True Gum Review: My Honest Thoughts on This Plastic-Free Chewing Gum

True Gum, a product originating from Copenhagen, Denmark, has caught my attention recently. This company aims to bring a more natural chewing gum to the market, with clean branding and an enticing concept. Marketed as a plastic-free gum, it promises a better, more eco-friendly alternative to conventional chewing gums. While I appreciate their goals, let’s dive deeper to see if True Gum lives up to the hype.

Packaging

The packaging of True Gum is both practical and attractive. The gum pieces are housed in a biodegradable cardboard box, making it eco-friendly right from the start. There are no foil wrappers or plastic strips, just pure recyclable materials. The design is very similar to Simply Gum, which I had tried before. The boxes are small, neat, and easy to slip into a pocket or bag, perfect for when you’re on the go. I found the design user-friendly, as the boxes are simple to open and close, making them convenient for everyday use.

Quantity and Size

Each small box of True Gum contains 16 pieces, weighing a total of 21 grams. The pieces resemble mini marshmallows, each coated with a crispy shell that gives way to a chewy center. However, I found the pieces to be quite small, often needing two at a time for a satisfactory chewing experience. On the upside, chewing two or more pieces allows you to blow decent-sized bubbles!

Ingredients

True Gum prides itself on its all-natural ingredient list. The gum base is made from chicle, a natural sap from a Central American tree, which means zero plastic content—a rare find in most gums today. It’s sweetened with xylitol and stevia, making it sugar-free. Additionally, the gum contains no artificial ingredients or aspartame, which is a relief for those who suffer from migraines triggered by artificial sweeteners.

Key ingredients include: Sweeteners (xylitol, steviol glycosides), plastic-free gum base, natural flavours, humectant (glycerol), stabilizer (gum arabic), carthamus extract, spirulina extract, and glazing agent (carnauba wax). It’s also certified vegan, which makes it even more appealing for health-conscious individuals.

Caloric Content

One of the noteworthy aspects of True Gum is its low caloric content—each piece has about 2.5 calories. This means you’d have to chew a lot of them to make a dent in your calorie intake for the day. Per 100 grams, the gum contains 190 calories and 76 grams of carbohydrates, with zero sugars, making it a good option for those looking to reduce dental decay and manage their sugar intake.

Flavor Choices

True Gum offers an impressive variety of flavors. Some of the available options include Mint, Raspberry & Vanilla, Lemon, Peppermint White, Mango, Strong Mint, Liquorice & Eucalyptus, Ginger & Turmeric, Cinnamon, Watermelon, and Cherry. Personally, I found the flavors to be quite inviting.

Each flavor provides a unique experience, with some being more successful than others. The liquorice and eucalyptus flavor was a standout for me, and the ginger and turmeric had a subtle spice that was enjoyable. Some flavors like lemon and raspberry were pleasantly sweet and did not taste artificial at all, though I found the strong mint to be quite overpowering. All in all, the flavor combinations are enjoyable and diverse enough to keep things interesting.

Texture and Consistency

The texture of True Gum is quite unique. Each piece has a smooth, slightly crunchy outer shell that softens up once you start chewing. However, the initial few seconds can be a bit odd, as the gum feels somewhat powdery before transforming into a cohesive chewing gum. One downside is that it can get quite sticky, which might result in bits getting stuck to your teeth, lips, or fingers. This stickiness can be uncomfortable and messy, particularly if you’re trying to blow bubbles or chew for an extended period.

Chewing Experience

For me, True Gum serves as a great option for freshening breath after meals and helping to reduce the effects of acids and sugars on my teeth when I can’t brush. Unlike some other xylitol-sweetened gums, True Gum didn’t give me any stomach upset, which was a pleasant surprise. But the overall stickiness can be a major downside. It sometimes adheres to my lips, teeth, and even fingers, making it somewhat frustrating to dispose of properly. This gum is best suited for natural teeth, as the stickiness could make it unsuitable for those with dentures or certain dental fillings.

Flavor Longevity

While True Gum offers some delightful bursts of flavor initially, I did find that the taste didn’t last very long. The crisp outer shell delivers an immediate punch of flavor, but it fades away all too quickly, usually within the first couple of minutes. This can be a bit disappointing if you’re looking for a long-lasting flavor experience. On the bright side, the flavors don’t taste artificial, which is a redeeming quality.

Environmental Impact

One of the biggest selling points for True Gum is its commitment to the environment. The packaging is biodegradable and completely recyclable, eliminating any contribution to microplastics. As mentioned before, the gum base uses a plant-based alternative to the plastic commonly found in other gums. Additionally, the factory producing True Gum operates entirely on green energy. This zero-waste approach truly sets it apart in today’s market, providing a guilt-free chewing experience that is kind to our planet.

Price and Value

True Gum is priced at around £2.80 per box, making it more expensive than conventional gums. Often, you need to chew two pieces at a time for a satisfactory experience, so a box doesn’t last very long. Additionally, there’s no “Subscribe & Save” option available, which could help offset some costs.

On the positive side, they offer free shipping on orders above €45 on their website, and True Gum is also available in stores across Europe, adding a layer of convenience. The higher price is somewhat justified by the quality of ingredients and the brand’s environmental ethos. However, for regular use, it might be more practical as an occasional treat.

Overall Rating

In summary, True Gum is an excellent choice for those who prioritize natural ingredients and environmental sustainability. The packaging and ingredients are both top-notch, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gum. The variety of flavors is impressive, though their longevity leaves something to be desired. The texture and stickiness can be a drawback and might make it unsuitable for everyone, particularly those with dental appliances. Priced on the higher side, it’s more of an occasional treat rather than an everyday staple. Overall, True Gum stands out for its innovation and eco-conscious ethics, making it worth a try despite some minor drawbacks.