For people who flock to the singular pack of gum in the room – much to the chagrin of the owner – we don’t know enough about these resistable versions of adult pacifiers. We bet you have never seen expired gum; most companies do not even print an expiry date on their packaging.
Gum does not expire, but it goes bad if exposed to incorrect conditions. Exposure to moisture, air, heat, light, and bacteria can cause the gum to go bad and be unsafe for consumption.
For more details, please continue reading.
Shelf Life Of Gum
The shelf life of any product is not determined by its expiry date but by how well it delivers in taste and quality. The period through which it can retain most of its flavor and taste as close to its initial state right after manufacturing is known as the shelf life.
The shelf life of gum depends on the ingredients added to it. Typically, two gums are known for regular consumption: sugar-free gum and gum with added sugar.
Sugar-free gum has no added sugar in it and is hence able to stay good for a longer period. It can stay on shelves for over two years without losing flavor and texture.
On the other hand, gum with added sugar does not stay flavorful and adequately textured for a long time. The shelf life of gum with sugar is only six to twelve months. This is because of the sugar content, which attracts moisture and increases the chances of loss of flavor. Moreover, the moisture also increases the chances of mold or fungus growing on the gum.
The shelf life we mentioned only applies to gum that is properly stored in cool and dry places.
Does Gum Expire?
You will be surprised to find out that gum does not expire! Gum is one of the few products in the world that does not expire, and some countries do not require gum companies to add expiry dates.
This is because of the gum’s properties and the added ingredients, which reduce the chances of it expiring and being harmful to people.
However, some companies still add an expiration date and do not take responsibility for the product once it has passed that date.
While gum may not expire, it can go bad. This can happen very quickly, as we discussed gum’s relatively short shelf life.
Moreover, gum does decompose years after it has been packaged and on the shelf. It is inevitable for microorganisms to enter the vicinity and begin feeding off the gum.
Factors That Make Gum Go Bad
Below we have discussed some factors contributing to the drop in gum quality and eventually making it go bad and impossible to consume.
Moisture
As mentioned earlier, the high moisture content in gum can make it lose its flavor. Moreover, the gum becomes very sticky, the texture changes, and the gum becomes hard to consume.
Air
All products must be kept away from the air as this can result in the product reacting to foreign elements, making the gum go bad. If the gum is exposed to air, it can become very dry, and the flavor might disappear completely depending on how long the exposure is. The gum will also get very hard to chew on.
Light & High Temperature
Exposure to too much light can also make gum go bad sooner. This is because too much light increases the temperature of the surface that it is directly hitting. The light can be in the form of fluorescent, decorative, natural, or direct sunlight.
The increase in temperature may make the gum melt a little, get sticky, and completely lose its flavor and texture.
Sometimes, the gum may be exposed to high temperatures without exposure to direct sunlight, but the consequences of it would be the same. The gum will not be in a state of consumption.
Bacteria
If the gum is left exposed, bacteria and other foreign elements might creep into the edible. If the gum has sugar, it will make the perfect home for bacteria to feed and grow in. Moreover, fungi can feed on it, and mold can grow.
You may look for signs of such growth in the form of dark spots or green-colored spots on the gum. If these signs are not seen, the gum would be devoid of flavor, which may indicate such an event. It is advised not to consume gum you know has been left out in the open for some time.
Is It Safe To Consume Expired Gum?
We assume that when you refer to expired gum, you are referring to the date printed on the packaging. Mostly, the date is just a safety measure that companies take to avoid any responsibility for issues that may occur due to the consumption of bad gum.
To detect if it is safe to consume expired gum, you would have to pay extra attention to its texture, appearance, and flavor.
It is best to avoid consuming it if it is discolored or has dark spots. The discoloration is likely due to the growth of bacteria and fungi; consuming this could cause health concerns.
If the gum is brittle, hard, or too runny, we would not recommend you consume it. Although this does not pose a health risk or safety concern, eating gum with such a texture would be a bad experience. Moreover, it would be devoid of flavor, making it even more unpleasant.
Decomposition Of Gum
Gum is a type of polymer, which means that it comprises long chains of molecules. The main ingredients in most gum include gum base, sweeteners, flavorings, and softeners. Over time, these ingredients can break down and decompose, causing the gum to lose its flavor, texture, and overall quality.
The process of decomposition is slow and takes a long time to start. On average, the decomposition of gum starts over two to three years after it has been manufactured.
To get an insight into the fascinating process of gum manufacture, watch this while you read: BUBBLEGUM | How It’s Made
Storage Tips For Gum
To make your gum last longer and retain its quality, follow the tips below and store it carefully.
- Store in a dry place that has a low moisture content.
- Store it in a cool place, where the temperature is not as low as freezing but not high enough to cause the gum to melt.
- Ensure it is placed in an airtight container or packaging so that no air enters the product.
- Ensure that the surroundings are clean and do not have a high risk of mold and bacteria growth.
Final Thoughts
This may have put your mind at ease, but you must inspect your gum before consuming it, especially if the manufacturing date is years old. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
