The precise calorie count for a single stick
For anyone monitoring their calorie intake, chewing gum can present a question: does it contain calories? While sugar-free varieties are often assumed to be calorie-free, this is a common misconception. A single stick of Extra Polar Ice sugar-free gum officially contains 5 calories. This information is available directly on the product's nutrition facts panel, where a serving size is listed as one stick, providing 5 kcal. This is significantly less than the 7-11 calories found in older or sugared gum varieties. The key to this low number lies in the gum's composition, which relies on alternatives to traditional table sugar.
Where the calories actually come from
The 5 calories in Extra Polar Ice do not originate from sugar. Instead, they come from a class of carbohydrates known as sugar alcohols, also called polyols. The primary sugar alcohol used in Extra Polar Ice gum is Sorbitol, and the nutrition label also lists Glycerol.
- Sorbitol: This sugar alcohol is found naturally in fruits and is synthetically produced for use in food. It has approximately 2.6 calories per gram, which is about 35% fewer calories than table sugar (4 calories per gram). It also has a lower impact on blood sugar levels because it is not fully absorbed by the body.
- Glycerol: Also listed in the ingredients, Glycerol is another polyol used for its humectant properties, which helps keep the gum soft and moist.
- Gum Base and Flavors: The calorie count also includes a negligible amount from the gum base, natural and artificial flavors, and other additives.
Understanding the role of sweeteners
While sugar alcohols provide bulk and some sweetness, they are often combined with more intense, zero-calorie artificial sweeteners to achieve the desired flavor profile. Extra Polar Ice uses both Aspartame and Acesulfame K.
- Aspartame: This artificial sweetener contains 4 calories per gram, just like sugar. However, it is about 200 times sweeter, so only a tiny amount is needed. As a result, its caloric contribution to a single stick of gum is virtually zero.
- Acesulfame K: Similar to aspartame, this is a very potent, low-calorie sweetener that adds sweetness without significantly increasing the calorie count.
These intense sweeteners allow the manufacturer to provide a strong, long-lasting flavor with minimal caloric input, a key reason why sugar-free gums are so popular for people watching their weight or managing diabetes.
Comparison of gum types
To put the 5 calories of Extra Polar Ice into perspective, a comparison with other chewing gum options is useful. The low caloric density is a deliberate feature of sugar-free gum and a significant differentiator.
| Gum Type | Typical Calories Per Stick | Primary Sweetener | Dental Health Impact | Primary Calorie Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Polar Ice (Sugar-Free) | 5 | Sugar Alcohols (Sorbitol), Artificial Sweeteners | Low Risk (No sugar to feed bacteria) | Sugar Alcohols |
| Sugared Chewing Gum | 10-15 | Sugar (Sucrose, Glucose) | High Risk (Promotes tooth decay) | Sugar |
| Bubble Gum | 15-30 | Sugar (Sucrose, Glucose) | High Risk (Promotes tooth decay) | Sugar |
| Artificial Sweetener-Only Gum | ~2-5 | Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose, Saccharin) | Very Low Risk (Virtually no calories from sweeteners) | Minor additives |
This comparison highlights the advantage of sugar-free gums like Extra Polar Ice for those concerned with both calorie intake and dental health.
Implications for diet and health
While a single 5-calorie stick of gum is unlikely to have any significant impact on a person's diet, context is always important. Someone on a strict diet or following an intermittent fasting protocol may still consider even these few calories. For the average person, however, the caloric contribution is negligible. The main dietary considerations related to sugar-free gum revolve around its other ingredients.
Potential side effects of sugar alcohols
Excessive consumption of sugar alcohols, the primary source of calories in Extra Polar Ice, can lead to side effects in some individuals. Since they are incompletely absorbed by the body, they can cause digestive discomfort, including bloating, gas, and a laxative effect if consumed in large quantities. The American Diabetes Association suggests moderate use to avoid such issues.
The psychology of chewing gum
Chewing gum, particularly a strong mint flavor like Polar Ice, can serve as a mental tool for managing cravings. For some, the act of chewing and the burst of flavor can help suppress the urge to snack unnecessarily between meals. While this is not a substitute for proper nutrition, it can be a small aid in weight management efforts.
Conclusion
Extra Polar Ice gum contains just 5 calories per stick, a minimal amount that is a direct result of it being sugar-free. The calories originate from sugar alcohols like Sorbitol, which are metabolized differently and provide less energy than sugar. For most people, the caloric impact of chewing a stick or two is negligible. However, for those with specific dietary restrictions, such as intermittent fasting, or those with sensitivity to sugar alcohols, understanding the ingredients is key. Overall, Extra Polar Ice offers a low-calorie, flavorful option for freshening breath without adding significant calories to your daily intake. You can find more information on the nutritional composition of foods and sweeteners from the International Food Information Council (IFIC).
The composition of a sugar-free treat
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Ingredients: The main ingredients in Extra Polar Ice are Sorbitol, Gum Base, Glycerol, natural and artificial flavors, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, and less than 2% of Aspartame, Mannitol, Soy Lecithin, Acesulfame K, BHT (to maintain freshness), and Color (Blue 1 Lake).
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Sugar-Free: Despite containing calories, the gum is legally labeled as sugar-free because it contains no sucrose or other traditional sugars.
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Low Impact on Blood Sugar: Because the calories come from sugar alcohols, the gum has a reduced glycemic impact compared to sugared gum, making it a viable option for those monitoring their blood sugar levels.
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Long-Lasting Flavor: The combination of sugar alcohols and high-intensity sweeteners allows the gum to maintain its flavor for an extended period, providing freshness for hours.
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Dental Benefits: The sugar alcohols in Extra Polar Ice do not promote tooth decay, and some, like xylitol (though not the main polyol here), are known for their dental health benefits. This is because oral bacteria cannot metabolize sugar alcohols like they do with sugar.
