Your favorite gum might come with a hidden ingredient you don’t want to swallow
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We all have our little habits—some as innocent as reaching for a stick of gum after a meal. But new research suggests that this everyday ritual may come with an unexpected health twist.
According to scientists at UCLA, chewing gum could be quietly introducing thousands of microplastic particles into your body with each chew.
Microplastics—fragments of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters—are now found in everything from the food we eat to the organs in our bodies.
And now, researchers say gum may be another surprising source.
The study analyzed 10 brands of gum—both synthetic and natural—and discovered that just one gram of gum could release an average of 100 microplastic particles.
Given that many gum pieces weigh several grams, that means you could be exposing yourself to thousands of plastic particles with every chew.
The research delivered another surprise: even so-called "natural" gums performed similarly to synthetic ones when it came to microplastic release.
Most of the particles were released within the first few minutes of chewing—not from your saliva breaking them down, but from the sheer mechanical act of chewing itself.
If you’re worried, scientists suggest chewing fewer pieces and extending the time you chew each one.
Also read: Stop drinking bottled water immediately! Scientists reveal surprising health risks you need to know
The concern doesn’t end with your health.
Discarded gum that ends up on sidewalks or in landfills can also release microplastics into the environment.
That’s why experts urge people to dispose of gum properly—always in the trash, never on the ground.
Also read: New study reveals surprising truth about tap versus bottled water
Before you panic, know this: the study’s authors aren’t calling for a ban on gum.
“There are no human trials,” said study lead Sanjay Mohanty. “But we know we are exposed to plastics in everyday life—and that's what we wanted to examine here.”
Chemist Oliver Jones of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology echoed that sentiment, stating that microplastic amounts in gum are “very small” and likely pass through the body without being absorbed.
Meanwhile, the National Confectioners Association assured consumers that chewing gum has been safely enjoyed for over 100 years—and is made only with FDA-approved ingredients.
Have you ever thought about what’s actually in your gum? Will this new research change your chewing habits? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your experience and let’s explore what small habits we might want to rethink for a healthier future.
Read next: Is your tea packed with microplastics? Here’s the shocking truth
According to scientists at UCLA, chewing gum could be quietly introducing thousands of microplastic particles into your body with each chew.
Microplastics—fragments of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters—are now found in everything from the food we eat to the organs in our bodies.
And now, researchers say gum may be another surprising source.
The study analyzed 10 brands of gum—both synthetic and natural—and discovered that just one gram of gum could release an average of 100 microplastic particles.
Chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of pieces of microplastic into the mouth. Image source: Larisa Birta / Unsplash
Given that many gum pieces weigh several grams, that means you could be exposing yourself to thousands of plastic particles with every chew.
The research delivered another surprise: even so-called "natural" gums performed similarly to synthetic ones when it came to microplastic release.
Most of the particles were released within the first few minutes of chewing—not from your saliva breaking them down, but from the sheer mechanical act of chewing itself.
If you’re worried, scientists suggest chewing fewer pieces and extending the time you chew each one.
Also read: Stop drinking bottled water immediately! Scientists reveal surprising health risks you need to know
The concern doesn’t end with your health.
Discarded gum that ends up on sidewalks or in landfills can also release microplastics into the environment.
That’s why experts urge people to dispose of gum properly—always in the trash, never on the ground.
Also read: New study reveals surprising truth about tap versus bottled water
Before you panic, know this: the study’s authors aren’t calling for a ban on gum.
“There are no human trials,” said study lead Sanjay Mohanty. “But we know we are exposed to plastics in everyday life—and that's what we wanted to examine here.”
Chemist Oliver Jones of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology echoed that sentiment, stating that microplastic amounts in gum are “very small” and likely pass through the body without being absorbed.
Meanwhile, the National Confectioners Association assured consumers that chewing gum has been safely enjoyed for over 100 years—and is made only with FDA-approved ingredients.
Read next: Is your tea packed with microplastics? Here’s the shocking truth
