Gum is often considered a type of candy, but opinions on this classification can vary. It is made from a variety of base materials, including wax, resin, and elastomers, and is chewed for its sweetness, freshness, and flavor. Chewing gum is a soft, cohesive substance designed to be chewed without being swallowed, and it is made by mixing a gum base with sweeteners and flavorings.

While gum shares some similarities with candy, such as the use of sweeteners and flavors, it is not meant to be swallowed like traditional candy. Some people may view gum as a somewhat healthier alternative to candy, depending on the ingredients and personal circumstances.

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Some people categorize it as candy, but it isn't the same sort of substance for the most part.

Answered from Christin Keck

Is Gum Considered Candy?

As someone who loves both candy and gum, I used to assume gum qualified as a type of candy. But once I started reading gum packages more closely and learning about how it's made, I realized it's quite different from what we traditionally think of as candy. If you've also wondered whether gum can be classified as a form of candy, here's a detailed look at how gum compares to candy.

What ingredients are used to make gum?

When I checked the ingredient list on packs of gum, I was surprised to find that the main ingredient is a synthetic rubber base rather than sugar. Gum base contains polymers that give gum its chewy, stretchy texture. The base is then flavored and sweetened with additives like sorbitol and xylitol.

Candy, on the other hand, is made primarily from sugar. Sucrose or corn syrup give candy its sweet taste and structure. So right away, I could see gum contains very different ingredients from classic candy.

Does gum have the same texture as candy?

Candy comes in a huge range of textures from hard candies to gummies. But whether hard, chewy, or creamy, the textures of candy are designed to complement the flavor and be appetizing.

With gum, stretchiness and “chewability” are the priorities rather than tasting pleasing. Gum base contains elastic polymers that allow gum to be malleable and hold its shape while chewing. The texture aims to satisfy the urge to chew, not provide a pleasant mouthfeel.

Is gum sweet like candy?

Definitely not as much! When I first bit into gum expecting strong sweetness, I was surprised at how subtle and fleeting the sweetness was. While sugar-free gums use artificial sweeteners, the flavor dissipates within minutes.

Candy is created specifically to deliver indulgent sweetness and flavor. Whether chocolate, caramel, or fruity candy, the taste tends to be intense and long-lasting on the palette.

Is gum marketed and packaged like candy?

When browsing store aisles, I noticed gum and candy are clearly separated into distinct sections. Candy is displayed alongside other indulgent treats like cookies. Meanwhile, gum gets grouped with functional products like mints and breath strips meant for fresh breath.

The packaging also positions gum more as a breath freshener rather than a treat. So producers don't seem to consider gum comparable enough to conventional candy to package and market them together.

Does gum provide nutrition like candy?

One big thing I learned is that a stick of gum contains virtually zero calories! When checking nutrition labels, gum has no dietary energy, whereas candy is packed with sugar and calories.

Some gums even contain vitamins or supplements for health benefits beyond fresh breath. So gum is more of a functional product, while the purpose of candy is providing enjoyment and quick energy.

Is gum consumed the same way as candy?

Nope – we eat candy, but we chew gum! When eating candy, the goal is generally to fully ingest it to experience the sweet flavor and energy boost.

With gum, we chew until the flavor fades, then spit it out. Gum is designed to be malleable and rubbery long-term for extended chewing sessions rather than being swallowed. So the consumption process is very different.

Does gum qualify as a “junk food”?

Junk foods like candy provide tasty but unneeded calories and sugar. While gum may seem like a junky indulgence, gum contains no sugar or fat I learned.

And chewing gum can even benefit dental health by increasing saliva flow and preventing cavities in some cases. So nutritionally, gum is very distinct from junk foods like candy.

Conclusion

After taking a deeper look, I now understand that while candy and gum share some superficial similarities, they have very distinct purposes, ingredients, textures and nutrition profiles. Candy aims to provide sweet flavor and energy, while gum focuses on long-lasting chewability for oral satisfaction and fresh breath. So gum cannot be categorized as a true form of candy despite appearances!