Which chewing gum does not contain microplastics? A guide to natural, plastic-free alternatives

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to recent studies, conventional chewing gum could release thousands of microplastics into your saliva with every piece you chew. This raises significant environmental and health concerns for consumers unknowingly chewing on plastic. So, which chewing gum does not contain microplastics? Fortunately, many brands offer natural, biodegradable alternatives.

Quick Summary

This guide identifies several major brands of chewing gum made with natural, plant-based ingredients like chicle, avoiding the synthetic plastic polymers found in conventional gum bases. It explains how to spot these eco-friendly, microplastic-free options.

Key Points

Hidden Plastics: Most conventional chewing gum contains a synthetic, petroleum-based plastic known as 'gum base'.
Microplastic Release: Chewing conventional gum can release thousands of microplastics, which can be ingested and contribute to both personal and environmental pollution.
Natural Base: Plastic-free chewing gums are made with natural, plant-based ingredients, most commonly chicle, a tree sap harvested sustainably from the sapodilla tree.
Identifying Natural Gum: To find microplastic-free gum, look for brands that list their specific natural gum base ingredients (e.g., chicle) and avoid those listing only a generic "gum base".
Featured Brands: Leading microplastic-free brands include Simply Gum, Glee Gum, True Gum, Chewsy, Chicza, Nuud, and Gud Gum, many of which also avoid artificial sweeteners.

The Hidden Plastic in Conventional Chewing Gum

Most people are unaware that conventional chewing gum contains plastic. The ingredient label often lists a vague "gum base," which typically hides a cocktail of synthetic polymers, elastomers, and resins derived from petroleum. These are the same materials used to make plastic bottles and car tires. When you chew, these materials break down and are ingested, releasing microplastics into your body. Beyond the potential health risks, this plastic base is non-biodegradable, meaning discarded gum contributes to long-term litter and pollution.

The Natural Alternative: Chicle and Plant-Based Gum Bases

For those seeking an alternative, the answer lies in returning to chewing gum's roots. Historically, gum was made from natural tree saps, most famously chicle, derived from the sapodilla tree in Central America. Today, many eco-conscious brands have revived this ancient practice, using sustainably harvested tree sap or other natural, plant-based ingredients to create their gum base.

Brands that use natural gum bases often highlight this on their packaging, replacing the ambiguous "gum base" with specific ingredients like chicle or mastic resin. These natural alternatives are not only microplastic-free but are also typically biodegradable and free from other synthetic additives like artificial sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives.

Brands That Do Not Contain Microplastics

Here is a list of trusted brands that offer microplastic-free chewing gum:

Glee Gum: This brand is a pioneer in the natural gum space, using chicle from the sapodilla tree as its base. It's also non-GMO project verified and available in sugar-free versions sweetened with xylitol.
Simply Gum: Founded on the principle of simple, natural ingredients, Simply Gum uses a chicle base and avoids synthetic plastic, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. It is vegan, biodegradable, and made in the USA.
True Gum: Hailing from Denmark, this vegan and palm-oil-free gum uses chicle from sustainably harvested tree sap. It is sweetened with plant-based sweeteners like xylitol and stevia, and all ingredients are natural.
Chewsy: This plant-based, plastic-free gum is made in the UK with a chicle base. It is sugar-free, sweetened with 100% xylitol, and avoids aspartame and artificial flavors.
Chicza: An organic and traditional Mayan rainforest chewing gum, Chicza is made with 100% chicle harvested from the sapodilla tree. It is certified organic, biodegradable, and supports the local communities involved in harvesting.
Nuud: A British brand, Nuud proudly declares itself plastic-free, using a sustainably harvested tree sap base. It is biodegradable and compostable, with its mission to chew plants, not plastic.
Gud Gum: India's first 100% plastic-free chewing gum, Gud Gum is handmade with real chicle and natural flavors. It is also vegan, sugar-free, and biodegradable.

How to Identify Plastic-Free Gum

When shopping for chewing gum, you can easily identify a plastic-free option by checking the ingredient list. Look for these key indicators:

Avoid "Gum Base": A generic "gum base" listed as an ingredient is a strong indicator of a synthetic, plastic-containing product.
Look for Natural Bases: Search for products that explicitly mention their base ingredients, such as "chicle," "mastic resin," or "natural gum base".
Check Certifications: Many natural gum brands proudly display certifications like "plastic-free," "biodegradable," or "vegan" on their packaging.
Research the Brand: If you're still unsure, a quick online search for the brand can confirm its commitment to natural, plastic-free ingredients.

Natural Gum Comparison Table


Brand	Gum Base	Sweetener(s)	Key Features	Market Region
Simply Gum	Chicle	Raw Cane Sugar or Xylitol	Vegan, Non-GMO, Handmade, Biodegradable	USA
Glee Gum	Chicle	Cane Sugar or Xylitol	Non-GMO, Vegan Options, Biodegradable	USA
True Gum	Chicle	Xylitol, Stevia	Vegan, Palm Oil Free, Made in Denmark	EU
Chewsy	Chicle	Xylitol	Plant-based, Aspartame-free, Biodegradable	UK
Chicza	100% Organic Chicle	Natural Sweeteners	Certified Organic, Rainforest Sustainable, Vegan	Global
Nuud	Tree Sap	Xylitol	Oral Health Foundation Approved, Vegan, Compostable	UK
Gud Gum	Chicle	Xylitol	Handmade, Vegan, Biodegradable, Plastic-Free Packaging	India

Conclusion

Choosing which chewing gum does not contain microplastics is a simple and powerful step towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. By opting for brands that utilize natural ingredients like chicle instead of petroleum-based polymers, you can significantly reduce your personal microplastic exposure and support companies that prioritize environmental well-being. The rise of these plastic-free alternatives demonstrates a growing consumer demand for transparency and quality, proving that you can still enjoy a fresh chewing experience without the hidden plastics. The next time you reach for gum, check the label and make a conscious choice for your health and the planet. For more detailed information on natural gum production, see this Wikipedia entry on chicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check the ingredients list. If it simply says "gum base," it is highly likely to contain synthetic, petroleum-based plastics. Look for products that explicitly mention a natural base like "chicle" or "mastic resin".

Plastic-free chewing gum uses a natural, plant-based gum base. The most common source is chicle, a natural latex harvested from the sapodilla tree in Central America. Other natural resins and waxes are also used.

The long-term effects of microplastic exposure are still not fully understood. However, emerging evidence suggests potential health harms, making plastic-free alternatives a safer choice.

The chewing experience can vary between brands. While some natural gums have a slightly different texture or flavor duration compared to their synthetic counterparts, brands like Glee Gum and Simply Gum offer a comparable and satisfying chew.

Many plastic-free gum brands are also vegan, using only plant-based ingredients and no animal by-products. For instance, Simply Gum, True Gum, and Gud Gum are all vegan.

Yes, because they are made from natural tree sap and plant-based ingredients, microplastic-free gums like Chicza and Nuud are fully biodegradable. This is a major advantage over conventional gum, which is a significant environmental pollutant.

Many natural and organic food stores, health food chains, and online retailers stock these products. Brands like Simply Gum and Chewsy are widely available through Amazon and other e-commerce platforms.