bubblegum

Bubblegum is a type of chewing gum designed to be especially elastic, allowing the user to blow bubbles. It is typically sweet or fruity in flavor and remains soft enough to stretch into thin films before popping.

The modern bubblegum tradition began in 1928 when Walter Diemer, an employee of the Fleer Chewing Gum Company, developed a batch of unusually stretchy gum. It proved popular and was marketed as Dubble Bubble. The distinctive pink color, chosen because pink dye was readily available, became a hallmark of bubblegum.

Gum bases provide the elasticity and chewiness. Early bubblegum used natural chicle, but most mass-produced varieties now rely on synthetic elastomers blended with plasticizers. Flavors range from strawberry and watermelon to mint, though fruity varieties dominate. Traditional bubblegum is usually sugar-sweetened, while many products are now sugar-free, using sweeteners such as xylitol or sorbitol.

In culture, bubblegum has associations with childhood play and novelty candy. Iconic brands include Bazooka, Bubble Yum, and Dubble Bubble, and the act of blowing bubbles is a recognizable motif in advertising and media in some regions.

Health considerations include dental impact: sugar-containing gum can contribute to tooth decay, whereas sugar-free versions may reduce caries risk when used as part of good oral hygiene. Chewing gum should be enjoyed in moderation, and swallowed gum should be avoided, as it can pose a choking hazard, particularly for young children.