There are few things universally loved and widely consumed as chewing gum. We all have that one friend who can’t stop talking about their favorite brand of gum, or that other friend who is always ready to offer you a piece of theirs when you least expect it. Let’s face it, as much as we hate to admit it, there is something oddly endearing about the way our friends and family members fawn over different brands of chewing gum. If you’re anything like me, you probably keep a pack in your purse at all times so you can enjoy some after-dinner on any given night. But what if we told you that this beloved treat might not be so good for your health? It’s true! Read on to learn more about storing your favorite wads of chewy goodness and why doing so could make a big difference in its freshness.
Can Gum Go Bad?
The answer really depends on the type of gum you have. But generally speaking, chewing gum doesn’t have a shelf life. The only exception is if the gum has been opened or if it contains artificial sweeteners. In this case, it’s best to follow the instructions on the package. In general, chewing gum can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 12 months.
Why Does Gum Go Bad?
1. Gum goes bad because of its ingredients
Chewing gum is made up of a variety of things, including sugar. And while sugar doesn’t go bad (it can only last as long as its expiration date is stamped on the packaging), it can attract bacteria that cause the gum to go bad. Gum also contains preservatives. And while they’re there to keep your gum fresh and tasty, they can also make your gum go bad faster. And, of course, when your gum loses its flavor and its freshness, it loses its appeal.
2. Gum goes bad because of the temperature
Chewing gum is best kept at room temperature. However, if you keep it in a hot car for too long, it can go bad. Why? Because excessive amounts of heat can cause bacteria to grow. Gum that’s kept in a warm environment can also lose its flavor and become sticky, which is a sure-fire way to know it’s gone bad. You can tell your gum has gone bad when it sticks to itself or to your teeth. Gum can also be exposed to water damage if it’s left in a hot car. It can also stick to the bottom of your seat or the floorboard if you don’t put it in a container.
3. Gum goes bad because of moisture
Gum should always be kept in a dry environment. The only reason it’s ever recommended to chew gum is that it’s sticky and helps people who have bad breath. If the gum is kept in a moist area, it can actually grow bacteria. If you think your gum has gone bad, you can test it by placing a small piece of it in a bowl of water. If it floats, it’s gone bad. If it sinks, it’s still good. This is because moisture can cause the gum to expand and grow mold or bacteria. If you keep your gum in a bag or container that gets wet or isn’t well-ventilated, the gum inside could go bad. You can prevent this by keeping your gum in a dry place, like a dry bag or container in a dry area of your house.
4. Gum goes bad because of too much light exposure
If your chewing gum is kept in a low-lit area or in the dark, it won’t go bad. But if it’s left out in the sunlight or in a brightly-lit room, it can start to lose its flavor and go bad. Gum will also lose its flavor and go bad if it’s kept in an area that’s too warm. As we talked about with temperature, heat can cause bacteria to grow. Too much light exposure can also cause the gum to lose its flavor and go bad. This can also happen if you leave your gum in a hot car for too long. Leaving your gum in a hot car can cause it to lose its flavor and go bad. This can also happen if you leave it in an area that’s too hot or that gets too much sunlight.
5. Gum goes bad because of storage conditions
If you don’t store your gum correctly, it can easily go bad. As we mentioned above, gum should be kept in a dry area, like a dry bag or container in a dry area of your house. You should also avoid keeping your gum in a warm area. It should be stored at room temperature and in a dry environment, like a kitchen cabinet. You should also avoid keeping your gum in the refrigerator or freezer. Freezing gum can actually make it last longer, but chewing frozen gum can be tough and lead to health risks. And refrigerating gum can cause the sugar inside to crystallize and make it harder to chew.
How To Tell if Your Gum Has Gone Bad?
- If you’ve ever bitten into a piece of gum only to find that it’s become hard and stale, you know the frustration of chewing gum that has gone bad. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can tell if your gum has gone bad.
- First, look at the expiration date to see when the gum was made and when it should be used by. If it’s past the expiration date and it’s already been opened, you can smell the gum to see if it smells fresh.
- Finally, you can also look at the color of the gum. Fresh gum will be bright and colorful, while older gum will be darker in color.
Why Storing Gum Important?
- There are several signs that will help you determine whether or not your gum has gone bad, rotten, or spoiled. The first sign is a change in the texture of the gum. Gum that is no longer fresh will be sticky and tacky. It may also have a hard consistency and may feel dry and brittle. If you notice any changes in the texture of the gum, then you should discard it immediately.
- Another sign that your gum has gone bad is if the flavor has changed. If your favorite brand of gum starts tasting differently, then it’s time to throw it away. The last sign that your chewing gum has gone bad is if it develops an odor other than its original scent or if there is a noticeable change in its scent. If this happens, you should throw out your chewing gum immediately because it could be contaminated with mold or bacteria which can cause illness in humans and
- Storing chewing gum in its original wrapper is the only way to extend the lifespan of the gum. If the gum is left outside of the wrapper, it will likely become stale much more quickly. If you prefer to keep your gum in a different container, be sure to keep it separate from other items. Storing gum with cash, credit cards, or other items that are commonly found in purses or pockets can lead to the growth of bacteria. Any item that touches the gum should be clean. Chewing gum that is stored with other items should be discarded after one month.
- In a cool, dry place. This will help preserve the gum’s flavor and texture. Don’t put the gum in the refrigerator or freezer because this can cause it to become too hard. Also, avoid leaving the gum near direct sunlight or in a very hot car.
Bottom Line
As you can see, chewing gum can go bad fairly quickly, which is why it’s important that you store your gum properly, away from heat and moisture. If you want to make your gum last as long as possible, we recommend keeping it in a cool, dry place. Chewing gum is a tasty treat, but you should make sure it’s fresh before you pop it in your mouth.
