5 Gum is a brand of chewing gum owned by Mars Inc. It’s known for its unique flavor and packaging. Apart from its taste, many people are also interested in knowing if 5 Gum contains sugar or not. In this article, we will discuss the surprising truth behind the popular gum’s ingredients.
What is 5 Gum?
5 Gum is a sugar-free chewing gum that popularly advertises itself as a “stimulating experience” for the senses. The gum brand is manufactured by Mars Inc., which is known for producing top-notch confectionery products. The 5 Gum brand comes in different flavors such as Spearmint, Peppermint, Wintermint, Cobalt, and more.
What are the ingredients of 5 Gum?
According to the manufacturer, 5 Gum contains the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Sources |
|---|---|
| Xylitol | Plant-based sweetener |
| Mannitol | Sugar alcohol |
| Gum Base | Chemical-derived gum base |
| Glycerol | Viscosity improver |
| Natural and artificial flavors | Flavors and spices |
| Soy Lecithin | Emulsifier |
| Aspartame, Acesulfame K | Artificial sweeteners |
| BHT | Packaging preservative |
From the table above, it’s easy to note that Xylitol and Mannitol are the sweeteners present in the popular gum. The other ingredients are chemicals used for different purposes to create the flavor and texture of 5 Gum.
Is 5 Gum sugar-free?
Yes, 5 Gum is a sugar-free brand that uses Xylitol and Mannitol as sweeteners. Xylitol and Mannitol are plant-based sweeteners that have lower calorie contents than sugar. These sweeteners work to improve the flavour profile of 5 gum and also have oral health benefits such as reducing the risk of tooth decay.
What is Xylitol, and why is it used in 5 Gum?
Xylitol is a natural sweetener and sugar substitute. It’s mostly found in fruits and vegetables and contains fewer calories than sugar. Xylitol is used in 5 Gum to provide the sweet taste while avoiding the high-calorie content that comes with sugar products. Additionally, Xylitol has been found to have oral health benefits like reducing the risk of tooth decay and improving the PH levels of your mouth.
What is the difference between Xylitol and Mannitol?
Xylitol and Mannitol are sugar alcohols that are used interchangeably in the food industry as natural alternatives to sugar. The significant difference is that Mannitol is approximately 50 % less sweet and has a slightly lower calorie content compared to Xylitol. Xylitol has 2.4 calories per gram, while Mannitol has 1.6 calories.
How many calories does 5 Gum contain?
According to the manufacturer, 5 Gum contains approximately 5 calories per piece of gum. This calorie count is low compared to sugary products such as chocolate or candy. Sugar-free gum-like 5 Gum is ideal for people who want to reduce their overall calorie intake while still being able to enjoy the sweet flavor.
Does 5 Gum have any health benefits?
Yes, chewing sugar-free gum-like 5 Gum has been found to have several health benefits, including:
- It helps improve oral health by promoting saliva production, which washes away food particles and neutralizes harmful acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.
- It reduces acid reflux in the oesophagus by promoting swallowing and thus reducing acid reflux.
- It can promote weight loss by reducing hunger and aiding in calorie-burning processes.
- It’s a stress reliever as it helps in reducing anxiety and improving mood.
Can you chew 5 Gum if you have a health condition?
Individuals with a history of digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or ulcerative colitis and lactose intolerance may experience stomach upset when consuming sugar alcohols like Xylitol and Mannitol. Similarly, people with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, should avoid chewing sugar-free gum like 5 Gum. It’s always advisable to consult a doctor before consuming any food with Xylitol and Mannitol.
Can 5 Gum cause any side effects?
Sugar-free gum-like 5 Gum can cause side effects such as flatulence, bloating, and diarrhea if consumed in large amounts by individuals with digestive problems such as IBS or lactose intolerance. Other reported side effects include headaches, allergic reactions to ingredients and dental problems like jaw pain or toothache. These side effects are usually rare and are only reported when consumed in very large amounts.
Who should avoid 5 Gum?
Individuals with the following conditions should avoid chewing 5 Gum:
- Allergies to any of the ingredients in 5 Gum
- Kidney disease
- History of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or lactose intolerance.
- Diabetic patients since 5 Gum contains artificial sweeteners that can cause insulin resistance in some individuals.
Is 5 Gum safe for children?
Yes, 5 Gum is generally safe for children since it’s free from sugar and contains lower calories. In some cases, however, children can experience digestion problems when consuming large amounts of Xylitol and Mannitol. Parents and caregivers should monitor how much gum children are consuming and ensure they brush their teeth after chewing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 5 Gum is a unique sugar-free gum brand with different flavors that provides a stimulating experience to the senses. The gum is sweetened with Xylitol and Mannitol, which are plant-based sweeteners with a lower calorie content compared to sugar. 5 Gum has several health benefits like promoting oral health, aiding in weight loss and acting as a stress reliever. However, individuals with medical conditions such as IBS or lactose intolerance should avoid consuming too much gum. Ultimately, it’s essential to brush your teeth after chewing gum and always consult your doctor before consuming any food products.
Common Questions and Answers About 5 Gum
Is 5 Gum sugar-free?
Yes, 5 Gum is a sugar-free brand that uses Xylitol and Mannitol as sweeteners.
What is the difference between Xylitol and Mannitol?
Xylitol and Mannitol are sugar alcohols that are used interchangeably in the food industry as natural alternatives to sugar. The main difference between the two is that Mannitol is approximately 50% less sweet and has a slightly lower calorie content compared to Xylitol.
How many calories does 5 Gum contain?
According to the manufacturer, 5 Gum contains approximately 5 calories per piece of gum.
Can 5 Gum cause any side effects?
Yes, repeatedly exceeding the recommended daily amount of Xylitol can cause side effects such as flatulence, bloating, and diarrhea if consumed in large amounts by individuals with digestive problems such as IBS or lactose intolerance. Other reported side effects include headaches, allergic reactions to ingredients and dental problems like jaw pain or toothache.
Is 5 Gum safe for children?
Yes, it’s safe for children, but they should not chew too much of it. Xylitol and Mannitol digestion problems can occur if too much is consumed. Suggested chewing limits should always be observed, and teeth should be brushed after gum is chewed.
Who should avoid 5 Gum?
Individuals with allergies to any of the ingredients in 5 Gum or with kidney disease, a history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or lactose intolerance, or diabetes should avoid chewing this gum.
References
- Mars Wrigley Confectionery US LLC. (2021). 5 Gum. www.5gum.com
- Yang, L. et al. (2014). Xylitol for preventing acute otitis media in children up to 12 years of age: Protocol for a Cochrane Review. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2017). Chewing gum: Is it bad for the jaw?. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/chewing-gum-is-it-bad-for-the-jaw