My Honest Review of B-Fresh Xylitol Sweetened Gum (2024)

B-Fresh might be an old name in the gum market, but it caught my attention with its vegan-friendly ingredients and added nutrients like Calcium and Vitamin B12. If you’re seeking a gum that’s more than just minty fresh breath, you might want to hear about my experience reviewing this product.

Packaging

Let’s start with the packaging. I went ahead and purchased the 100-piece bottle, which looks somewhat like a large pill container. Trust me, its flip-top design is incredibly convenient for quick access and hassle-free storage. The design is practical and visually appealing. Occasionally, I transfer some pieces into a smaller Altoids tin to keep in my purse for added convenience. This brand is made in the USA—a little bonus for those mindful of product origins.

Quantity and Size

One thing I appreciate about B-Fresh is the variety of purchase options. You can get a 12-piece blister pack, or go bigger with 50 and 100-piece bottle containers. This is great because it caters to both casual and frequent chewers. The gum itself is chiclet-shaped and weighs about 1.3 grams per piece, making it noticeably larger than most other brands like Glee, Pür, and Xylichew. This size means you might only need one piece for a satisfying chew, rather than popping two pieces at a time.

Ingredients

If you’re concerned about what’s going into your gums, B-Fresh might bring you some peace of mind. The gum is sweetened exclusively with birch-derived xylitol (not the cheaper, corn-derived alternative). It’s sourced from trees in the USA rather than China. The gum is kosher, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and safe for diabetics. There are no artificial sweeteners or preservatives, and it provides a little nutritional boost from Calcium and Vitamin B12.

Per serving (which is two pieces), you’ll get about 1775 mg of xylitol, 486 mg of Calcium, and 12.5 mcg of Vitamin B12. The bottle lists the ingredients as Xylitol, Gumbase, Natural Flavors, Vitamin B12, Gum Arabic, Carnauba Wax, Calcium Citrate, and Calcium Gluconate. Assuming the label is accurate, it’s a perfect choice for vegans, the lactose-intolerant, and individuals with celiac disease.

Caloric Content

In terms of calories, B-Fresh is quite light. Two pieces add up to just 5 calories, and you get 2 grams of total carbs with no added sugars. This makes it a guilt-free option for those watching their caloric intake or on a low-sugar diet.

Flavor Choices

B-Fresh offers a variety of flavors, including Bubble Gum, Cinnamon, Spearmint, Mixed Fruit, and Lemon. My personal favorite is the Spearmint flavor. It starts off strong and lasts for about four minutes before it begins to fade, but a subtler taste lingers, making for a pleasant chewing experience.

The Bubble Gum flavor brings a classic, fruity, and almost intoxicating taste. Although it’s not as long-lasting as Bazooka, it does a decent job with no residual bitterness.

The Cinnamon flavor contains cinnamon oil and offers an initial spicy kick, perfect for those who enjoy spicier options. The flavor is noticeable but not overpowering, and it lasts for a reasonable amount of time.

The Lemon flavor, however, was a bit of a letdown. The initial burst is delightful but fades quickly. I wish it had a stronger, more sour lemon taste and better longevity.

Finally, the Mixed Fruit flavor is reminiscent of juicy fruit gum but without the sugar, making it a tasty alternative without the added guilt.

Texture and Consistency

B-Fresh gum stands out with its soft texture complemented by a nice crunchy shell. Throughout the chewing experience, the gum remains soft and easy to chew, which speaks to its quality. It is firm but never hard, offering a consistent experience. However, one downside is that it can be a bit sticky, sometimes adhering to my teeth and dentures, which might be a concern for some users.

Chewing Experience

One of the most enjoyable aspects of B-Fresh gum is its clean, non-artificial taste. Unlike some gums that use fake sweeteners, B-Fresh gives a natural flavor experience. You can even blow real bubbles, especially with the Bubble Gum flavor. It’s great for those who enjoy that classic gum experience. A single piece is enough for a satisfying chew, but if you desire extra flavor and gigantic bubbles, you can go for two pieces.

Additionally, the gum increases saliva production, which helps with dry mouth issues and leaves your teeth and mouth feeling clean when you can’t immediately brush your teeth. An important note is that, despite its benefits, consuming large amounts can have a laxative effect due to the xylitol content, leading to stomach discomfort for some users.

Flavor Longevity

One aspect that pleasantly surprised me was the flavor longevity. Having tried other aspartame-free gums, I didn’t have high expectations. However, B-Fresh exceeded my expectations to some extent. The initial strong burst of flavor does fade relatively quickly, but a more subtle taste lingers for a longer time, making the overall experience enjoyable. Though not the longest-lasting gum on the market, it performs admirably compared to other natural sweetener-based gums.

Environmental Impact

When it comes to environmental impact, B-Fresh gum has some notable drawbacks. The exact composition of the gumbase is unknown, making it likely non-biodegradable. Additionally, the plastic packaging isn’t environmentally friendly. However, the bottle container is reusable, and the larger packs reduce overall waste, which is a small step in a positive direction.

Price and Value

One major downside to B-Fresh gum is its price. The cost for fifty pieces can be nearly $20, making it quite expensive compared to other chewing gums. Additionally, it can be a bit challenging to find online or in stores, which adds to the inconvenience. While the quality and benefits might justify the price for some, others may find it overpriced, especially considering that the cost per piece is much higher than regular gum found in supermarket aisles.

Overall Rating

In summary, B-Fresh Xylitol Sweetened Gum has a lot to offer—from its vegan-friendly and health-conscious ingredients to its pleasing array of flavors and oral health benefits. However, its high price and slight stickiness are potential downsides. If you value clean, natural ingredients and don’t mind spending a bit more, this gum could be a great addition to your routine. Just remember to consume it in moderation to avoid potential laxative effects due to the xylitol content. Additionally, pet owners should exercise caution when using this gum around dogs and ensure proper disposal of used pieces to prevent any health risks to pets.