Have you ever wondered why chewing gum became such a popular snack, especially when we were kids? Is there anyone who can do it? The history of chewing gum is a fascinating story that spans centuries, connects different cultures, and transcends the boundaries of time.
Ancient Gum: A Time-Tested Tradition
Believe it or not, chewing gum has been around since ancient times. Ancient Greeks and people around the world have been chewing sap for centuries. In the 2nd century, the Maya also valued the resinous sap of the sapodilla tree. In fact, there were Mexican workers called “chicleros” who climbed trees and cut the bark to release the sap called “chiclero.” This ancient tradition continues today and is where the famous Chiklets his chewing gum gets its name.
American settlers learned to chew sap from Native Americans, but it wasn’t until after the Mexican-American War that sap chewing became the sensation we know today. In 1848, John B. Curtis began producing the first commercial chewing gum with a delicious spruce flavor. Chewing gum boom is growing
The habit of chewing chicle was brought to the United States by exiled former Mexican president General Antonio López de Santa Anna. While on Staten Island, Santa Anna meets Thomas Adams, who becomes her secretary. Santa Anna thought chicle could be used as a substitute for rubber, but it never really worked. But Adams decided to experiment with this.
Through Adams’ ingenuity, he discovered a way to heat, season, and form chicle into sticks. He soon started selling these unique chew sticks and it became very popular. One of Adams’ favorite gums in the 1870s was the classic Black Jack that many of us grew up with.
Following the success of Black Jack, Wrigley’s (1891) and Chiclets (1900) soon entered the chewing gum market. The first chewing gum would be called Blibber Blobber, but in 1905 it proved too sticky for consumers. Finally, in 1928, the chewing gum we know today called Double Bubble was born. Chewing gum medallions were invented in 1889.
This handy device allowed people to save chewing gum for later use. Although it didn’t become popular until the 1910s, it became a staple for women who needed to dispose of their gum discreetly. At that time, it was considered rude for women to chew gum.
Gum Has Evolved
During World War II, soldiers’ diets included many different types of chewing gum. Chewing gum was believed to help soldiers relieve thirst, hunger, and stress. However, after the war, the manufacturing process for chewing gum became primarily synthetic. Petroleum-based stabilizers, waxes, and elastomizers have replaced the plant-based ingredients once used.
From childhood favorites like Bazooka, Wrigley’s, and Tea Berry to the wide range of flavors available today, it’s clear that bubblegum continues to fascinate us. With a rich history and ever-growing variety of gums, it’s safe to say that our love for chewing gum isn’t going away anytime soon.
