My Honest Review of Lotte Xylitol Chewing Gum (2024)

I first encountered Lotte Xylitol Chewing Gum during a trip to Tokyo, Japan. Ever since I’ve returned to the US, I’ve been on a quest to find it. Thankfully, I managed to purchase it online, and now I can share my detailed review with you. Manufactured by Lotte Confectionery, this gum has intrigued me ever since I laid my hands on it.

Packaging

One of the standout features for me is the packaging. The bottle container is not only convenient but also visually appealing with its colorful and vibrant design. I was pleasantly surprised to find a mini green paper pad inside the container, designed to wrap up used gum before discarding it. Such a thoughtful touch! The assorted gum pieces, though small, are travel-friendly and fit perfectly on my office desk for a quick snack and breath freshener.

Quantity and Size

One bottle contains 100 small, chiclet-shaped pieces, but I received about 105 pieces, which was a pleasant surprise. The compact size and shape make them easy to carry around and ideal for a quick refreshment on the go. The pieces have an outer crunch that’s quite satisfying and are great for a quick chew. However, due to their small size, some might find the need to chew two pieces at a time. These gum pieces are suitable for both adults and kids, and the container size fits nicely in a car cup holder. Despite this convenience, a larger home bottle would be a welcome addition.

Ingredients

When I first bought this gum, I assumed it was sweetened solely with xylitol. However, upon closer inspection (and thanks to my ability to read little Japanese), I discovered it contains aspartame as well. This could be a deal-breaker for those trying to avoid aspartame. Each piece contains around 0.53 grams of xylitol. The gum also includes coloring agents and gum arabic as a thickener. However, the specific components of the gum base remain undisclosed.

Caloric Content

The packaging states that the gum has 30 calories per 10 pieces, which translates to roughly 3 calories per piece. It contains 11.8 grams of carbs and is marketed as sugarless with no added sugar. This makes it a relatively low-calorie option for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat without the added sugar.

Flavor Choices

Lotte Xylitol chewing gum really shines in its variety of flavors. The gums come in different colors and offer tropical flavors you wouldn’t usually find here in US. There are eight main flavors: sweety citrus, peach, muscat, grape, orange, lychee, berry, and an intriguing soda flavor. This assortment allows for a delightful mix every time you reach into the bottle. Additionally, solo packs include enticing options like blueberry mint, fresh mint, and lime mint.

Interestingly, Lotte Confectionery also collaborates with the South Korean boy band BTS, creating a special edition of this gum. The BTS edition features unique flavors like apple mint, alpha peach, and purple mix (grapefruit and blueberry), along with more traditional flavors like grape, peach, berry, orange, lychee, and muscat. This collaboration has certainly added to its popularity!

Texture and Consistency

This is where Lotte Xylitol gum really excels. Despite the flavors being short-lived, the gum’s texture remains consistent and pleasant. Unlike many sugar-free gums that tend to harden, this one stays soft, making for a comfortable chew. The texture perfectly complements the assorted flavors, providing a satisfying experience even after the sweetness has worn off. It takes on an almost natural quality, feeling like you’re biting into a piece of fruit.

Chewing Experience

While the gum offers a delightful chew, it’s not without flaws. Some of the artificial flavors give off a strong chemical taste, sometimes accompanied by a strange numbing sensation. There’s also a notable bitter aftertaste after you’ve chewed for a while. However, the initial freshness it brings to your mouth is commendable. It’s perfect for those moments when your mouth feels “lonely” or just after a meal. Also, mixing two pieces can create an enjoyable taste, offering a refreshing feel. Additionally, this gum doesn’t get sticky, so it won’t strain your jaw, making it a good option for extended chewing.

Flavor Longevity

A common downside to xylitol-sweetened gum is the brief flavor duration, and this brand is no exception. However, compared to other brands, the flavor does linger a bit longer, allowing for a more extended enjoyment period. Even after the flavor subsides, the gum doesn’t lose its chewiness, which is a plus for those who like to keep gum in their mouth for longer periods for reasons like concentration or habit.

Environmental Impact

The reusable bottle container is a plus, allowing for easy storage of other small items once the gum is finished. Plus, the little sticky pad inside promotes responsible disposal of used gum. Unfortunately, the exact composition of the gum base remains unknown, so it’s safe to say it’s not biodegradable. Nevertheless, the reusable aspects offer some environmental advantages.

Price and Value

Price-wise, Lotte gum is on the expensive side, especially due to international shipping costs. A 100-piece pack costs around $40, which is certainly a premium price for gum. It’s cheaper in Japan, so if you can buy it locally there, you’ll save a bit of money. Despite the higher price point, the variety of flavors and the unique packaging do offer some value.

Overall Rating

In summary, Lotte Xylitol Gum offers an exciting mix of exotic flavors and practical packaging, making it a standout product for those looking to try something different. While there are some drawbacks, such as the presence of aspartame, a chemical aftertaste, and the premium price, the benefits such as the variety of flavors, sugar-free content, and overall chewing experience can outweigh these for many users. It’s particularly recommended for those seeking to explore flavors beyond the ordinary, though users should exercise caution around pets, as xylitol is harmful to dogs. Whether it’s for a blast of tropical flavor, a quick breath freshener, or just a fun chewing experience, this gum has its unique appeal that might be worth the splurge for enthusiasts.