No, Extra chewing gum does not contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. Since chewing gum is made from synthetic rubber and does not contain any grain ingredients, Extra gum is considered gluten-free.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale. It helps foods maintain their shape and gives elasticity to dough. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine.
Common sources of gluten include:
- Bread, pasta, cereal and baked goods made with wheat, barley or rye
- Beer made from gluten-containing grains
- Oats, unless certified gluten-free
- Malt vinegar
Many processed and packaged foods also contain gluten from additives like wheat flour or barley malt. Checking ingredient labels carefully is important for those following a gluten-free diet.
Ingredients in Extra Gum
The main ingredients in Extra gum are:
- Gum base – Made from synthetic rubber.
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Glycerol
- Lecithin
- Aspartame
- Acesulfame potassium
- Soy lecithin
- BHT
- Coloring agents like blue 2 lake, red 40 lake, titanium dioxide
As you can see, the ingredient list does not contain any gluten sources. Extra gum is free of wheat, barley, rye and their derivatives.
Why Chewing Gum is Gluten-Free
Here are some key reasons why most chewing gum is gluten-free:
- Gum base is made from synthetic non-grain rubber and polymers.
- Flavorings are typically free of gluten.
- Sugar and corn syrup do not contain gluten.
- Other minor ingredients like glycerol, lecithin, coloring agents are gluten-free.
- Gum goes through extensive processing that would remove any traces of gluten.
Unless a chewing gum specifically contains a gluten ingredient like wheat flour, it can be assumed to be gluten-free. Reputable brands clearly label their products if they contain any major allergens.
Is Extra Gum Certified Gluten-Free?
Extra chewing gum is not officially certified as gluten-free. However, the manufacturer clearly states that their gum products do not contain gluten ingredients.
Here is the statement from Extra’s FAQ page on gluten:
“EXTRA® Gum and other Wrigley products are gluten free. However, we do not test all our products to confirm gluten levels fall below FDA defined thresholds for gluten free certification. We encourage consumers to make their own determination on the appropriate product for their special dietary needs.”
So while Extra gum doesn’t carry the official “gluten-free certification”, they transparently disclose that their products are free of gluten sources. Those following a strict gluten-free diet can feel comfortable consuming Extra gum.
Precautions for Gluten Sensitive Individuals
Here are some precautions those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should take with chewing gum:
- Check labels every time you purchase gum as formulations can change.
- Look out for warning labels like “Manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat.”
- Contact the manufacturer if you have any questions or concerns about ingredients.
- Consult your physician before introducing new products into your diet.
- Watch out for gum flavors that contain cookie pieces, wheat sprouts or other gluten sources.
- Avoid used gum dispensers as they carry risk of cross-contamination.
Following these simple precautions will help ensure your chewing gum remains gluten-free and safe to enjoy.
Other Brands of Gluten-Free Gum
All major chewing gum brands specifically state their products are gluten-free, including:
- Orbit
- Trident
- Juicy Fruit
- Bubble Yum
- Bazooka
- Dentyne
- 5 Gum
So you have plenty of gluten-free options to choose from. As always, double check labels to verify ingredients and manufacturing practices haven’t changed.
Cooking and Baking with Gum
Chewing gum can also be used in some gluten-free cooking and baking recipes. For example, xanthan gum is a popular wheat-free, gluten-free thickener and binder. Here are some recipe tips:
- Add xanthan gum to sauces and glazes to help them cling and coat.
- Use gum as an egg replacer when baking.
- Add small amounts of xanthan or guar gum to boost the structure of gluten-free bread or pizza dough.
- Gum helps give more volume and moisture to baked goods.
- Whisk gum into pie fillings, puddings or pastry creams to stabilize them.
Just 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon of gum powder can work wonders for gluten-free recipes. Make sure to use gums specifically made for cooking, not regular chewing gum.
The Bottom Line
Extra chewing gum and other major gum brands do not contain gluten. The ingredients and manufacturing processes ensure the final products are gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease or sensitivities. Always double check labels for new information on allergens before consuming. With some simple precautions, chewing gum can be enjoyed as a gluten-free snack.
