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What is the point of aspartame in chewing gum? — Chelsea, Anchorage, Alaska
Marshall Answered
Most people prefer their gum to have some kind of flavor. So chewing gum is made by adding flavorings to gum base. The flavorings usually come in the form of a sweetener plus something like peppermint.
Powdered sugar and/or corn syrup are traditional sweeteners. The problem with sugar and/or corn syrup is that they aren’t great for your teeth. Having that much sugar in contact with your teeth for a long period of time tends to encourage cavities. Aspartame is a sweetener that does not cause tooth decay. It also eliminates any calories that sugar would add to the gum.
For more info see: How to make gum
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