Chewing gum has been a popular pastime for centuries. From northern Europeans chewing on birch bark tar some 9,000 years ago to the modern-day variety of flavors and styles, chewing gum has come a long way.
With so many options now available, it’s important to know what ingredients are in your gum, especially if you’re watching your sugar intake. One brand that is frequently asked about is Orbit. In this article, we will explore whether or not Orbit Gum contains sugar and discuss the other ingredients it contains.
Is There Sugar In Orbit Gum?
The short answer is no, Orbit Gum does not contain sugar. Instead, it is sweetened with a combination of artificial sweeteners, including sorbitol, xylitol, and aspartame. This makes it a good option for those who are trying to limit their sugar intake, whether for health reasons or to help manage their weight.
Sorbitol and xylitol are both sugar alcohols, which are commonly used as sugar substitutes in many sugar-free products, including chewing gum. They provide a similar sweet taste to sugar, but with fewer calories and a lower glycemic index. Aspartame, on the other hand, is a non-caloric artificial sweetener that is commonly used in diet products.
Here are the list of ingredients in Orbit Spearmint Gum to give you an example of what is in this gum:
Sorbitol, Gum Base, Glycerol, Natural and Artificial Flavors; Less Than 2% of: Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Aspartame, Mannitol, Acesulfame K, Soy Lecithin, Xylitol, BHT (to Maintain Freshness).
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Below you will find the sugar content of the various flavors of Orbit. The sugar alcohols are derived from the xylitol and sorbitol ingredients. Interestingly, sugar alcohol does not have sugar or alcohol in it. Rather, it is a carbohydrate which contains a structure that is similar to sugar.
| Orbit Gum Product | Serving Size | Total Sugars(g) | Sugar Alcohol(g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spearmint | 1 piece (1.9g) | 0g | 1g |
| White Spearmint | 1 piece (2g) | 0g | 2g |
| Peppermint | 1 piece (1.9g) | 0g | 1g |
| White Peppermint | 1 piece (2g) | 0g | 2g |
| Bubblemint | 2 pieces (3g) | 0g | 2g |
| White Bubblemint | 2 pieces (3g) | 0g | 2g |
| Sweet Mint | 1 piece (1.9g) | 0g | 1g |
| Citrus | 1 piece (1.9g) | 0g | 1g |
| Freeze Mint | 1 piece (1.9g) | 0g | 1g |
| Strawberry | 1 piece (1.9g) | 0g | 1g |
| Wintermint | 1 piece (1.9g) | 0g | 1g |
Lastly, while this article is geared toward human consumption, we should note that the xylitol in Orbit is toxic to dogs. In fact, it is known to be fatal. We suggest reading this AKC article on artificial sweeteners and dogs if you have one.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Orbit Gum is a sugar-free chewing gum that is sweetened with a combination of sorbitol, xylitol, and aspartame. It is a good option for those who are trying to limit their sugar intake, and it is also gluten-free and vegan-friendly. While it does contain some artificial ingredients that some people may want to avoid, it is a popular choice for freshening breath and providing a quick pick-me-up throughout the day.
Sources:
orbitgum.com
Elizabeth Nix. (n.d.). Chew on this: The history of gum – history. History. Retrieved February 19, 2023, from https://www.history.com/news/chew-on-this-the-history-of-gum
Leech, J., & Kubala, J. (2021, November 12). What are sugar alcohols, and are they a healthy sugar swap? Healthline. Retrieved February 19, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sugar-alcohols-good-or-bad
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, April 11). What you should know about sugar alcohols. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved February 19, 2023, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-to-know-about-sugar-alcohols/#:~:text=What%20is%20sugar%20alcohol%3F,their%20products%20while%20reducing%20calories.
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