Is Wrigley's Extra Strawberry Chewing Gum Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Wrigley
Wrigley's Extra Strawberry Chewing Gum is a snack from Wrigley. It has a Zerotox safety score of 30/100, which means it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
The main ingredients worth reviewing are Aspartame, Acesulfame K, Bha.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes several synthetic sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame K, which raise safety concerns. The presence of BHA as an antioxidant also indicates potential quality issues.
Main concern
Includes aspartame and acesulfame K, both artificial sweeteners linked to health concerns.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that may have dental benefits.
- Gum base provides chewiness and texture, enhancing the overall experience.
Concerns
- Includes aspartame and acesulfame K, both artificial sweeteners linked to health concerns.
- BHA is a synthetic antioxidant that raises quality and safety concerns due to its controversial status.
Who should avoid this product?
This snack may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this snack so the page answers more than a simple label list.
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Is Xylitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Xylitol is used here as sweetener. Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol used for sweetness in this gum. While it has dental benefits, excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: xylitol
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Is Sorbitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Sorbitol is used here as sweetener. Sorbitol is another sugar alcohol that provides sweetness and moisture retention. It can cause digestive discomfort in large amounts.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sorbitol
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Is Mannitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Mannitol is used here as sweetener. Mannitol is a sugar alcohol that adds sweetness and is often used in sugar-free products. It may cause laxative effects if consumed excessively.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: mannitol
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Is Aspartame safe in this snack?
Bad
Aspartame is used here as sweetener. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that provides intense sweetness. It has been linked to various health concerns, particularly for individuals with phenylketonuria.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: aspartame
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Is Acesulfame K safe in this snack?
Bad
Acesulfame K is used here as sweetener. Acesulfame K is a synthetic sweetener used for its intense sweetness. Its safety has been debated, raising concerns about long-term consumption.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: acesulfame k
-
Is Gum Base safe in this snack?
Medium
Gum Base is used here as base. Gum base is a mixture of natural and synthetic materials that provides the chewiness of the gum. Its exact composition can vary, raising quality concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: gum base
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Is Gum Arabic safe in this snack?
Good
Gum Arabic is used here as thickener. Gum arabic is a natural thickener derived from acacia trees. It helps stabilize the gum and is generally considered safe.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: gum arabic
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Is Glycerol safe in this snack?
Medium
Glycerol is used here as humectant. Glycerol is a humectant that helps retain moisture in the gum. While generally safe, it can have laxative effects in high amounts.
Role in formula: humectant
Original: glycerol
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Is Citric Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is a natural acid that adds tartness and acts as a preservative. It is widely used and considered safe.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: citric acid
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Is Soybean Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Soybean Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soybean lecithin is an emulsifier that helps blend ingredients. While generally safe, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: soybean lecithin
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Is Malic Acid safe in this snack?
Good
Malic Acid is used here as acidulant. Malic acid is a natural acid that enhances flavor and provides tartness. It is safe and commonly used in food products.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: malic acid
-
Is Flavourings safe in this snack?
Medium
Flavourings is used here as flavor. Flavourings are added to enhance taste. The specific composition is often proprietary, raising concerns about transparency.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: flavourings
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Is Carnauba Wax safe in this snack?
Medium
Carnauba Wax is used here as glazing agent. Carnauba wax is a natural wax used for glazing. It is generally safe but may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Role in formula: glazing agent
Original: carnauba wax
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Is Bha safe in this snack?
Bad
Bha is used here as antioxidant. BHA is a synthetic antioxidant used to prevent spoilage. Its safety is debated, with potential links to health risks.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: bha
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 3876150
More from this brand: Wrigley products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: phenylalanine
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.