Which chewing gum is plastic free? Your guide to sustainable chewing

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 100,000 tons of chewing gum end up as plastic waste on streets and grounds every year, with most conventional gums containing a synthetic plastic base. This guide explains which chewing gum is plastic free, detailing the brands and ingredients to look for to make a sustainable choice.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an overview of plastic-free chewing gum options, explaining why conventional gum contains plastic and exploring eco-friendly alternatives made from natural, biodegradable bases like chicle. It highlights notable brands, compares key features, and offers tips for making a more sustainable choice.

Key Points

Hidden Plastic: Most conventional chewing gum contains a synthetic, plastic-based gum base that does not biodegrade and contributes to pollution.
Natural Base: Plastic-free gums use natural bases like chicle (tree sap), mastic, or other plant-based resins, which are biodegradable.
Notable Brands: Several brands, including Simply Gum, Glee Gum, Chewsy, True Gum, and Chicza, produce plastic-free gum.
Look for Chicle: The best way to identify plastic-free gum is to check for a natural ingredient like "chicle" or a specifically labeled "natural gum base".
Read the Label: Avoid products with a generic "gum base" listing, which is a strong indicator of synthetic materials.
Dental Health: Many plastic-free gums use natural sweeteners like xylitol, which can promote dental health.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Support brands that also use plastic-free or recyclable packaging to minimize your environmental impact.

The Hidden Plastic in Conventional Gum

Most people are unaware that conventional chewing gum, from popular brands lining supermarket shelves, is essentially made of plastic. The ingredient list on these products often lists a generic term: "gum base." This base is a proprietary mix of synthetic polymers, including polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate, which are the same materials used to make plastic bottles, car tires, and other plastic goods. This synthetic base is not biodegradable, meaning every piece of gum ever chewed and improperly discarded still exists in some form, contributing to global plastic pollution.

Discarded gum is the second most common form of litter after cigarette butts and is incredibly expensive and time-consuming to clean up from streets and pavements. When this non-biodegradable waste ends up in landfills or waterways, it breaks down into microplastics that can enter ecosystems and food chains, harming wildlife. By choosing a plastic-free alternative, consumers can significantly reduce their environmental footprint.

The Natural Alternative: Chicle and Other Plant-Based Bases

Before the advent of synthetic plastics, chewing gum was made from natural tree sap, most notably chicle from the sapodilla tree native to Central America. Today, plastic-free brands have returned to this sustainable and biodegradable tradition. The chicle is sustainably harvested by skilled 'chicleros' who tap the trees without harming them, supporting both the environment and local communities. Other natural, plant-based gum bases are also used, such as candelilla wax and resin from the mastic tree. These natural ingredients break down easily and harmlessly in the environment, making them a much better choice for the planet.

Key Natural Gum Bases

Chicle: Derived from the sapodilla tree, this traditional gum base offers a natural, biodegradable chew. Brands like Chicza and Simply Gum use chicle.
Mastic Gum: A resin from the mastic tree of Chios Island, Greece, known for its unique flavor and hard texture.
Candelilla Wax: Used as a natural softening agent in many plant-based gum formulations.

Leading Brands of Plastic-Free Gum

Several brands are dedicated to producing delicious, sustainable, and plastic-free chewing gum. These companies prioritize natural ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and ethical sourcing.

Simply Gum: A pioneer in the natural gum market, Simply Gum uses a chicle base and is made with all-natural, non-GMO ingredients. The brand offers a variety of classic and unique flavors, often packaged in recyclable cardboard.
Glee Gum: This brand was one of the first to transition to a 100% natural, plastic-free gum base in 2015. They use chicle and other natural ingredients, offering a wide range of flavors in plastic-free packaging.
Chewsy: Based in the UK, Chewsy offers a vegan, sugar-free, and plant-based gum sweetened with xylitol for dental benefits. Its base is derived from chicle and is entirely biodegradable.
True Gum: Crafted in Denmark, this brand uses sustainably harvested chicle and plant-based sweeteners like stevia and xylitol. They also prioritize plastic-free packaging.
Chicza: This organic, biodegradable gum is sustainably harvested from the Mayan rainforest in Mexico, directly contributing to the conservation of the forest and supporting the local 'chicleros'.

