Does Gum Expire? What You Should Know
For many centuries, people have chewed gum for several reasons as part of their daily lives. While some do so purely for its attractive flavors, others chew gum for specific reasons, like stress relief, oral care, calorie management, and even removing food particles stuck between the teeth.
Though these reasons are beneficial, many people still believe chewing gum may be unhealthy. But the real question is if you buy a pack of chewing gum and leave it in a drawer or on the dressing table for a year or more, can you still chew it?
Does chewing gum expire? And is it safe to eat expired chewing gum? Read on to find out if it’s safe to chew gum that’s been left for a long time.
When Does Gum Expire?
Chewing gum doesn’t expire and is one of the most stable consumer products ever made. Due to its non-reactive nature and low moisture content, the International Chewing Gum Association declares chewing gum a very stable product.
Therefore, chewing gum often retains its original quality for a long time after production. For this reason, most countries don’t require chewing gum manufacturers to put an expiration date on their products. And though some brands, like Trident, are labeled with an expiry date, most other chewing gums aren’t.
Items usually expire due to their water content, which supports bacterial reproduction. Consequently, foods with higher moisture content promote more bacterial growth and expire faster. However, chewing gum doesn’t contain water and is very low in moisture.
Chewing gum typically contains additives, enzymes, thinners, sweeteners, and flavor-enhancing agents, which may affect its texture and flavor over time. Technically, you can say here that chewing gum does indeed expire.
Is Expired Gum Bad for You?
An expired product means that it is no longer suitable for human consumption. Chewing gums may be the exception since they typically don’t expire.
Though old gum may be less attractive and brittle, it is still edible. It will no longer have a smooth, chewy texture and break into tiny pieces of gum inside your mouth. Most times, it will end up being fragile and tasteless. Even the taste of its minty essence will change.
If the manufacturer has included an expiration date on your chewing gum, avoid eating it after it has expired. Different ingredients may have been used in manufacturing, which may harm you if ingested after expiry.
People don’t store chewing gum until it expires, only to consume it again for research. After encountering an old pack of gum, you ask yourself if you can eat it. During this time, there’s no assurance that the packing is free from dirt or other hazardous substances.
If the packing is unclean or ripped, it is deemed unsafe to eat and should be disposed of. Also, you shouldn’t chew gum if it has been contaminated due to discoloration.
What is Chewing Gum Made From?
Most manufacturers make chewing gum with gum base, flavorings, colorings, sweeteners, softeners, and preservatives. However, the gum base is the common ingredient that keeps it from expiring.
The gum base is an insoluble part of chewing gum comprising different compounds, including food-grade polymers, waxes, and softeners. It is responsible for its chewiness. Gum base and other ingredients deliver the chewing sensation and flavor you get while chewing gum.
How Long Can Chewing Gum Last?
Most chewing gums will last a long time if stored properly. The normal shelf life of chewing gum is two years, and most will survive even longer if stored at a moderate temperature and away from direct sunlight.
Chewing gum is considered exceptionally durable, owing to its composition and low moisture level. In comparison, other confectionary products may show significant differences.
How Long Does It Take for Gum to Decompose?
Though chewing gum doesn’t expire, it may decompose if kept for extended periods. So, how long can you keep chewing gum before it decomposes? And should you use gum after it has decomposed?
In most cases, the time it takes for gum to decompose depends on the packaging and storage conditions. Thus, the difference between expiration date and shelf life.
Since chewing gum contains food-grade polymer, containing hydrogen and carbon, it doesn’t decompose. This polymer guarantees the gum’s quality, purity, and consistency for an extended period, usually over five years.
Is Swallowing Chewing Gum Safe?
You should chew and not swallow chewing gum. However, swallowing moderate amounts of chewing gum isn’t harmful since our bodies can’t digest it. Instead, it passes through the digestive tract and is excreted out of the body.
But there’s a risk of blocking the digestive tract if you swallow a huge amount of chewing gum within a short period. This becomes even more severe if you swallow gum with another indigestible item, such as sunflower seeds. This problem is more often existing in children than adults.
Conclusion
You don’t need to worry about the likely effects of eating outdated chewing gums any longer. Though it may feel uncomfortable, it is safe. However, we recommend you buy a new pack of gum instead of the crumbled and tasteless old gum you had abandoned for a long time.
