The Fascinating History of Chewing Gum Goes Back Further Than You Think!

The Gum Craze Takes Off
The habit of chewing chicle was brought to the United States by General Antonio López de Santa Anna, the exiled former president of Mexico. Santa Anna met Thomas Adams, who became his secretary during his time in Staten Island. Although Santa Anna believed chicle could be used as a substitute for rubber, it didn’t quite work out. However, Adams decided to experiment with it.

Thanks to Adams’ ingenuity, he discovered a way to heat, flavor, and shape chicle into sticks. Soon, he began selling these unique gum sticks, which gained immense popularity. One of Adams’ most beloved gums from the 1870s was Black Jack, a classic that many of us grew up with.

Following the success of Black Jack, Wrigley’s (1891) and Chiclets (1900) quickly entered the chewing gum scene. The first bubble gum was supposed to be called Blibber-blubber but turned out to be too sticky for customers in 1905. Eventually, in 1928, the bubble gum we know today was created and named Dubble Bubble.

In 1889, the chewing gum locket was invented. This handy contraption allowed people to save chewed gum for later use. Although it didn’t become popular until the 1910s, it became quite the item for ladies who needed a discreet way to dispose of their gum. You see, it was considered improper for women to chew gum at the time.
Gum Has Evolved

During World War II, various types of chewing gum were included in soldiers’ rations. It was believed that gum helped alleviate thirst, hunger, and stress among the troops. However, after the war, the process of making gum became predominantly synthetic. Stabilizers, waxes, and petroleum-based elastomizers replaced the plant-based ingredients that were once used.

From childhood favorites like Bazooka, Wrigley’s, and Teaberry to the wide range of flavors available today, it’s clear that chewing gum continues to captivate us. With its rich history and ever-expanding variety, it’s safe to say that our love for chewing gum isn’t fading anytime soon!