Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormPackaged
Industry PositionConsumer Packaged Food
Market
Menthol chewing gum is a breath-freshening chewing gum variant within the globally traded chewing gum category tracked under HS 170410 (chewing gum). Global export supply is led by a mix of large manufacturing and re-export hubs, with UN Comtrade (via World Bank WITS) showing China, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Turkey, Netherlands, and Mexico among the top exporters in 2023. Import demand is diversified, with the United States and United Arab Emirates among the largest import markets in 2023 alongside major European markets such as Germany, Netherlands, and France. The category is formulation- and regulation-intensive because chewing gum uses multiple additives (sweeteners, colors, glazing agents, preservatives) governed by destination-market rules, and it faces growing sustainability scrutiny related to plastic-based gum base and microplastics research.
Major Producing Countries- 중국Top exporter of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS, indicating a large manufacturing base for export supply.
- 아랍에미리트Top exporter of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS; also functions as a regional distribution and re-export hub.
- 캐나다Top exporter of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS.
- 터키Top exporter of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS.
- 네덜란드Top exporter and importer of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS; reflects major distribution logistics in Europe.
- 멕시코Among top exporters of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS.
Major Exporting Countries- 중국Top exporter of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS.
- 아랍에미리트Top exporter of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS.
- 캐나다Top exporter of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS.
- 터키Top exporter of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS.
- 네덜란드Top exporter of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS.
- 멕시코Among top exporters of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS.
Major Importing Countries- 미국Top importer of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS.
- 아랍에미리트Top importer of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS; also functions as a redistribution hub.
- 독일Among the top importers of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS.
- 네덜란드Among the top importers of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS; European distribution role.
- 프랑스Among the top importers of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS.
- 남아프리카Among the top importers of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS.
- 사우디아라비아Among the top importers of chewing gum (HS 170410) in 2023 in UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS.
Specification
Major VarietiesSugar-free menthol gum, Sugar-containing menthol gum, Coated pellet (panned) gum, Stick gum, Bubble gum (mint/menthol variants)
Physical Attributes- Gum base provides chew elasticity; finished forms commonly include sticks, slabs, chunks, and pellets depending on shaping and rolling/scoring lines.
- Coated pellet gum uses a hard outer shell applied via panning/coating, often used for mint/menthol breath-freshener positioning.
Compositional Metrics- Codex GSFA food category 05.3 describes chewing gum as a product made from natural or synthetic gum base containing flavours, sweeteners (nutritive or non-nutritive), aroma compounds, and other additives; menthol is a flavour/aroma variant within this structure.
- Sugar-free variants frequently use polyol sweeteners and/or high-intensity sweeteners, with flavour addition during mixing prior to extrusion and forming (processing sequences described by ICGA and ingredient suppliers).
Packaging- Sticks in paper/foil inner wraps within cartons
- Pellets in blister packs or small plastic bottles
- Flow-wrapped single portions and multi-packs for convenience retail
- Resealable pouches for pellet gum
ProcessingCore mass is typically mixed, extruded, shaped, and conditioned; coated (panned) pellet formats add a multi-layer coating step after forming.Aroma retention and moisture control are key to maintaining menthol intensity and texture during storage and distribution.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Ingredient procurement (gum base components, sweeteners, flavours such as menthol) -> gum base melting/filtration -> mixing -> extrusion -> shaping/forming -> conditioning/tempering -> optional coating/panning -> wrapping/packaging -> ambient distribution to retail and foodservice
Demand Drivers- Breath-freshening use case (mint/menthol) and on-the-go convenience consumption
- Sugar-free and reduced-sugar product positioning within confectionery portfolios
- High retail impulse visibility (small pack sizes, checkout/convenience placement) and travel/commuter consumption patterns
Temperature- Typically shipped and stored at ambient temperatures, but product quality can degrade with heat exposure (softening/stickiness) and high humidity (texture/coating issues).
- Aroma/flavour intensity is sensitive to packaging integrity and storage conditions; cool, dry storage supports menthol flavour retention.
Shelf Life- Long shelf life compared with perishable foods; main quality-limiting factors are flavour loss, moisture migration, and coating integrity rather than rapid microbiological spoilage.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighMenthol chewing gum relies on a complex additive system (sweeteners, colours, glazing agents, preservatives and other functional additives) and must meet destination-market ingredient approvals and labelling rules; misalignment can trigger reformulation requirements, border rejections, and recalls. Codex GSFA provides additive provisions for chewing gum as food category 05.3, but national regulations may differ in permitted substances and maximum levels.Maintain an up-to-date formulation and labelling compliance matrix by destination market, validate additives against Codex GSFA (food category 05.3) and local rules, and enforce supplier CoA/specification controls for sweeteners, flavours (including menthol), and glazing agents.
Sustainability MediumGrowing scrutiny of chewing gum’s environmental footprint (gum litter persistence and microplastics concerns) can increase reputational risk and create pressure for material changes in gum base and packaging.Evaluate natural-base alternatives where feasible, implement consumer disposal messaging, and pursue packaging reduction/recyclability improvements aligned to target markets.
Quality Degradation MediumMenthol/mint flavours are volatile and product texture/coating can be sensitive to heat and humidity; poor warehousing or transit conditions can reduce consumer acceptability even when food safety is not compromised.Specify temperature/humidity handling requirements for distributors, use moisture/aroma barrier packaging, and apply FEFO inventory practices to preserve flavour intensity.
Input Costs MediumCost and availability volatility in key inputs (sweeteners, polyols, flavours, and packaging materials) can impact margins and promote rapid reformulation cycles that increase compliance and quality risk.Dual-source critical ingredients, qualify substitute ingredients in advance, and integrate procurement risk monitoring into formulation governance.
Sustainability- Plastic-based gum base and microplastics: conventional chewing gum base can contain food-grade plastic polymers, and research presented via the American Chemical Society highlights microplastics shedding during chewing as an emerging consumer and reputational issue.
- Packaging waste from small, high-turnover packs (blisters, flow-wrap, bottles) increases exposure to extended producer responsibility and packaging-reduction policies.
FAQ
Which countries are the largest exporters of chewing gum in global trade data?UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank’s WITS portal (HS 170410, 2023) lists China, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Turkey, Netherlands, and Mexico among the top exporting countries for chewing gum. This HS category covers chewing gum broadly and does not separate menthol-only products, but it is the standard trade classification used for the category.
What does Codex say chewing gum is made of from an additives perspective?Codex GSFA Online lists chewing gum as food category 05.3 and describes it as made from a natural or synthetic gum base with flavours, sweeteners (nutritive or non-nutritive), aroma compounds, and other additives. The GSFA database then provides the food-additive provisions applicable to chewing gum within that category.
What are the basic manufacturing steps for chewing gum products like menthol gum?Industry and ingredient-technology sources describe a common sequence: gum base ingredients are melted and filtered, sweeteners and flavours (such as menthol) are mixed in, the mass is extruded and shaped (sticks, chunks, pellets), then conditioned/tempered and optionally coated (for pellet gum) before airtight wrapping and packaging. Specific implementations vary by manufacturer and product form.