Last updated 4 months ago | Originally Published: August 24, 2023
With several decades of experience in the candy market, our commitment to providing Americans with the best selection of snacks and candy remains unchanged. So, in this article, we’ve put together an in-depth list that showcases all the best gum brands selling in the United States, all of which you can find here at Candy Retailer!
To date, we have over 15,000 products in our inventory, so when it comes to gum, whether it is chewing gum, bubble gum, gumballs, sugar-free gum, or gum flavors, we sell it all. That said, we encourage all those interested in discovering the top names in the gum business to check out our list below; it’s accurate, up-to-date, and packed with band and product information!
As always, we’re a community of candy lovers here at Candy Retailer, so we invite everyone to join the conversation in the comments below! Tell us about your favorite gum brand, good or bad; we want to hear from you!
1. Wrigley’s
Founded in 1891, Wrigley’s is a subsidiary of Mars, Inc., and is one of the oldest and most recognized names in the gum industry. The company is known for iconic brands such as Juicy Fruit, Doublemint, and Spearmint. Wrigley’s has consistently led the market through innovative products and extensive advertising campaigns, making it a staple in the global gum market.
2. Orbit
Orbit gum is a brand under Wrigley’s portfolio, introduced in the United States in 1977. It is particularly known for its sugar-free offerings, which have gained popularity for their dental benefits. Orbit has a wide range of flavors, and its sleek packaging and refreshing taste have made it a favorite among consumers.
3. Pur Gum
Pur Gum was founded in 2010 in Canada to provide a healthier gum alternative. It is made with xylitol, a natural sweetener derived from birch and other plants, and is free from artificial sweeteners, GMOs, and gluten. Pur Gum is marketed as vegan and non-GMO, appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for natural ingredients.
4. Simply Gum
Simply Gum was launched in 2014 in New York City to create a cleaner chewing experience. The brand’s products are made from natural ingredients, including a chicle gum base, and are free from plastic, aspartame, and artificial ingredients. Simply Gum is known for its biodegradable packaging and unique, natural flavors like maple and ginger.
5. Eclipse Gum
Eclipse Gum is a brand under Wrigley’s, which was introduced in the United States in the early 2000s. It is known for its strong, long-lasting flavors and innovative packaging, particularly the car cup container designed for convenience during travel. Eclipse focuses on providing intense breath-freshening properties, making it a popular choice for on-the-go consumers.
6. Ice Breakers Ice Cubes
Ice Breakers Ice Cubes, a product of The Hershey Company, was introduced in 2006. Known for its unique cube shape and soft texture, Ice Breakers Ice Cubes are available in several flavors, focusing on breath-freshening qualities. The gum also features xylitol, a natural sweetener, making it a popular choice for those looking for sugar-free options.
7. Dubble Bubble Bubble Gum
Dubble Bubble was created in 1928 by Walter Diemer at the Fleer Chewing Gum Company and is recognized as the first commercially successful bubble gum. Known for its distinctive pink color and classic bubble-blowing capabilities, Dubble Bubble remains a nostalgic favorite, widely available in various formats, including gumballs and individually wrapped pieces.
8. Bubblicious
Bubblicious was introduced in 1977 by the American Chicle Division of Warner-Lambert and became known for its soft texture and ability to blow large bubbles. The brand offers a variety of fruity flavors, and over the years, it has introduced numerous limited-edition flavors and collaborations, making it a popular choice among children and nostalgic bubble gum fans.
9. Trident
Introduced in 1964 by Cadbury, Trident was one of the first sugar-free gums, initially marketed as a tooth-friendly alternative. Now owned by Mondelez International, Trident has expanded its product line to include many flavors and formulas, including gum with added dental benefits. It remains one of the top-selling sugar-free gum brands globally, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
10. Juicy Fruit
Launched by the Wrigley Company in 1893, Juicy Fruit is one of the oldest chewing gum brands still in production. Known for its distinctive, sweet fruit flavor, the brand has maintained its popularity for over a century. Juicy Fruit’s unique taste is often described as a mix of banana and pineapple, and it has been a staple in the gum industry, available in various formats, including sticks and pellets.
11. Dentyne
Franklin V. Canning, a New York pharmacist, created Dentyne in 1899 to promote dental hygiene. The brand name is derived from “dental” and “hygiene.” Over the years, Dentyne has evolved, offering sugar-free options and a range of flavors. Now owned by Mondelez International, Dentyne remains popular for its fresh, breath-enhancing properties and is marketed as good gum for teeth.
