My Honest Review of Adams Chiclets Chewing Gum (New Iteration)

If you’ve been on the hunt for Chiclets, those tasty morsels of candy-coated chewing gum known for their square design, this review is for you. For those not familiar with the name, Chiclets was a popular gum brand named after chicle, their main ingredient. Regrettably, Chiclets vanished from the market in 2016 according to an article in the Saturday Evening Post. Thomas Adams, the genius behind Chiclets and a pioneer in the chewing gum industry, would be disappointed.

Adams is now owned by Mondelēz International, and it appears they came back with new iterations of Mexican-made Chiclets under the original brand name. Despite claims of the original Chiclets being done for good, there’s some evidence they’re still around. If anything, they seem to be such a rarity that Walmart and Amazon list Adams Chiclets as limited stock.

Given the heightened interest and selective availability, the brand continues to be largely relevant today.

Savoring the Nostalgia

As a seasoned confectionary enthusiast, these Chiclets conjure up fond memories. After a seven-year hiatus, it was rejuvenating to vouch for the Mexican iteration of Chiclets. They arrived in an assortment of small boxes, each housing two pieces of gum.

The first bite was reminiscent of the original – same flavor, same texture. The size, however, was a bit misleading. While I remembered them as super tiny, these Mexican iterations were a tad larger – similar to the size of a Cheerio. This discrepancy didn’t mar the experience, though. Pop one in your mouth, and you’re instantly reliving old times. Oh, the joys of bubble-blowing with these!

The Unforeseen Hiccups

While this new iteration appeases the void left by original Chiclets, my perception isn’t all rosy. One minor gripe is the packaging – the expected 10-12 piece packs were reduced to two pieces per pack. This petite nature, albeit easy to carry, seems a little less satisfying.

As for flavor, the gum presents as all-white pieces – larger chiclets, without the assortment of tangs from our childhood memories. Also, it’s worth noting that though the gum is marketed under the same brand name as original Chiclets, the taste and chewiness aren’t quite on par. The original had a “crispness” in flavor and bite that these counterparts fall short of.

Content Perusal & Health Concerns

A close look unveiled that these Chiclets contain aspartame, phenylalanine, and soy, among other ingredients. The mention of aspartame raises eyebrows, given its contentious reputation as a sugar substitute. However, sugar remains the predominant ingredient, which is reassuring. The candy coating sports minuscule mint speckles, adding to the taste while the texture remains akin to the original.

A point of concern was the absence of an expiration date on both the box and individual gum packages.

Favorite Assortments & Flavors

Adams Chiclets has a delightful palette of flavors from the past – Peppermint, Spearmint, Cinnamon, Tutti Frutti, Cherry, and Lemon. I would even vouch for the relatively unknown Tutti Frutti, which caught me by surprise with its uniqueness and taste.

Bringing It Home

While these Mexican Chiclets aren’t a replica of the original we grew to love, they’re a good substitute—if not the best available currently. They may not match the original in flavor and packaging, but when it comes to nostalgia, they hit the spot.

For those pining for the Chiclets experience, don’t let these small discrepancies deter you. Embrace them as a heartening remembrance of the beloved chewing gum we all miss. As the journey continues, I earnestly hope that Adams rebuilds the glory that was Chiclets and brings back the exact flavor and chew we miss so dearly.

To all the Chiclets enthusiasts out there, happy nostalgia-hunting!