My Honest Review of Wrigley’s 5 Gum (2024 Edition)

In the ever-expanding world of chewing gum, one name that frequently pops up is 5 Gum, a sugar-free option produced by the Wrigley Company. Known for its sleek and modern packaging, this gum promises a refreshing experience with every chew. Having spent a considerable amount of time with the product, I’ve come to appreciate what it offers and also notice areas where it might not hit the mark for everyone. In this review, I aim to provide a well-rounded perspective on 5 Gum, sharing insights that cover everything from its packaging to its ingredients and even its caloric content.

Packaging

There’s something to be said about the design ethos of 5 Gum’s packaging. It closely mirrors the simplicity and practicality found in Extra gum’s packaging, yet stands out in its own right. The product is available in two forms: a 15-stick paper pack case and a more robust 35-stick plastic case with a flip top. The paper packs boast an ingenious slide-in-place closure that guarantees a secure shut, ensuring that no stick of gum accidentally falls out. Each pack arrives encased in cellophane to preserve freshness, with individual sticks wrapped in a foil-like material that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, protecting the gum from external elements while maintaining its flavor and texture.

For those, like myself, who prioritize convenience and durability, the 35-stick plastic case is a game-changer. Its semi-clear, hard plastic casing is a bulwark against the common annoyances of gum getting bent or dirty inside a bag. The flip-top design not only makes sharing straightforward but also ensures the gum doesn’t get squashed. It is impeccably designed for on-the-go use, being both compact and spill-proof, and for me, it’s a clear favorite when traveling.

Quantity and Size

5 Gum does not skimp on size; these are full-size sticks, not the smaller chiclets or mini-sticks some other brands offer. However, what’s caught my attention is the colored coating on each piece – a synthetic color. With a shift towards natural ingredients in the health and wellness sphere, it’s curious to see a product maintaining its use of “chemical” colors. Each stick weighs in at a reasonable 2.5 grams. The color coding for flavors, such as blue for peppermint and green for spearmint, lends an interesting visual appeal to the gum, though it raises questions regarding the necessity of synthetic coloring in today’s health-conscious market.

Ingredients

Diving into the ingredients, 5 Gum is touted as a sugar-free option, yet it includes several artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols for taste. Notably, it contains aspartame, a sweetener known to cause headaches in some individuals, alongside soy lecithin, sorbitol, mannitol, among others. Sorbitol, in particular, can lead to intestinal discomfort for a subset of people, hinting at the gum’s potential to cause digestive issues. Additionally, the inclusion of gelatin in its formula places this gum in the non-vegetarian category, which might not sit well with everyone. The presence of soy also makes it unsuitable for those with soy allergies or sensitivities. The ingredients list reads as follows:

This composition reveals a reliance on synthetic components for flavor and preservation that may be a point of contention for the more health-conscious consumers.

Caloric Content

On the brighter side, each piece of 5 Gum contains just 5 calories. Its sugar-free formula aligns well with individuals conscious of their sugar intake and those looking to manage calorie consumption. The low caloric content (and possibly the brand name) cleverly nods to a mindful consumption narrative, offering a sweet treat that doesn’t derail dietary goals. Each piece also has a total carbohydrate content of 2g, making it a guilt-free option post-meal to curb any lingering cravings without resorting to higher-calorie alternatives.

Flavor Choices

The flavor profile of 5 Gum is nothing short of a mouth-watering adventure. Its selection spans across Peppermint Cobalt, Spearmint Rain, Wintermint Ascent, Watermelon Prism, React Mint, RPM Mint, Strawberry Flood, and Sweet Mint. Each flavor has a distinct appeal. Peppermint Cobalt, for instance, hits the right spot with a balance of mint; it’s potent but not overpowering. Spearmint Rain bursts with a refreshing, cool spearmint taste with every bite, while Wintermint Ascent invigorates with its exhilarating flavor.

React Mint draws on the Wintermint base but incorporates elements of Peppermint, presenting a unique flavor characterized by a toothpaste-like tingle. However, its intensity might somewhat overpower mild flavors or dampen the taste of water if chewed just prior. RPM Mint, on the other hand, offers a reliably smooth mint experience.

The latest addition, Watermelon Prism, promises to tantalize taste buds with a fake watermelon smell and an intense tingle. True to the profile, it delivers a Jolly Rancher-like watermelon taste initially, which interestingly transitions into a banana flavor as you chew on. Sour Strawberry Flood brings a unique tart, strawberry tanginess to the mix, while Sweet Mint tenderly delivers a light, fruity minty flavor.

Texture and Consistency

In terms of consistency, 5 Gum maintains a soft, non-brittle texture even when freshly opened or stored in a warm environment like a car, an attribute I have greatly appreciated. It stays non-sticky and holds up well, without breaking down easily or causing difficulty with dental work.

However, the inclusion of flavor crystals could be a mixed bag, introducing a texture alteration that may appeal to some while turning off others. Nonetheless, its overall texture complements the chewing experience pleasantly.

Chewing Experience

Keeping the chewing experience at the forefront, 5 Gum leans slightly on the sweeter side for a sugar-free gum, but not distractingly so. It has the potential to freshen breath, alleviate dry mouth symptoms, and even stave off nighttime cravings, lending it high marks for practicality and convenience.

It also offers dwelling amusement for your mouth; bustling with flavors that keep you engaged over time. The chewiness of the gum is impressive, and although it might not yield the biggest bubbles when compared to classic bubble-blowing gums like Hubba Bubba, it still manages mid-sized ones reasonably well.

Flavor Longevity

5 Gum earns high praise when it comes to flavor longevity. An enduring flavor is one of its standout qualities, lasting noticeably longer than many other gum brands. Particularly, the mint flavors are reported to last up to two hours, ensuring a lingering freshness. It’s one of those rare gums that allow for extended chew sessions without any decline in flavor or enjoyment, making you forget the existence of those hard, wear-out-your-jaw gums.

Environmental Impact

As much as I have admired the packaging of 5 Gum, the environmental aspect presents a slightly troubling side. While the packaging looks environmentally friendly with lesser wastage than competing sugar-free gums, the plastic packs may contribute to environmental pollution.

Even more unsettling is the non-biodegradability of the gum, given the undisclosed composition of its gum base, creating an environmental dilemma. While the brand has taken steps towards sustainable packaging, there is certainly more room for it to address the larger environmental concern amid growing ecological consciousness.

Price and Value

5 Gum is commonly found in convenience stores and comes in a variety of pack sizes. The larger pack size tends to offer better value and cost-effectiveness, though it certainly could propel quicker consumption, particularly for those lacking control over their gum-chewing habits.

A 10-pack of paper cases containing 15 sticks each is typically priced around $14, which makes bulk buying a favourable option economically. The availability of multipacks further enhances the value proposition.

Overall Rating

Taking everything into account, 5 Gum offers an exciting mix of intensity, durability, and contemporary packaging. The variety of flavors, long-lasting taste, and overall satisfying chewing experience make it a top choice among gum enthusiasts. However, the potential digestive concerns raised by its ingredients and the environmental impact of its non-biodegradable base present areas to reflect upon. Overall, it holds a distinct position in the marketplace and certainly lives up to delivering flavor-filled adventures alongside a refreshed breath experience.