Gum history
From Tree Sap to Medicinal and Space-Age Gums
Natural Chewing – The Origins of Gum in Nature
The history of chewing gum dates back thousands of years, when people in various civilizations chewed tree sap or bark for enjoyment, medicinal, hygienic, or even ritual purposes. In Northern Europe, birch bark was chewed for its pleasant taste and pain-relieving properties. The Maya of Central America used sap from the sapodilla tree to ease hunger and thirst. Meanwhile, Native Americans chewed spruce tree resin for its natural and beneficial qualities.
In ancient Iran, people chewed resin from the Baneh tree, known as Saqez. Beyond its natural flavor, Saqez held many medicinal properties. The renowned Persian physician Avicenna (Ibn Sina) recommended it for treating digestive disorders and other ailments.
The Oldest Archaeological Evidence
One of the earliest known examples of chewing gum was discovered in Finland — a piece of birch bark tar dating back around 6,000 years. Tooth marks found on the resin show that chewing natural substances has been a long-standing human habit.
The Birth of Modern Gum in the 19th Century
The first commercial chewing gum was produced in the U.S. in 1848. The Curtis brothers added flavoring and paraffin to spruce resin, creating what is now considered the first modern gum, originally sold for just one penny.
In 1869, Dr. William Semple, a dentist from Ohio, registered the first official chewing gum formula — a mix of resin, sugar, charcoal, and licorice — though it was never mass-produced.
Thomas Adams and Chicle: The Gum That Changed History
Thomas Adams, secretary to former Mexican president Antonio López de Santa Anna, observed Santa Anna’s habit of chewing chicle — a tropical tree sap. Initially attempting to use chicle for rubber production, Adams instead created a sweet, natural gum by adding sugar. This innovation later became known as Chiclets.
He named his product Adams New York Chewing Gum. Interestingly, the Persian word “Adams” for chewing gum likely originated from his name, as seen on early imported packaging.
Wrigley – The King of Chewing Gum
No history of gum is complete without William Wrigley. Starting his career by selling soap, he realized that the chewing gum he gave away as a promotional bonus was more popular than the soap itself. Shifting focus, he founded Wrigley’s in 1893 and introduced the iconic Juicy Fruit and Spearmint brands.
His creative marketing strategies, such as mailing free gum samples to millions of people and giving gum as birthday gifts to children, helped Wrigley become one of the world’s leading gum manufacturers. Brands like Orbit, Doublemint, Extra, and Five are all part of the Wrigley family.
The Invention of Bubble Gum
The first attempt at making bubble gum was in 1906 by the Frank Fleer Company with a product called Blibber Blubber, but it was too brittle. Finally, in 1928, Walter Diemer introduced a successful version called Dubble Bubble, which became extremely popular.
Medicinal Gum – Where Science Meets Flavor
In 1928, the idea of adding medicinal ingredients to gum was proposed. By 1991, the European Pharmaceutical Association approved the practical use of medical gums. Chewing gum became a convenient drug delivery method, especially for children who have trouble swallowing pills.
Common active ingredients in medicinal gum include:
- Fluoride (for strengthening teeth)
- Chlorhexidine (oral antiseptic)
- Nicotine (for smoking cessation)
- Aspirin, antihistamines, antacids, and caffeine
Gum in Wartime and Space
During World War II, the U.S. military included chewing gum in soldiers’ rations to support oral hygiene, reduce stress, and improve concentration. NASA also used gum to help astronauts maintain oral moisture during space missions.
From a simple natural resin to a high-tech, multi-billion-dollar industry, chewing gum has journeyed through history — from medicinal uses to global brands. Understanding its story is not only fascinating but also highlights the intersection of nature, science, and innovation in everyday life.