Tag: Animal products in gum

Chewing gum is not inherently non-vegetarian, but the presence of animal-derived ingredients can complicate things. The central element, the gum base, is typically made of synthetic rubber or resins, but other additives like softeners and coatings can sometimes be sourced from animals. This means a vegetarian must always check the label, as not all gums are safe to chew.

Over 300,000 metric tons of gelatin are produced globally each year, and this animal-derived ingredient is just one of several answers to what animal products are in gum. For those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, it can be surprising to find that a seemingly simple product contains hidden components sourced from animals.

Many people assume all chewing gum is plant-based, but a significant portion of mainstream brands contain hidden animal products. These non-vegan ingredients, such as gelatin from bones and lanolin from sheep's wool, are used for texture and gloss, explaining why is some gum not vegan.