What is the artificial sweetener in chewing gum?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame have been approved for use in food and are commonly found in sugar-free gum. This guide explores what is the artificial sweetener in chewing gum and other popular sugar substitutes used by manufacturers to provide sweetness without sugar's calories.

Quick Summary

Many chewing gums use a blend of sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol and xylitol, and high-intensity artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose. These ingredients provide sweetness without promoting tooth decay, though some may cause digestive discomfort in large quantities.

Key Points

Sugar Alcohols: Chewing gum uses sugar alcohols (polyols) like xylitol, sorbitol, and maltitol for bulk and sweetness without promoting tooth decay.
High-Intensity Sweeteners: Tiny amounts of high-intensity artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and Acesulfame K provide powerful, calorie-free sweetness.
Dental Benefits: Xylitol is a standout, with proven benefits for oral health, including reducing plaque and inhibiting harmful bacteria.
Digestive Effects: Consuming large quantities of sugar alcohols, particularly sorbitol, can cause digestive upset like bloating and diarrhea.
Aspartame Considerations: Individuals with the rare genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame due to its phenylalanine content.
Blended Sweeteners: Manufacturers often combine sweeteners to balance taste, texture, and calorie content effectively.

Common Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar Alcohols

Sugar-free chewing gum uses a variety of sweeteners to replace sugar while keeping the flavor sweet and satisfying. These can be broadly categorized into sugar alcohols (polyols) and high-intensity artificial sweeteners. Companies often use a combination of these to achieve the desired taste profile and texture.

Sugar Alcohols (Polyols)

Sugar alcohols are carbohydrates with a chemical structure that resembles both sugar and alcohol, but they do not contain ethanol. They are incompletely absorbed by the body, which means they have fewer calories than sugar and a minimal effect on blood sugar levels.

Xylitol: Found naturally in fruits and vegetables, xylitol is as sweet as sugar but with 40% fewer calories. It is widely used in gum and has notable dental benefits. Studies show that xylitol can inhibit the growth of S. mutans, a primary bacterium associated with tooth decay, and reduce plaque. Its ability to stimulate saliva flow also helps neutralize plaque acids.
Sorbitol: This sugar alcohol is roughly 60% as sweet as sugar and is found naturally in some fruits. It is a very common bulking and sweetening agent in chewing gum. However, excessive consumption of sorbitol can lead to digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, as it is poorly absorbed.
Maltitol: About 75% as sweet as sugar, maltitol is used to provide a creamy texture in some gums and candies. Like other polyols, it can have a laxative effect if consumed in large amounts.
Mannitol: This sugar alcohol is less sweet than sorbitol and is also found in many fruits. It is often used in combination with other sweeteners.

High-Intensity Artificial Sweeteners

These are non-nutritive sweeteners that are much sweeter than sugar, so only a tiny amount is needed. They provide significant sweetness without adding any calories.

Aspartame: Composed of two amino acids (aspartic acid and phenylalanine), aspartame is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is a very common and cost-effective sweetener in many sugar-free products, including chewing gum. However, individuals with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame, as their bodies cannot properly metabolize phenylalanine. Some health controversies exist, though major health organizations have declared it safe within normal consumption limits.
Sucralose: Marketed under the brand name Splenda, sucralose is created by modifying a sucrose molecule and is about 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is heat-stable and has been approved for a wide range of food uses, including chewing gum.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Often used in conjunction with other artificial sweeteners, Ace-K is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar and is heat-stable. It is a zero-calorie sweetener that provides a clean, sweet taste.

Natural Non-Nutritive Sweeteners

In response to consumer demand for natural ingredients, some gums use plant-derived sweeteners.

Steviol Glycosides (Stevia): Derived from the leaves of the stevia plant, these compounds are 100 to 300 times sweeter than sugar. They are a calorie-free, natural option for sweetening chewing gum and are generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies.

