What are the ingredients in Ice Breakers gum?

November 1, 2025 •

2 min read

According to manufacturers and ingredient labels, most Ice Breakers gum varieties are sugar-free and rely on a blend of polyols and high-intensity sweeteners to achieve their flavor. This detailed breakdown reveals exactly what goes into the popular brand of chewing gum, addressing common queries about its composition and additives.

Quick Summary

Ice Breakers gum contains a mix of sweeteners like xylitol, maltitol, and aspartame, a synthetic gum base, and various additives such as artificial flavors, colors, and the antioxidant BHT. Soy lecithin is often included as an emulsifier. Specific ingredients can vary slightly by flavor and product line, so label verification is recommended for precise information.

Key Points

Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Ice Breakers gum primarily uses a blend of sugar alcohols, such as xylitol and maltitol, and intense artificial sweeteners like aspartame and Ace-K, to achieve its sweetness without sugar.
Complex Gum Base: The chewable part of the gum is a complex, proprietary blend of synthetic rubbers (elastomers), resins, and waxes that provide texture and elasticity.
Emulsifier: Soy lecithin is used to ensure a consistent, uniform texture and is a key allergen for those with soy sensitivities.
Flavor and Color Additives: Each flavor contains a combination of natural and artificial flavors, along with specific artificial colors like Red 40 and Blue 1, which vary by product.
Preservative: The antioxidant BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is added to maintain freshness and prolong the gum's shelf life.
Label Information is Crucial: Due to variations across flavors and product lines, checking the specific ingredient list on the product packaging is the most reliable way to confirm ingredients.

A Closer Look at the Main Components

Ice Breakers gum is primarily a sugar-free product, using a variety of sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners instead of sucrose. It also contains a gum base and several additives.

Sweeteners and Flavoring Agents

Ice Breakers gum uses a blend of sweetening agents to deliver a lasting, sugar-free taste. These include:

Xylitol: Often listed first, this sugar alcohol is known for dental benefits and inhibiting cavity-causing bacteria.
Maltitol and Mannitol: Other sugar alcohols (polyols) contributing sweetness and texture.
Aspartame and Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): High-intensity artificial sweeteners used in small quantities, providing quick sweetness and enhancing stability. Aspartame requires a warning for phenylketonurics.
Neotame and Sucralose: Additional high-potency sweeteners in some varieties.
Natural and Artificial Flavors: Used to create specific flavor profiles like spearmint or fruit.

The Gum Base

The gum base is the non-edible, chewy part of the gum, providing its elastic texture. Its exact composition is proprietary but includes synthetic and natural components, such as:

Elastomers: Synthetic rubbers for elasticity.
Resins: Help bind ingredients.
Waxes: Contribute to softness.

Conditioners and Preservatives

Other ingredients help maintain texture and freshness:

Lecithin (Soy): An emulsifier and softener preventing hardening. A soy blend is common.
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): An antioxidant maintaining freshness.
Maltodextrin: Acts as a flavor carrier and aids texture.
Gelatin: Used in some formulas for texture.

Comparison of Flavor Variations

Ingredient lists vary slightly between flavors, particularly in colors and acids.


Ingredient Category	Bubble Breeze (Example)	Raspberry Sorbet (Example)	Spearmint (Example)
Primary Sweeteners	Xylitol, Maltitol Syrup	Xylitol, Maltitol, Mannitol	Xylitol, Maltitol Syrup, Mannitol
Acidifiers	None Listed	Malic Acid, Citric Acid	None Listed
Artificial Colors	Red 40 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 1	Red 40 Lake, Red 40, Blue 1	Blue 1 Lake, Blue 1, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5
Added Polyols	Mannitol, Maltitol	Mannitol, Sorbitol	Mannitol, Sorbitol
Emulsifier	Lecithin (Soy)	Lecithin (Soy)	Lecithin (Soy)
Preservative	BHT	BHT	BHT

Potential Health and Allergen Considerations

While generally safe, some ingredients may affect certain individuals.

Sugar Alcohols: Excessive consumption can cause a laxative effect.
Aspartame: Phenylketonurics must monitor intake due to phenylalanine content.
Soy Lecithin: An allergen derived from soy, disclosed on packaging.
Artificial Colors: May be a concern for some consumers.

Conclusion

Ice Breakers gum contains a blend of sugar alcohols like xylitol and maltitol, and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame potassium. The chewable base is proprietary, and additives like soy lecithin and BHT serve functions for texture and shelf life. Variations exist between flavors, so consumers with allergies or dietary needs should check product labels.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Ice Breakers gum is a sugar-free product. It uses a combination of sugar alcohols (polyols) like xylitol and maltitol, along with high-intensity artificial sweeteners, to provide its sweetness.

The ingredient list typically shows xylitol as the first ingredient, meaning it is the most prominent sweetener by weight. It is often combined with other sugar alcohols and intense sweeteners.

While not all packages carry a warning, the sugar alcohols in Ice Breakers gum, especially when consumed in large quantities, can have a laxative effect for some people. This is a common property of polyols like xylitol and maltitol.

'Gum base' is the non-edible foundation of chewing gum. Its specific formula is proprietary, but it generally consists of a blend of synthetic rubbers (elastomers), resins, and waxes that provide chewiness.

Yes, many varieties of Ice Breakers gum include gelatin in their ingredients list. It is used to help with the gum's texture and consistency.

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is an antioxidant preservative used to keep the gum fresh. Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) is a calorie-free, high-intensity sweetener used to enhance and prolong the gum's sweetness.

Yes, most varieties of Ice Breakers gum contain soy lecithin, which is an allergen for individuals with soy sensitivity. The packaging is required to disclose this allergen.