My Honest Review of Spry Xylitol Chewing Gum (2024)

Chewing gum is one of those everyday pleasures that doesn’t get enough credit. Whether it’s to freshen your breath, relieve stress, or just keep your mouth busy, finding the right gum is essential. That’s where Spry Xylitol Gum comes in. I’ve spent a good amount of time testing various gum brands in search of one that combines taste, oral health benefits, and clean ingredients. Spry claims to tick all these boxes, so I decided to dive deep into what it has to offer. In this review, I’ll share my honest insights about Spry Gum, covering everything from its packaging and ingredients to its flavors and overall value.

Packaging

First impressions matter, and Spry makes a good one with its packaging options. You can find Spry gum in a variety of formats: blister packs, bags, and tubs. I appreciate the focus on convenience and environmental responsibility, especially with the larger packs. These come in reusable and recyclable jar containers or tubs, which not only helps in reducing waste but also proves to be cost-effective. The jars are robust and hermetically sealed, ensuring the gum stays fresh. The convenience of having a 10-piece blister pack that fits easily into a pocket or purse reminded me of other portable gum options like Dentyne Ice. But what stood out to me was the larger containers available in sizes of 55, 100, 200, and even 550 pieces. These tubs are not just about offering a considerable amount of gum with minimal packaging; they also double as storage containers for small items once emptied. As someone who tried the smaller pack first for a taste test, I found this scalability ideal for both new and repeat buyers. Plus, keeping a jar in my office drawer or kitchen cabinet has never been easier or more aesthetically pleasing.

Quantity and Size

The variety in pack sizes is pretty impressive, with options ranging from a modest 10 pieces to a generous 550 count, each piece tipping the scales at 1.2g. The small, chicklet-like squares are white and offer a departure from the chemical taste often associated with gum. However, I found that the pieces are quite small, often necessitating two pieces at a time for a satisfactory chew. This might be a slight inconvenience for some, including myself, as one piece just doesn’t feel ample. But it’s a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things, especially considering how much my kids adore these.

Ingredients

What’s in Spry gum? The answer is reassuringly simple: Each piece is sweetened primarily with xylitol—a sugar alcohol renowned for its dental benefits—and contains 0.9 grams of this tooth-friendly ingredient. The absence of aspartame and the inclusion of only natural flavors align with my preference for natural, gluten-free options. Additionally, its low-calorie count and the absence of harmful chemicals make Spry stand out in the gum market. The benefits of xylitol, which include stimulating saliva and reducing the risk of tooth decay, give it an advantage, especially for someone like me who enjoys long chewing sessions without the need for constant hydration.

Caloric Content

For those watching their calorie intake, Spry is a gem. Each piece contains only 2.2 calories, making it an excellent choice for anyone following a low-calorie or ketogenic diet. The total carb content per piece is minimal at 0.9g, which complements a health-conscious lifestyle without compromising on taste or chewing satisfaction. It’s rare to find a gum that lets you indulge without the guilt of excessive calorie or sugar intake, and Spry does just that.

Flavor Choices

Diving into the flavors, Spry doesn’t disappoint. With a range that spans Spearmint, Bubble Gum, Fresh Fruit, Cinnamon, Licorice, Wintergreen, Peppermint, and Green Tea, there is something for everyone. My personal favorites were the Fresh Fruit, for its uncanny similarity to Juicy Fruit, and the robust Spearmint, which I found superior to similar flavors from other brands. The Cinnamon and Green Tea were pleasantly strong without being overpowering, a balance that’s hard to achieve. However, I felt the Bubble Gum flavor missed the mark slightly, leaning more towards a bubble-mint taste rather than the classic bubblegum flavor. While the variety is commendable, the intensity and lasting power of the flavors vary, leading to a mixed bag of experiences across the range.

Texture and Consistency

Spry gum offers a textured chew that is a little more resilient compared to some other brands on the market such as PUR. The gum holds its texture well, avoiding the common issues of disintegration or mushiness that some brands struggle with. While this means the chewing experience can be a little tougher and consequently, a bit more work, the payoff is the sustained soft texture that doesn’t harden over time. The balance between pleasant chewiness and extended texture retention is where Spry really shines.

Chewing Experience

From the first bite, I found Spry Gum to be pleasantly surprising in taste – it’s definitely on the sweeter side, which I didn’t expect. Although it might give your jaw a bit more of a workout compared to other gums, it doesn’t stick to dental work, making it a fantastic option for those with dentures. For individuals suffering from dry mouth or conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, the gum acts as a saliva stimulator, which I found quite relieving. Also, I’ve discovered a little trick: by parking the gum in my cheek or under my tongue when the flavor fades, I can still stimulate some salivation. And if you’re seeking to freshen up after a strong coffee or meal, I’ve noticed that Spry Gum does help in keeping your breath minty fresh.

Flavor Longevity

With its initial outburst of flavor, Spry gum starts off strong. However, it does tend to fade faster than some of its conventional counterparts. It doesn’t quite match the intensity of a gum like Orbit, but the flavor it packs is still quite pleasing. While the overall flavor longevity might hover around the 10-minute mark, I found that the faint aftertaste remained in a pleasant way, ensuring the mouthwatering effect lasted longer.

Environmental Impact

Environmentally speaking, Spry gum is a bit of a mixed bag. The base of the gum is not specified and is likely synthetic, which isn’t unusual in the industry but can be disappointing for eco-conscious consumers. Although a company representative has stated that the gum base ingredients are food-grade and include food-grade polymers, details on sustainability remain scarce. On the downside, the plastic blister packs are not very environmentally friendly, despite larger packs being packaged in reusable and recyclable containers.

Price and Value

When it comes to value for money, Spry Gum tends to be on the pricier side, especially when purchasing smaller 10-piece packs. Larger containers, such as the 200 or 550 packs, provide more economical options in the long run, though they may be less convenient to carry around on a daily basis. It’s somewhat disheartening to note that while a general increase in prices over time is expected, the significant leap from around $35 to approximately $40 for a 600-piece tub (which has now been reduced to 550 pieces) in recent years is quite considerable. As someone who enjoys chewing several pieces at a time for a full gum-chewing experience, I definitely feel the impact on my wallet. Furthermore, the fact that the product is produced in China raises suspicions among some consumers, including myself, due to concerns surrounding food safety and the absence of third-party test ratings.

Overall Rating

Taking everything into account, Spry Xylitol Gum provides a chewable experience that holds its own in the realm of natural, sugar-free gums. While there are areas for improvement, like flavor longevity and more varied size pieces, it excels in providing a health-conscious, guilt-free gum that tastes great and performs well beyond the initial chew. Keep in mind that the slight increase in pricing can be justified by the ingredients and health benefits it baggages. In a market filled with artificial, sugar-loaded options, Spry stands out as a healthier gum option well worth considering.