Thousands of tons of plastic pollution could be escaping into the environment every year … from our mouths. Most chewing gum on sale is made from a variety of oil-based synthetic rubbers—similar to the plastic material used in car tires.

  • Bell@lemmy.worldOP
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    1 day ago

    Had no idea that “gum base” was plastic. Thanks shitty FDA for allowing me to poison myself all these years.

    • FoxyFerengi@lemm.ee
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      1 day ago

      There are alternatives made from plant resin (chicle) like Simply Gum, but they definitely lose flavor and texture much faster than the plastic based gums

      • CaptainPedantic@lemmy.world
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        1 day ago

        I tried one of those alternatives once. It was like chewing on gristle. The flavor went away within seconds. I’d rather eat glue. Hopefully they’ll improve, but I’m not optimistic.