Introduction:
Welcome to “The Minty Showdown: Which Brand Delivers the Best Fresh Breath?” When it comes to freshening breath, finding the perfect chewing gum can make all the difference.
Mint-flavored gums have long been trusted for their ability to leave mouths feeling refreshed and breath smelling pleasant. In this blog post, we will dive into the world of minty chewing gums and explore the top contenders vying for the title of the ultimate breath freshener.
From Trident’s classic minty offerings to Extra’s range of flavors and 5 Gum’s intense freshness, we will evaluate factors such as flavor longevity, breath-freshening effectiveness, and overall chewing experience.
Join us as we uncover the winner in this minty showdown, helping you make an informed choice for a confident smile and long-lasting fresh breath.
1. Ice Breakers Ice Cubes Peppermint
PER 1 PIECE: 5 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 0 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 2 g sugar alcohols), 0 g protein
The ingredient list for Ice Breakers gum is nearly as large as the nutrition facts panel. All those flavor and color additives are a sign you may not want to break the ice (or the seal on the package).
2. Dentyne Ice Arctic Chill
PER 2 PIECES: 5 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 0 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 2 g sugar alcohols), 0 g protein
A smattering of synthetic -tols are invited to Dentyne’s party: sorbitol, maltitol, and mannitol.
3. Wrigley’s Big Red
PER 1 PIECE: 10 calories, 0 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 0 mg sodium, 2 g carbs, 2 g sugar)
Although it has a relatively short ingredient list, real sugars and artificial colors land Big Red near the middle of the list.
4. Mentos Pure Fresh Mint
PER 1 PIECE: < 5 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 0 mg sodium, 1 g carbs (0 g sugar, 1 g sugar alcohols), 0 g protein
“The freshmaker” is not so “fresh” as the kids say. Hyman’s opposed to the artificial flavors, titanium dioxide, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, and BHA.
5. Wrigley’s Doublemint
PER 1 PIECE: 10 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 0 g protein
Double the mint; double the sweeteners (artificial and real). Sugar and dextrose add to the calories and carbs, while aspartame and acesulfame K amplify the sugar alcohols.
6. Bubble Yum Bubble Gum
PER 1 PIECE: 25 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 6 g carbs (0 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 0 g protein
Sugar, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup make up the majority of this gum our experts say is closer to Bubble Yuck. BHT, artificial colors, and flavors round out the ingredient list.
“It’s probably the sugar in gum that’s the worst ingredient,” Taub-Dix says. “Not only is it void of any value, but it also regularly connects with your teeth and could lead to cavities in addition to empty calories.”
7. Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape Awesome Original
PER 1 PIECE: 10 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 0 g protein
Does this kid-favorite taste sweeter than other gums to you? It should: sugar, corn syrup, acesulfame K (an artificial sweetener), and aspartame (aka Equal), give this tape its candy-like flavor.
And as we know by now, while aspartame is a sweetener that’s often added as a way to lower calorie and sugar count, it can have negative side effects such as feelings of anxiety and jitteriness, and a study found it can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, too.
8. Dubble Bubble
PER 1 PIECE: 20 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 5 g carbs (0 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 0 g protein
Cornstarch and BHT round out an ingredient list that begins with (you guessed it!) sugar, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup in this childhood favorite bubble gum.
9. Bazooka Bubble Gum
PER 1 PIECE: 20 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 5 g carbs (0 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 0 g protein
Two shades of artificial red color are added to lend the salmon hue to this sugar- and syrup-sweetened gum. Titanium dioxide and BHT are also in the original flavor recipe, which are all total no-gos.
10. Juicy Fruit
PER 1 PIECE: 10 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 0 g protein
Added colors, BHT, and oodles of different sweeteners are hidden in this gum that’s sneakily named after produce. There are no signs of actual fruit here!
11. Wrigley’s Spearmint
PER 1 PIECE: 10 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 0 g protein
Alongside sugar, aspartame and acesulfame K sweeten Wrigley’s. “I’d like my clients who chew a lot of gum to be aware of how much sugar or sugar alcohols they’re consuming. I do not recommend chewing gum on an empty stomach, since that’s a recipe for giving yourself a stomachache,” Hyman says.
12. Gum Peppermint Cobalt
PER 1 PIECE: 5 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g sugar, 2 g sugar alcohols), 0 g protein
Five isn’t just the name of this gum. It’s the number of artificial sweeteners in the recipe: sorbitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, mannitol, aspartame, and acesulfame K. It’s safe to say that’s simple five too many.
13. Wrigley’s Winterfresh
PER 1 PIECE: 10 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 0 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 1.5 g sugar alcohols), 0 g protein
Sodium carboxymethylcellulose is a mouthful—and an ingredient in Winterfresh. It’s generally recognized as safe, but fair warning: it can also be found in laxatives and cosmetics.
14. Extra Spearmint
PER 1 PIECE: 5 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g sugar, 0 g sugar alcohols), 0 g protein
Sorbitol is ingredient number one of Extra.
“To maintain the sweet taste in sugar-free gum, sucrose is often swapped for sugar alcohols such as sorbitol. While the reduction in calories may be of benefit during calorie restriction, sugar alcohols are poorly absorbed in the small intestines and can have a laxative effect if consumed in excess (10+ pieces per day),” says Suzanne Fisher, MS, RD, LDN, founder of Fisher Nutrition Systems in Cooper City, Florida.
