The negligible calories in envelope glue
Licking a standard envelope is an act that consumes a minuscule amount of calories, so small it is virtually irrelevant to any dietary intake. The caloric value depends largely on the type of adhesive used, with common ingredients like gum arabic or dextrin being the primary components. Gum arabic, for instance, is a natural, edible product derived from acacia trees and is often found in food products like hard candy. A U.S. envelope, according to data referenced by outlets like People Magazine and Atlas Obscura, contains about one-tenth of a single calorie per lick. Even with larger, ceremonial envelopes, the calorie count remains insignificant for most people.
The composition of envelope adhesive
Modern envelope adhesives are food-grade and non-toxic, a fact that debunks urban legends and myths popularized in pop culture, such as the famous episode of Seinfeld. The main components are typically either gum arabic or dextrin, a carbohydrate derived from starches. This means the energy you consume is purely from carbohydrate sugars, but the quantity is so small that it is virtually nil. For someone looking to lose or maintain weight, the caloric impact of licking thousands of envelopes would still be less than a single, small snack. The ingredients are closely monitored by regulatory bodies like the FDA to ensure safety for consumer contact, even for those with certain allergies like gluten.
Comparing envelope calories across countries
Interestingly, the number of calories in a single lick can vary based on the postal system and the specific adhesive used. While a U.S. envelope provides a fraction of a calorie, older data cited by The Guardian noted that British stamps could contain more, with some estimates reaching several calories per lick. These variations are a testament to the different manufacturing processes and materials used globally. However, the modern trend toward self-adhesive envelopes and stamps, which use a peel-and-stick method, has made the practice of licking them far less common.
A comparative look at envelope calories
| Feature | United States Envelope | United Kingdom Stamp (Older Data) |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive Type | Gum Arabic / Dextrin | Older adhesive formulations |
| Calories per Lick | Approx. 0.1 calories | 5.9 to 14.5 calories (varies) |
| Caloric Significance | Insignificant | Insignificant for most people |
| Primary Composition | Carbohydrates | Carbohydrates |
| Health Risk | Non-toxic, negligible risk | Non-toxic, negligible risk |
The vanishing act of the lickable envelope
The rise of alternative sealing methods has led to the decline of the traditional lick-to-seal envelope. Today, many envelopes are self-adhesive, and even stamps are often peel-and-stick. For those who still encounter the lickable variety, there are many safe alternatives, such as using a moist sponge or wetting stick, which can also be more hygienic. For individuals sealing hundreds of envelopes at once, these alternatives can help avoid the cumulative effects of ingesting large quantities of the adhesive, which could potentially cause minor digestive issues, though no significant health risk is present. The shift away from licking also eliminates the small risk of paper cuts to the tongue, an unpleasant but harmless possibility.
Dispelling the myths
Beyond the calorie myth, several other unfounded urban legends surround licking envelopes. One common concern is the risk of contracting diseases. Experts confirm that viruses and bacteria would not likely survive the conditions long enough to be transmitted to a recipient via the mail. The notion of toxic glue, as parodied on Seinfeld, has no basis in reality, as modern production standards ensure safety. In fact, some postage adhesives have been made from non-animal products for years, with some even being certified Kosher.
Conclusion: A truly insignificant amount
To conclude, the number of calories in a single lick of an envelope is so small it is not worth considering in any diet. The adhesive is made from non-toxic, food-grade materials like gum arabic or dextrin, which are safe for human contact and consumption in such small amounts. While some regional variations exist, the overall impact is negligible. For those concerned about hygiene or simply dislike the taste, alternatives are readily available. So next time you have a stack of cards to mail, you can rest assured that your calorie count will remain unaffected, and your health is not at risk.
If you are interested in the history of postal services and their adhesives, you can find more information at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in envelope glue?
The main ingredients in most modern, lickable envelope adhesives are food-grade substances like gum arabic (derived from acacia tree sap) or dextrin (a carbohydrate from starch).
Is it safe to lick an envelope?
Yes, it is generally considered safe to lick an envelope. The ingredients are non-toxic and monitored by health agencies like the FDA.
Can you gain weight from licking many envelopes?
No, it is highly unlikely you could gain weight. The caloric content is so minimal (around 0.1 calories per lick for a U.S. envelope) that you would need to lick tens of thousands of envelopes to consume a significant number of calories.
What are the risks of licking envelopes?
The risks are minimal. The most common minor risk is a paper cut to the tongue. While some people may experience mild irritation from the adhesive in excess, the ingredients are not considered harmful.
What about the urban legend of a person dying from licking envelopes?
The urban legend of a person dying from toxic envelope glue, famously depicted on the sitcom Seinfeld, is entirely untrue. There are no recorded cases of this happening.
Are there any hygienic concerns with licking envelopes?
While it is safe, some people prefer to use alternatives due to hygienic reasons, just as with any public item. Using a moist sponge or wetting stick is a perfectly acceptable alternative.
Have envelope glues changed over time?
Yes, they have evolved. In the past, some formulations may have had different properties, but modern, water-activated adhesives are non-toxic and often vegan. Many envelopes today are also self-adhesive.
Conclusion
The calorie count for licking an envelope is truly negligible, a small fraction of a single calorie per lick. This is because the adhesives used are made from non-toxic, food-grade materials such as gum arabic or dextrin. While minor variations exist depending on the country or adhesive type, the overall impact is insignificant. For those with concerns about hygiene, or those dealing with large quantities of mail, alternatives like moistening sticks are readily available. The myths about dangerous or calorie-laden envelope glue are just that—myths. The modern envelope is both safe and, from a nutritional perspective, a non-factor.
