My Honest Review of Wrigley’s Doublemint Chewing Gum (2024)

In my quest for the perfect chew, I’ve revisited a classic that has graced pockets and purses for generations—Wrigley’s Doublemint gum. With a history that spans over a century, Doublemint has been a go-to for fresh breath and a quick flavor boost. But does it still hold up in today’s world, with its vast array of alternatives? Let’s dive deep into an honest exploration of Doublemint gum, examining every facet from its packaging to its environmental impact.

Packaging

The first thing to note is that Wrigley’s takes packaging seriously, ensuring that the gum reaches you as fresh as it left the factory. Ordering multiple times, I consistently received gum that was soft and bursting with flavor. The gum comes in individual packs that are slim and discreet enough to slide into any pocket, making it accessible on the go. The double seal—where the whole box is sealed, and each pack within it is sealed again—plays a crucial role in maintaining its freshness and softness over time. However, once a pack is opened, the clock starts ticking; you’ve got about a week before the sticks begin to harden, necessitating prompt consumption.

Quantity and Size

Among the market’s offerings, Doublemint comes in fairly versatile quantity and size options. The two standard choices include packs of 5 and 15 pieces. For those looking into bulk purchases, the options are expansive, ranging from 40 packs of 5-piece sets to various sizes for the 15-piece packs. The 5-piece packs are a personal favorite because of their portability. Bulk options not only prove to be cost-effective but also save numerous trips to the store. It’s an added convenience that online stores like Amazon continue to stock the 5-piece packs at reasonable prices, especially when most local stores pivot towards the bulkier 15-piece counterparts, which can be less pocket-friendly—literally and figuratively.

Ingredients

The ingredient list of Doublemint gum reveals a mix of natural and artificial components. While the gum base, dextrose, and corn syrup are typical of many chewing gums, it’s the inclusion of aspartame and acesulfame potassium that might raise eyebrows among health-conscious consumers. Labeled on the box, these artificial sweeteners were introduced in 2003 as substitutes for some of the sugar previously used, allowing Wrigley’s to lower the sugar content. Despite this, it’s clear that Doublemint is not a sugar-free gum—it does contain added sugar, albeit in smaller amounts compared to traditional gums.

Caloric Content

On a lighter note, for those mindful of their calorie intake, Doublemint gum offers a comparatively low-cal option. Each stick packs 10 calories, with 2 grams of carbs and the same amount in sugars—not a bad trade-off for a quick flavor kick. While it doesn’t claim the sugar-free label, for a piece of gum that doubles as a snack deterrent, it’s not too shabby in the calorie department.

Texture and Consistency

The texture and consistency of Doublemint chewing gum contribute significantly to the overall chewing experience. Initially, the gum bears a wonderfully chewable texture, neither too hard nor too soft, striking a pleasant balance perfect for prolonged enjoyment. Unfortunately, the affinity of the gum for its paper wrapper poses a challenge, particularly when carried around in pockets for a few days, leading to wastage and a less enjoyable experience once the gum sticks to the paper. Moreover, once the robust flavor dwindles— which happens relatively quickly—the gum’s texture becomes its downfall, with it disintegrating or becoming less inviting to chew.

Chewing Experience

Delving into the actual act of chewing Doublemint, the experience remains largely positive and reminiscent of what many have come to expect from Wrigley’s. The freshness and flavor initially present in each stick does justice to the brand’s longstanding reputation. It caters incredibly well to those looking to freshen their breath efficiently or for singers like my husband, who finds the minty essence perfect for clearing vocal mucus post-meals. Moreover, its assistance in combating dry mouth and curbing evening munchies is commendable. However, there are instances where the gum feels hard, challenging to chew, likely indicating it’s from an older batch. Positively, it doesn’t stick to dental work, enhancing the experience for those with crowns. The initial mouthfeel is enjoyable, though this satisfaction is somewhat short-lived as the flavor and consistency begin to wane.

Taste and Flavor Longevity

Wrigley’s Doublemint prides itself on a “double strength” peppermint flavor, a claim that holds up—at least initially. The initial burst of peppermint is strong, sweet, and accompanied by a delightful powdery texture that many, including myself, find irresistible. It lends a sensation of mouth freshness that feels almost cleansing. However, the robust flavor starts fading quickly, sometimes lasting as short as two minutes, which is a letdown for those seeking lasting freshness. Comparatively, it may not offer the pure minty explosion of some mint-specific gums, but the blend of flavors it starts with is definitely commendable. It’s also worth noting that the taste profile has evolved over the years, with some older users noting a decrease in flavor longevity since its “new and improved” formula introduction.

Environmental Impact

In today’s eco-conscious world, many of us consider the environmental footprint of the products we buy, and sadly, Wrigley’s Doublemint chewing gum doesn’t score too high on the green scale. The primary issue here is its gum base, which is synthetic and non-biodegradable, inevitably contributing to environmental pollution. Knowing this made me somewhat conscious of disposing of the gum properly, but it also made me yearn for a more eco-friendly alternative.

Price and Value

When it comes to value for money, Doublemint gum offers a pretty sweet deal, particularly if you snag it in bulk. I found myself gravitating towards bulk purchases, securing a 40-pack for around $12, which works out to approximately 30 cents per 5-stick pack. Considering how long a pack lasts me, I find this to be quite reasonable. However, it’s hard not to notice the shrinkflation effect – the gum sticks have gotten noticeably thinner over time while the price point remains stable or even increases. This shrinking size does dampen the otherwise good value, leaving a slightly bitter taste in the whole “value for money” experience.

Overall Rating

In summarizing my experience with Wrigley’s Doublemint gum, it’s a product of contrasts. It excels in providing a burst of fresh, peppermint flavor that evokes nostalgia and delivers on its promise of fresh breath. The packaging and variety in product size and quantity are thoughtfully designed, catering to convenience and consumer preferences. On the flip side, the flavor longevity, environmental impact, and the diminishing size of the gum sticks are areas that stand out as needing improvement or consideration.

For those who don’t mind the quick dissipation of flavor or are particularly fond of the initial strong peppermint taste, Doublemint can be an excellent choice. It’s particularly suited for individuals not sensitive to aspartame and those seeking the ease of carrying gum on the go.

However, for the environmentally conscious, or those seeking lasting flavor from their gum, the trade-offs might not make Doublemint their first choice. Overall, I’d rate Wrigley’s Doublemint as a solid option within the chewing gum market, with room for improvement in certain areas. Its value proposition—especially when bought in bulk—combined with its classic taste, ensures it remains a competitive choice for many.