15. Orbit Wintermint
PER 1 PIECE: < 5 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 0 mg sodium, 1 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 1 g sugar alcohols), 0 g protein
Artificial sweeteners, BHT, and artificial colors as the main offenders in Orbit.
16. Eclipse Polar Ice Chewing Gum
PER 2 PIECES: < 5 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 2 g sugar alcohols), 0 g protein
…and the same culprits are at play in Eclipse’s icy flavor. So yes, a lot of chewing gum has the same offenders!
17.Trident Original Chewing Gum
PER 1 PIECE: < 5 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 1 g carbs (0 g sugar, 1 g sugar alcohols), 0 g protein
The calorie and carb count is low, true, but that’s because nearly every ingredient on Trident’s list is an artificial sweetener. Plus, there are six of them…
18. Xylitol Sweetened Chewing Gum
PER 1 PIECE: 0 calories, 0 mg sodium, 1 g carbs (0 g sugar, 1 g sugar alcohols), 0 g protein
Now we’re getting into the good stuff!
See, the benefits of chewing gum outweigh the risks if you shop smart, says David Magid, DMD, a dentist in West Caldwell, New Jersey, who chews sugarless mint gum himself.
“Gum not only can remove food lingering on the teeth from a previous meal or snack, but it also stimulates saliva production. This saliva coats your teeth in calcium and phosphate, which neutralize the acids produced by plaque bacteria. Chewing the right gum can help your body keep your teeth stronger over time,” Magid says.
The first ingredient in this gum gets gold marks from Magid. “Xylitol is plant-based sugar that’s beneficial for oral health,” he says. “Bacteria in the mouth can’t digest xylitol, so their numbers decrease. It also prohibits bacteria from sticking to teeth after xylitol is ingested by the bacteria.”
The Peelu Co. Peppermint Chewing Gum
PER 1 PIECE: 0 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar
In addition to xylitol, Peelu is made with natural peppermint oil and stevia, which scored near the top of our best-sweetener list.
20. Pur Coolmint Chewing Gum
PER 2 PIECES: 5 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 2 g carbs, 2 g sugar alcohols, 0 g protein
The scariest name on the ingredient list is also in smallest supply: “tocopherols.” Never fear: It’s a form of vitamin E that actually may lower your risk for certain cancers. This chewing gum may do a lot to help you out long-term!
Best Chewing Gums You Can Go For
a) Trident: Trident gum tops our list with its wide range of flavors, long-lasting freshness, and sugar-free formula. Whether you prefer classic flavors like spearmint or unique options like mango tango, Trident offers a reliable and enjoyable chewing experience.
b) Extra: Another popular choice, Extra gum, delivers a burst of flavor that lasts. With sugar-free options and a variety of fruit and mint flavors, it’s a go-to for those seeking a satisfying chewing gum without the guilt.
c) 5 Gum: Known for its bold flavors and innovative packaging, 5 Gum is a favorite among gum enthusiasts. The intense flavors and long-lasting taste make it a refreshing choice for a flavorful chewing experience.
Worst Chewing Gums
a) Generic or Store Brand: While cost-effective, generic or store-brand chewing gums often lack the quality and flavor found in well-known brands. They tend to lose their flavor quickly and may have a less satisfying texture.
b) Gum with Excessive Sugar: Some chewing gums contain high amounts of sugar, which can contribute to dental issues and overall health concerns. It’s best to opt for sugar-free gums or those sweetened with alternatives like xylitol.
c) Gums with Artificial Ingredients: Chewing gums that contain artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners may not provide the same level of quality and satisfaction as those made with natural ingredients. Look for gums that use natural flavorings and sweeteners for a better overall experience.
Factors to Consider while Buying Gum
a) Flavor Duration: The length of time a gum maintains its flavor is crucial. The best chewing gums offer a prolonged burst of flavor, ensuring a satisfying chewing experience throughout the day.
b) Sugar Content: For those concerned about dental health and sugar intake, sugar-free chewing gums or those with alternative sweeteners like xylitol are recommended.
c) Texture and Chewability: The texture and chewability of a gum can greatly affect the overall experience. The ideal chewing gum should be soft yet firm, allowing for a pleasant chewing sensation without becoming too sticky or losing its shape too quickly.
What gum makes your breath smell the best?
When it comes to freshening breath, certain chewing gums excel in providing long-lasting freshness.
While individual preferences may vary, gums that contain mint or strong mint flavors tend to be effective in combating bad breath.
Brands like Trident, Extra, and 5 Gum offer a wide range of minty flavors that can leave your breath feeling fresh and invigorated.
Opting for sugar-free options and those containing natural ingredients can further enhance the overall breath-freshening experience.
So, when seeking gum that makes your breath smell the best, consider mint-flavored varieties from reputable brands for a refreshing and confident smile.
Conclusion
When it comes to chewing gum, finding the right balance of flavor, freshness, and quality is essential.
Brands like Trident, Extra, and 5 Gum consistently offer enjoyable chewing experiences with their wide range of flavors and long-lasting freshness.
On the other hand, generic or store-brand gums, those with excessive sugar, and those containing artificial ingredients may fall short in terms of taste and satisfaction.
By considering factors like flavor duration, sugar content, and texture, you can make an informed decision when choosing the perfect chewing gum for your needs.
So, grab a pack of your preferred brand and enjoy the refreshing and flavorful benefits of a good chewing gum.