12. Super Bubble Bubble Gum
Super Bubble was introduced in 1946 by the Thomas Weiner Company, initially under the name “Bub’s Daddy.” It gained popularity for its classic bubble gum flavor and excellent bubble-blowing capabilities. Now produced by Ferrara Candy Company, Super Bubble remains a nostalgic favorite, especially known for its individually wrapped pieces and classic pink color.
13. Bazooka Gum
Bazooka Gum was launched by the Topps Company in 1947, shortly after World War II. It became famous for its patriotic red, white, and blue packaging and the inclusion of Bazooka Joe comic strips inside the wrapper. Bazooka’s distinctive flavor and marketing have made it a cultural icon in the chewing gum world, continuing to appeal to both children and adults.
14. Big League Chew
Big League Chew was introduced in 1980 by former baseball player Rob Nelson and pitcher Jim Bouton. The shredded bubble gum was designed to resemble chewing tobacco, offering a fun and safe alternative for young baseball fans. The gum is known for its unique packaging and various flavors, making it a popular choice among ball players nationwide.
15. Airheads Gum
Launched by Perfetti Van Melle, Airheads Gum transforms the popular flavors of original Airheads candy into bubble gum! Known for its bold and intense fruit flavors, Airheads Gum features a micro-candy center that enhances the chewing experience. The gum appeals primarily to younger consumers looking for a sweet, candy-like experience in gum form.
16. 5 Gum
Introduced by Wrigley in 2007, 5 Gum is designed to provide a multisensory chewing experience. Its packaging emphasizes sleek, modern design. The brand is known for its long-lasting, intense flavors and unique textures. Each variant of 5 Gum is marketed with a specific sensory theme, marketed to a younger, more adventurous demographic.
17. Chiclets
Chiclets is one of the oldest chewing gum brands. First introduced in 1900 by the American Chicle Company, it was later acquired by Cadbury Adams. Known for its distinctive candy-coated shell and square shape, Chiclets offers a variety of flavors, both in sugar- and sugar-free versions. The brand’s colorful packaging and crunchy outer layer have made it a classic in the chewing gum industry.
18. Extra
Extra is a brand of sugar-free chewing gum introduced by Wrigley in 1984. It was one of the first gums to use high-intensity sweeteners like aspartame, making it a popular choice for those seeking a low-calorie option. Extra is known for its long-lasting flavors and comes in every mint and fruit flavor, perfect for anyone looking for refreshing, sugar-free gum.
19. Hubba Bubba Bubble Gum
Introduced by Wrigley in 1979, Hubba Bubba is known for its soft, chewy texture and exceptional bubble-blowing capabilities. The brand is famous for its wide range of fruity flavors and has produced various formats, including tape and pieces. Hubba Bubba is especially popular among children and bubble gum lovers, offering a fun and playful chewing experience.
20. Mentos Gum
Produced by Perfetti Van Melle, Mentos Gum extends the popular Mentos candy brand into the gum market. Known for its crunchy outer shell and soft, chewy center, Mentos Gum offers a range of refreshing mint and fruity flavors. It’s widely recognized for its long-lasting flavor and breath-freshening properties, making it a popular choice among consumers globally.
21. Big Red
Big Red is a cinnamon-flavored chewing gum introduced by Wrigley in 1976. Known for its distinctive, spicy cinnamon flavor, Big Red has maintained a loyal customer base over the decades. The gum’s bold taste and long-lasting flavor have made it a standout in the Wrigley lineup, appealing to those who prefer a stronger, more intense gum experience.
The History of Gum Brands in America
The history of gum brands in America dates back to the mid-19th century. In fact, the first commercial gum in the US was made by John B. Curtis in 1848, which was made from spruce tree resin, a common ingredient among Native Americans and early European settlers.
As the industry continued to grow, Thomas Adams significantly impacted the development of gum in America. In the late 1800s, Adams experimented with chicle, a natural latex from sapodilla trees.
Although initially intended as a rubber substitute, Adams realized its potential for chewing gum. Subsequently, he introduced flavored chicle-based gums, such as Black Jack, which quickly became popular. This transition from spruce resin to chicle marked a pivotal moment in gum manufacturing, setting the stage for future advancements.
Furthermore, in the early 1900s, William Wrigley Jr. revolutionized the gum market through innovative marketing strategies. Beginning as a soap salesman, Wrigley introduced gum as a promotional item, but its success led him to focus solely on gum production.
