What are the ingredients in Extra gum bubble gum?

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the International Chewing Gum Association, gum base is a closely regulated food additive, and its composition is key to knowing what you're chewing. We'll explore exactly what are the ingredients in Extra gum bubble gum, breaking down the synthetic components and flavor additives.

Quick Summary

Extra gum bubble gum features a synthetic gum base, bulk sweeteners like sorbitol, and high-intensity sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame K. It also contains glycerol, natural and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives like BHT.

Key Points

Synthetic Gum Base: The chewy texture of Extra bubble gum comes from a synthetic gum base, a proprietary blend of elastomers, resins, and waxes that provides elasticity.
Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Extra gum is sweetened with a combination of sugar alcohols (like sorbitol and mannitol) for bulk and artificial sweeteners (like aspartame and acesulfame K) for intense, long-lasting flavor.
Source of Phenylalanine: Because it contains aspartame, Extra gum carries a warning for phenylketonurics (PKU), advising them of the presence of phenylalanine.
Additives for Freshness and Color: Ingredients like glycerol keep the gum moist, while preservatives such as BHT maintain freshness. Food colors like Blue 1 and Red 40 give the gum its distinctive look.
Potential Laxative Effects: Excessive consumption of sugar-free gum, including Extra, can lead to a laxative effect due to the use of sugar alcohols.
Regional Ingredient Variations: The exact ingredients can differ based on the country of sale due to varying food regulations regarding additives and sweeteners.

A Closer Look at the Main Components

Extra gum's composition can be broken down into several functional categories, each providing a specific property to the chewing experience, from texture to flavor longevity. The primary components include the gum base, sweeteners, flavors, and other additives.

The Synthetic Gum Base

The chewy core of any gum, including Extra, is the gum base. Modern gum bases, unlike traditional ones made from natural chicle, are mostly synthetic. The precise composition is proprietary but generally includes food-grade synthetic polymers, resins, waxes, and emulsifiers. For bubble gum, the base has more polymers for better elasticity and bubble-blowing.

Elastomers: Polymers like polyvinyl acetate and polyethylene provide the gum's stretch.
Resins: Bind the ingredients together.
Waxes: Such as paraffin wax, keep the gum pliable.
Fats: Hydrogenated vegetable oils soften the gum.

Sweeteners: Sugar Alcohols and Artificial Compounds

As Extra is sugar-free, it uses a mix of sweeteners. Sugar alcohols provide bulk and texture, while artificial sweeteners offer intense, lasting flavor.

Primary Sweeteners:

Sorbitol: The main bulking sugar alcohol.
Mannitol and Xylitol: Other sugar alcohols that add sweetness and cooling.
Aspartame: An intense artificial sweetener, containing phenylalanine, requiring a PKU warning.
Acesulfame K: A calorie-free artificial sweetener often combined with aspartame.
Sucralose: Another intense sweetener in some Extra bubble gum versions.

Flavorings, Softeners, and Preservatives

Glycerol keeps the gum moist. Natural and artificial flavors create the bubble gum taste. BHT acts as an antioxidant to maintain freshness. Food colors like Blue 1 Lake, Red 40, and Yellow 6 provide visual appeal.

Comparison Table: Extra Gum vs. Traditional Sugar Gum


Feature	Extra Gum (Sugar-Free)	Traditional Sugar Gum
Sweeteners	Sugar alcohols (sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol) and artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame K, sucralose)	Sugar (sucrose) and/or corn syrup
Gum Base	Synthetic polymers and resins, with variants for bubble gum elasticity	Historically natural chicle, but now mostly synthetic as well
Dental Impact	Less risk of cavities, as sugar alcohols are not metabolized by oral bacteria	Increased risk of cavities due to sugar promoting bacterial growth
Calorie Count	Approximately 5 calories per stick	Higher calorie count due to sugar content
Other Additives	Contains BHT, glycerol, lecithin, food colorings	Often contains preservatives and other additives, including corn syrup
Laxative Effect	Possible with excessive consumption due to sugar alcohols	Generally no laxative effect

Ingredient Differences by Region

Extra gum ingredients can vary by country due to different food additive regulations. For example, sweetener lists may differ between US and UK versions. Colorings and antioxidants may also vary based on regional laws. Always check the packaging for the exact list.

Potential Health Considerations

While generally considered safe by regulatory bodies, some ingredients have raised concerns. Excessive sugar alcohol consumption can cause a laxative effect. Aspartame is a source of phenylalanine. BHT and some artificial colorings are controversial and have varying regulations globally. Review labels if you have specific health concerns.

Conclusion: Decoding the Label

Extra gum bubble gum is a complex product. Understanding its ingredients – the synthetic base, sugar alcohols, and artificial sweeteners – helps consumers make informed choices. The product is highly formulated for a specific chewing experience, using various food-grade components. Always check the packaging for the most accurate ingredient list and be aware of potential effects from consuming too much. For more on gum safety, consult the International Chewing Gum Association (ICGA).

ICGA

Frequently Asked Questions

Gum base is the non-nutritive, insoluble substance that provides the gum's chewy texture. In Extra gum, it is a proprietary, synthetic blend of elastomers (like polyvinyl acetate), resins, waxes, and other food-grade ingredients.

Yes, Extra gum is sugar-free. It uses a combination of sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and mannitol, along with artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame K, to achieve its sweetness without sugar.

Aspartame is a high-intensity artificial sweetener used in Extra gum to provide concentrated, calorie-free sweetness. Because it contains phenylalanine, a warning for phenylketonurics (PKU) is included on the packaging.

Ingredients used in chewing gum, including Extra, are regulated and approved for consumption in low doses by national and international food safety authorities. However, some additives like BHT and certain colorings remain controversial and have varying regulations in different regions.

Yes, excessive consumption of Extra gum can have side effects. The sugar alcohols used as sweeteners can cause a laxative effect in large quantities, and some people may experience jaw pain from frequent, prolonged chewing.

The specific colors can vary by region and formula, but for Extra bubble gum, ingredients lists commonly mention food colors such as Blue 1 Lake, Red 40, and Yellow 6 to achieve the product's color.

The vegan status of Extra gum can be ambiguous due to its proprietary gum base and other additives. While some formulations may be vegan-friendly, consumers seeking certified vegan products should check the specific packaging or contact the manufacturer for confirmation.