Comparison Table: Plastic-Free Gum Brands


Brand	Gum Base	Sweeteners	Flavors	Packaging	Key Features
Simply Gum	Chicle	Dried Cane Juice, Natural Extracts	Mint, Cinnamon, Ginger	Recyclable Cardboard	Non-GMO, Vegan, Nut-free, Biodegradable
Glee Gum	Chicle, Calcium Carbonate	Fair-Trade Sugar, Brown Rice Syrup	Bubblegum, Peppermint, Spearmint	Recyclable Cardboard	Wide variety, Non-GMO, Fair Trade
Chewsy	Chicle, Candelilla Wax	100% Xylitol	Peppermint, Spearmint, Lemon	Recyclable Cardboard	Sugar-free, Vegan, Biodegradable
True Gum	Chicle, Natural Sap	Xylitol, Stevia	Mint, Ginger, Licorice	Recyclable Cardboard	Vegan, Aspartame-free, Palm oil-free
Chicza	Organic Chicle	Organic Agave Syrup	Mint, Lime, Berry, Cinnamon	Biodegradable Cardboard	Organic, Fair Trade, Sustainable

Making the Switch to Plastic-Free Gum

Transitioning to a plastic-free chewing gum is a simple change that has a significant positive impact on the environment. When choosing a product, it's essential to look beyond the marketing and read the ingredient list carefully. Avoid any gum with a vague "gum base" listed, as this almost always indicates the presence of synthetic plastics. Instead, seek out brands that specify a natural base, such as chicle, mastic, or other tree-based resins.

Another consideration is the use of artificial sweeteners. Many conventional sugar-free gums contain aspartame, sucralose, or sorbitol, which some consumers prefer to avoid. Natural, plastic-free alternatives often use plant-based sweeteners like xylitol and stevia, which can also offer dental health benefits. Choosing a brand that uses plastic-free packaging, such as recyclable cardboard, further enhances the eco-friendly credentials of your purchase.

For a deeper dive into sustainable practices, you might explore the benefits of switching to plastic-free products. By supporting brands committed to transparency and natural ingredients, you contribute to a cleaner planet and healthier chewing habits. The market for natural chewing gum is growing, with more brands and flavors becoming available, making it easier than ever to find a plastic-free option that suits your taste.

Conclusion

Chewing gum doesn't have to be a source of plastic pollution. By understanding the ingredients in conventional products and actively seeking out plastic-free alternatives, consumers can make a significant and positive environmental impact. Brands like Simply Gum, Glee Gum, Chewsy, True Gum, and Chicza offer excellent, natural, and biodegradable options that provide a great chew without the hidden plastic. By opting for products with a clear, plant-based gum base and eco-friendly packaging, you can enjoy fresh breath and a clean conscience, knowing you are supporting a more sustainable future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conventional chewing gum is not biodegradable because its 'gum base' is made from synthetic, petroleum-derived plastics and rubbers, such as polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate, which do not break down naturally.

The primary natural ingredient in many plastic-free gums is chicle, a natural latex sap harvested from the sapodilla tree in Central America. Other natural resins and waxes are also used.

Yes, many plastic-free gums use natural sweeteners like xylitol and stevia, which can be better for dental health than the artificial sweeteners and sugars found in conventional gums. They also lack synthetic chemicals and preservatives.

To determine if a gum is plastic-free, check the ingredients list. Look for specific terms like 'chicle' or 'natural gum base.' Avoid gums that simply list 'gum base,' as this almost always contains synthetic plastics.

Yes, plastic-free gum brands offer a wide variety of flavors, including traditional mint and fruit options, as well as unique blends like ginger, cinnamon, and berries.

Many plastic-free gum brands extend their eco-conscious values to their packaging, using recyclable or compostable cardboard boxes instead of plastic wraps and blisters.

While the chewing experience might differ slightly, most natural gums offer a satisfying chew. Some find the flavor doesn't last as long as synthetic gums, but the benefits for the environment and health outweigh this for many consumers.