Is Simply Gum Gluten-Free? A Guide for Your Nutrition Diet

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating even the smallest purchases requires vigilance, as over 3 million Americans follow a gluten-free diet. This raises a critical question for gum chewers: Is Simply Gum gluten-free? The answer is yes for most flavors, but with one important exception.

Quick Summary

All Simply Gum flavors, except for the Maple variety, are gluten-free and made with natural ingredients like chicle. This is a crucial detail for anyone managing celiac disease or a gluten-sensitive diet.

Key Points

Mostly Gluten-Free: All Simply Gum flavors are gluten-free, with the sole exception of the Maple variety.
Avoid the Maple Flavor: The Maple flavor contains a gluten-risk ingredient and should be avoided by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Natural Ingredients: Simply Gum uses a natural chicle base instead of synthetic plastic and avoids artificial additives in its other flavors.
Crucial for Celiac Disease: For those with celiac, even small amounts of gluten ingested from gum can be an issue, making ingredient checks vital.
Check All Labels: The presence of hidden gluten in gum and other processed foods means it is essential to read labels carefully, regardless of the brand.
Alternative Brands Exist: Other gluten-free gum options include PÜR Gum, Glee Gum, and specific Trident varieties.

Simply Gum's Gluten Status: The Crucial Exception

For individuals following a strict gluten-free diet, Simply Gum offers a refreshing and transparent option for most of its product line. The company clearly states in its FAQ that all flavors of its chewing gum are gluten-free, except for the Maple variety. This exception is a critical detail for anyone with celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance, as consuming even a trace amount can cause an adverse reaction. The company provides clear allergen information, confirming that their gum is generally wheat-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free across the board.

For most flavors like Peppermint, Spearmint, and Ginger, the ingredients pose no gluten risk. However, it is always best practice to check the packaging of any specific flavor to ensure it meets your dietary needs, especially if you have a high sensitivity. For instance, the Maple flavor contains an ingredient that could contain gluten depending on the source, prompting extra caution.

The Importance of a Natural, Plastic-Free Base

Beyond being gluten-free, Simply Gum stands out from many conventional brands due to its ingredients. The gum is made with a natural chicle base, a tree sap sourced from Central America, rather than the synthetic plastic base found in many mainstream chewing gums. This commitment to natural ingredients means Simply Gum also avoids artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners like aspartame. Its ingredients list for a standard flavor, like mint, is simple and pronounceable:

Organic Raw Cane Sugar
Natural Chicle Base (chicle, candelilla wax, citrus acid)
Natural Flavor (e.g., Peppermint Oil)
Organic Vegetable Glycerin
Organic Rice Flour

This simple composition appeals to those seeking cleaner labels and fewer additives in their diet, aligning with broader nutritional goals of avoiding highly processed foods.

Hidden Gluten in Chewing Gum

While Simply Gum is transparent about its ingredients, many conventional chewing gums can be a source of hidden gluten. It is a common misconception that because gum is not swallowed, it poses no risk. However, flavorings and other ingredients can contain gluten, and some people may accidentally ingest small amounts. Potential sources of hidden gluten in conventional chewing gums include:

Glucose Syrup: If derived from wheat, this syrup contains gluten, although the refining process can reduce the amount. The source must be verified.
Flavorings: Some proprietary flavor blends may contain hidden gluten, though this is less common today.
Cross-Contamination: As with any processed food, there is a risk of cross-contamination if the gum is manufactured in a facility that also processes gluten-containing products.

For those with celiac disease, checking every single product for allergens is a necessary safety measure, and chewing gum is no exception.

Simply Gum vs. Other Gluten-Free Chewing Gums: A Comparison

For those on a gluten-free diet, Simply Gum is one of several viable options. Here is a comparison of Simply Gum with other popular gluten-free chewing gum brands.


Feature	Simply Gum	PÜR Gum	Glee Gum	Trident (most)
Gluten Status	Gluten-Free (all but Maple)	Certified Gluten-Free	Certified Gluten-Free	Labeled Gluten-Free
Vegan	Yes	Yes	Yes (Classic & Sugar-Free)	No (contains gelatin)
Natural Gum Base	Yes (Chicle)	Yes (Xylitol from Birch)	Yes (Chicle)	No (Synthetic)
Sugar-Free Options	Yes (Xylitol-sweetened)	Yes (Xylitol-sweetened)	Yes (Xylitol-sweetened)	Yes (Artificial sweeteners)
Artificial Ingredients	No	No	No	Yes (e.g., Sorbitol, Aspartame)

Reading Labels and Staying Vigilant

For consumers with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, reading labels is non-negotiable. Here are some pointers to ensure you make safe choices:

Look for 'Gluten-Free' Labeling: Products labeled as such in the U.S. contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is a safe level for most with celiac disease.
Check Allergen Statements: Always check for an explicit 'Contains: Wheat' statement. The U.S. FDA requires that wheat be listed as a top allergen.
Recognize Hidden Sources: Be aware that ingredients like "natural flavorings" or certain syrups can sometimes contain gluten if the source is not specified.
Inspect 'May Contain' Warnings: Phrases like "may contain traces of gluten" indicate a risk of cross-contamination and should be avoided by highly sensitive individuals.

The Broader Context of a Gluten-Free Diet

Making informed choices about chewing gum is just one small part of a larger commitment to a gluten-free lifestyle. This diet extends to all processed foods, sauces, condiments, and even personal care products. Choosing natural options like Simply Gum, which has a clear and transparent ingredient list, aligns with a more holistic nutritional approach that prioritizes whole, recognizable ingredients. A focus on whole foods, fresh produce, and verifying processed products is the most reliable strategy for maintaining a gluten-free diet and overall wellness.

Conclusion

In summary, is Simply Gum gluten-free? The answer is yes, with the specific and important exception of the Maple flavor. For those seeking a clean, natural, and gluten-free gum, most Simply Gum flavors are a reliable choice due to their transparent, plastic-free ingredient list. However, the key takeaway is that reading labels is crucial, even for seemingly harmless products like chewing gum, to avoid hidden gluten and ensure your nutrition diet remains on track.

Visit the Simply Gum FAQ page for official ingredient details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Maple variety is the only flavor of Simply Gum that is not considered gluten-free. All other flavors are safe for those avoiding gluten.

While Simply Gum states its products are gluten-free (with the maple exception), they are not officially certified by an external organization. The company does specify a list of allergens on its website.

Some conventional chewing gums can contain glucose syrup sourced from wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients in flavorings. They may also be processed in facilities with a risk of cross-contamination.

Yes, all Simply Gum flavors except the Maple variety are considered safe for people with celiac disease. However, as with all packaged goods, always check the specific product label and avoid the Maple flavor.

Yes, Simply Gum is made with natural, plant-based ingredients and a chicle tree sap base, avoiding synthetic plastic, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, and other additives.

Yes, Simply Gum products are vegan. They use a natural, plant-based chicle base and are also certified non-GMO and kosher.

Other brands that offer gluten-free gum include PÜR Gum, Glee Gum, and most varieties of Trident. Always read labels to confirm, as formulations can change.

If you are highly sensitive, it is best to stick to products with a certified gluten-free label. For Simply Gum, carefully read the ingredient list for the specific flavor you are purchasing and avoid the Maple variety entirely.