Is Wrigley's Extra Spearmint Chewing Gum Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Wrigley
This page reviews Wrigley's Extra Spearmint Chewing Gum by Wrigley as a snack. Its current score is 60/100, suggesting that it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Sweetener 951, Colours 133 160a.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sorbitol and mannitol as sweeteners, which are sugar alcohols with lower caloric content. However, the presence of artificial sweetener (aspartame) raises safety concerns.
Main concern
Aspartame (E951) is an artificial sweetener that raises concerns due to its association with health issues in sensitive individuals.
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
- Sorbitol and mannitol are sugar alcohols that provide sweetness with fewer calories, contributing to a lower sugar content.
- The use of antioxidants (E320, E321) helps maintain product freshness and stability, which is beneficial for shelf life.
Concerns
- Aspartame (E951) is an artificial sweetener that raises concerns due to its association with health issues in sensitive individuals.
- The presence of artificial colors (E133, E160a) indicates a processed composition, which may not appeal to consumers seeking natural products.
Who should avoid this product?
You may want to be cautious with this product if you are:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this snack and why it matters.
-
Is Sorbitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Sorbitol is used here as sweetener. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in this gum, providing sweetness with lower calories. However, excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SORBITOL
-
Is Gum Base safe in this snack?
Medium
Gum Base is used here as base. Gum base is a key component that provides the chewy texture of the gum. Its composition can vary, and it may include synthetic materials.
Role in formula: base
Original: GUM BASE
-
Is Humectant 422 safe in this snack?
Medium
Humectant 422 is used here as stabilizer. Humectant (glycerol esters of wood rosin) helps retain moisture in the gum, preventing it from drying out. Its safety is generally accepted, but it is a processed ingredient.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: HUMECTANT (422)
-
Is Mannitol safe in this snack?
Medium
Mannitol is used here as sweetener. Mannitol is another sugar alcohol that provides sweetness and has a lower caloric value. It can also have a laxative effect in high amounts.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: MANNITOL
-
Is Flavours safe in this snack?
Medium
Flavours is used here as flavor. Flavours are added to enhance the taste of the gum. The specific composition is often proprietary, raising questions about transparency.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: FLAVOURS
-
Is Sweetener 951 safe in this snack?
Bad
Sweetener 951 is used here as sweetener. Aspartame (E951) is an artificial sweetener used for its intense sweetness. It has been linked to health concerns, particularly for individuals with phenylketonuria.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: SWEETENER (951)
-
Is Colours 133 160a safe in this snack?
Bad
Colours 133 160a is used here as colorant. Artificial colors (E133, E160a) are used to enhance the visual appeal of the gum. Their use raises concerns about potential allergic reactions and long-term health effects.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: COLOURS (133, 160a)
-
Is Emulsifier Soy Lecithin safe in this snack?
Medium
Emulsifier Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is used to improve texture and consistency. While generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that may concern some consumers.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: EMULSIFIER (SOY LECITHIN)
Read the full ingredient profile for Emulsifier Soy Lecithin
-
Is Antioxidants 321 320 safe in this snack?
Medium
Antioxidants 321 320 is used here as antioxidant. Antioxidants (E320, E321) are included to prevent oxidation and maintain freshness. Their safety is generally accepted, but they are synthetic additives.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: ANTIOXIDANTS (321, 320)
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: 3521885
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.