Comparison of Common Chewing Gum Sweeteners


Feature	Xylitol	Sorbitol	Aspartame	Sucralose
Type	Sugar Alcohol	Sugar Alcohol	High-Intensity Artificial	High-Intensity Artificial
Sweetness	Equal to Sugar	~60% of Sugar	~200x Sugar	~600x Sugar
Calories	~2.4 kcal/g	~2.6 kcal/g	0	0
Dental Benefits	Proven anti-cariogenic; reduces plaque bacteria.	Non-cariogenic; does not promote decay.	Non-cariogenic; does not promote decay.	Non-cariogenic; does not promote decay.
Metabolism	Partially absorbed; slow rise in blood sugar.	Poorly absorbed; slow rise in blood sugar.	Metabolized into amino acids; avoided by PKU patients.	Not metabolized; largely excreted from body.
Digestive Effects	Can cause bloating/diarrhea in excess.	Can cause bloating/diarrhea in smaller amounts.	Safe in normal doses; minor GI issues possible.	Well-tolerated; potential for minor digestive issues.

Why are multiple sweeteners used?

Manufacturers blend different sweeteners to create a balanced flavor and mouthfeel. High-intensity sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose are incredibly sweet but lack the bulk of sugar. Sugar alcohols like sorbitol and maltitol, which are less sweet but provide bulk and a cooling sensation, are often paired with them. This strategy allows for a great-tasting, sugar-free product without excessive calories or unwanted aftertastes. For example, a combination might include a high-intensity sweetener for instant sweetness and a sugar alcohol for a longer-lasting, balanced profile.

Are artificial sweeteners safe in chewing gum?

For most people, artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols found in chewing gum are safe for consumption, particularly in the small amounts used. Regulatory bodies like the FDA rigorously review these ingredients. For instance, the FDA states that sucralose and aspartame are safe for general use. Concerns about side effects are typically linked to excessive consumption, which can lead to digestive discomfort from sugar alcohols. The only major health advisory is for individuals with PKU, who must avoid aspartame.

For more information on food additives, including sweeteners, consult authoritative resources like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Conclusion

Chewing gum relies on a variety of sweeteners to achieve its flavor without using traditional sugar. Common sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol provide bulk and a sweet taste, with xylitol offering additional dental benefits by fighting cavity-causing bacteria. High-intensity artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium are used in small amounts for powerful sweetness. While some ingredients have faced scrutiny, regulatory bodies generally consider them safe for consumption within normal limits, with the exception of specific conditions like PKU. By understanding these ingredients, consumers can make informed choices about the gum they chew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many chewing gums use a blend of sweeteners. Sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol are common for providing bulk and a mild sweetness, while high-intensity artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose are added in small amounts for a powerful, zero-calorie sweet taste.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) and is considered a sugar substitute. While it's often used in sugar-free products alongside artificial sweeteners, it is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables and is not classified in the same category as high-intensity artificial sweeteners like aspartame.

Yes, excessive consumption of sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol and mannitol, can cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This is because they are poorly absorbed by the small intestine and can have a laxative effect.

Regulatory bodies like the FDA have deemed aspartame safe for consumption within recommended limits for the general population. However, people with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid it, and some individuals may experience minor digestive issues.

Most sugar-free gums contain either artificial sweeteners (like aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame K) or sugar alcohols (like xylitol, sorbitol), or a combination of both. Some brands opt for natural non-nutritive options like stevia.

Sweeteners are combined to achieve a specific taste and texture profile. For example, blending a high-intensity sweetener (like aspartame) with a sugar alcohol (like sorbitol) can provide both intense sweetness and a pleasant bulk, mimicking the mouthfeel of sugar.

Yes, sugar alcohols like xylitol are known to promote better dental health than other sweeteners. Unlike sugar, they are not readily fermented by oral bacteria into enamel-eroding acids. Xylitol, in particular, has been shown to reduce plaque-forming bacteria.