With brands like Juicy Fruit and Wrigley’s Spearmint, Wrigley employed mass advertising and product sampling, effectively embedding his products into American culture. This approach elevated Wrigley’s company to prominence and solidified chewing gum as a household staple nationwide.
In addition to these developments, the 20th century also saw the introduction of bubble gum, further diversifying the gum industry. Frank Fleer’s creation of Dubble Bubble in 1928 marked the first successful bubble gum, which became a beloved treat among children and adults alike.
As natural chicle supplies dwindled, manufacturers gradually transitioned to synthetic materials, making production more sustainable. Consequently, the gum industry expanded its range of flavors and textures, ensuring its continued popularity in modern times.
The Science Behind Gum
The science behind gum involves a complex interplay of chemistry and material science to create an enjoyable, lasting product. Central to every piece of gum is the gum base, which provides the essential chewable texture.
This base is often made from synthetic polymers like polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate, designed to provide elasticity and durability. These materials are carefully chosen to ensure the gum remains chewy without breaking down during consumption.
Furthermore, flavor release is another crucial aspect of gum science. As you chew, the gum base slowly releases flavoring agents, which are either natural, such as peppermint oils, or synthetic compounds that can mimic several flavors. In other words, the science behind this involves encapsulating the flavors within the gum base, allowing for a gradual release that extends the gum’s flavor profile over time.
Softeners like glycerin and vegetable oils are also essential to maintaining the gum texture. These ingredients prevent the gum from hardening by retaining moisture, ensuring it remains pliable and comfortable to chew. Indeed, the balance of these softeners is vital to achieving the desired consistency, making the gum neither tough nor sticky.
Finally, sweeteners play a significant role in the overall gum experience. Traditional sugar-based sweeteners offer a familiar taste, while sugar-free options like aspartame provide a low-calorie alternative. Overall, the choice of sweeteners impacts the flavor, so it just all depends on what you prefer; either way, there is a type of gum and gum flavor for anyone who loves chewing gum!
Current Market Leaders in Gum Brands
Switching gears, let’s focus on the major players in the gum industry that have shaped our chewing habits over the years. Brands like Wrigley, Trident, and Orbit have stood the test of time and innovated continuously, keeping them at the forefront of the market.
Wrigley, a subsidiary of Mars Inc., is one of the most iconic names in the industry. Known for popular brands like Juicy Fruit and Doublemint, Wrigley has maintained a significant market share for decades. As of 2023, the global chewing gum market continues to grow, with Wrigley leading the charge.
Owned by Mondelez International, Trident is another major player that’s especially known for its sugar-free gum options. Trident’s emphasis on healthier alternatives has made it a top seller not just in America but worldwide. This brand’s focus on innovation and consumer health preferences keeps it highly competitive globally.
According to recent reports, the U.S. chewing gum market remains robust, with total sales exceeding $3 billion in 2023. Brands like Wrigley have mastered the art of balancing flavor, texture, and longevity, making them the preferred choice for gum year after year!
Founded in 1891, Mars-Wrigley is a leading gum manufacturer and marketing pioneer. In fact, the brand’s Doublemint gum is the leading gum flavor in the U.S., generating nearly $100 million in annual sales! Wrigley’s innovative strategies, including introducing sticks of gum and extensive advertising campaigns, have cemented its place as a market leader.
Over the years, Wrigley has expanded its product line to include gums with added benefits, such as Orbit and 5 Gum, both of which offer dental benefits. This continual innovation and expansion has solidified Wrigley’s position as a dominant force in the gum industry.
Discover the Best Gum Brands Sold at Candy Retailer
We provide a massive selection of gum brands, ranging from classics like Wrigley’s Doublemint to newer options like 5 Gum. Plus, we offer all these top brands at competitive prices, always below the national average!
With fast nationwide shipping, your favorite gum will arrive at your doorstep in just 2-3 days. So, explore our selection today and discover your next favorite gum easily and conveniently here at Candy Retailer!
As a reminder, we encourage and invite anyone reading this to share their favorite gum stories about brand, product, or flavor suggestions in the comments below! We have tens of thousands of monthly readers, so you never know who your experiences will reach!
All we can say is that we appreciate and value your time and opinions! Readers like you encourage us to write awesome, thoroughly researched articles that are 100% accurate and reliable, like this one! So, once again, thank you a million times; we’re excited to hear back from you!
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