture cool slightly until it's safe to touch. Knead it with clean hands until it becomes soft, stretchy, and smooth. This will take a few minutes.
Form & Store: Roll the gum into thin sheets and cut into small, bite-sized pieces. Allow them to cool and harden completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Conclusion

The quest to find what chewing gum is free of artificial sweeteners has led to a market rich with natural, healthier, and more eco-friendly options. By choosing brands like Simply Gum, Glee Gum, or PUR, or even making your own, you can avoid synthetic additives and plastic gum bases. These alternatives provide a satisfying chew while supporting better oral health and environmental sustainability. From natural chicle to teeth-friendly xylitol, the choices available today allow you to make a conscious, healthy decision about the gum you chew.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure. Always store xylitol gum safely away from pets and seek immediate veterinary care if a dog ingests it.

Benefits include avoiding potential side effects linked to artificial sweeteners, supporting oral health (especially with xylitol), and choosing products with natural, and often plastic-free, ingredients.

No, not all sugar-free gum contains artificial sweeteners. Many natural, sugar-free brands use alternatives like xylitol and stevia, but it's crucial to check the ingredient label carefully to be sure.

Gums made with natural chicle, like Simply Gum or Glee Gum, often have a softer, more traditional 'old-school' chew than conventional synthetic gums. The texture can vary slightly between brands.

Plastic-free gums, typically made with natural chicle, are biodegradable and compostable. This reduces plastic waste and the environmental impact of gum litter, which is a major pollutant.

While generally considered safe, some people avoid aspartame due to personal health concerns, reported side effects like headaches and mood swings, or simply a preference for fewer synthetic ingredients.

You can find these natural chewing gums at health food stores, online retailers like Amazon, and some specialty grocery stores. Brands such as Simply Gum, Glee Gum, and PUR Gum are widely available.