Chewing Gum Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Sugared Chewing Gums, Sugar-free Chewing Gums), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online, Others), By Region, By Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 5.73 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.23%
Fastest Growing Segment	Sugar-free Chewing Gums
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 7.78 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Chewing Gum Market will grow from USD 5.73 Billion in 2025 to USD 7.78 Billion by 2031 at a 5.23% CAGR. Chewing gum is a cohesive culinary confection designed for mastication without deglutition, typically composed of an insoluble gum base, sweeteners, and flavorings. The market is fundamentally supported by increasing consumer recognition of the oral health benefits associated with sugar-free options and the functional use of gum for stress reduction and focus enhancement. These core drivers foster consistent demand and differentiate the category from other confectionery segments by offering utility beyond simple indulgence.

Nevertheless, the industry faces a significant challenge regarding the environmental sustainability of synthetic gum bases which poses disposal and pollution concerns that could hinder long-term growth. According to the National Confectioners Association, in 2024, gum sales in the United States reached $4.4 billion. This figure underscores the economic resilience of the category even as manufacturers navigate the complexities of sustainable production and raw material sourcing.

Key Market Drivers

The rising consumer adoption of sugar-free and oral health-centric formulations is fundamentally reshaping the global chewing gum landscape, positioning the category as a dental hygiene adjunct rather than a mere confectionery treat. As health-conscious shoppers increasingly scrutinize sugar intake, manufacturers have aggressively pivoted toward xylitol-based products that promise cavity prevention and enamel remineralization. This structural shift toward health-aligned options has proven essential for maintaining category value in a challenging economic environment. According to Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, September 2025, in the 'State of the Industry 2025' report, the sugarless gum subcategory in the United States generated approximately $3 billion in sales for the 52 weeks ending May 18, 2025, significantly outperforming regular formulations. This segment's dominance is further evidenced by the scale of market leaders; according to Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, in 2025, Mars Wrigley recorded sugarless gum sales of $1.7 billion, illustrating the critical role of oral health portfolios in sustaining revenue.

Simultaneously, the proliferation of functional gums offering benefits such as stress relief, energy enhancement, and facial toning is creating high-growth niches. By infusing gum bases with active ingredients like caffeine and adaptogens, or designing tougher textures for jaw definition, brands are successfully targeting wellness-oriented demographics looking for utility beyond breath freshening. This innovation strategy allows for premium pricing and rapid adoption outside traditional retail aisles. According to Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, September 2025, in the 'State of the Industry 2025' report, the founder of Liquid Core Gum noted that sales for one of their flagship functional brands surged by more than 1000% year-over-year. Such explosive traction indicates that specialized functional attributes are becoming a pivotal driver for capturing new value in a mature market.

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Key Market Challenges

The environmental sustainability of synthetic gum bases stands out as a critical impediment to the expansion of the Global Chewing Gum Market. The majority of conventional gum products rely on non-biodegradable polymers that function effectively as plastics, resulting in persistent waste that poses significant disposal and pollution concerns. This inherent composition creates a disconnect with increasingly eco-conscious consumers who actively scrutinize the environmental footprint of their purchases. The stigma associated with gum as a contributor to urban litter and plastic pollution deters potential buyers, thereby eroding brand equity and dampening consumption frequency among demographic groups that prioritize sustainability.

This negative impact on market momentum is evident in recent performance metrics which show a stagnation in consumption volume. According to the National Confectioners Association, in 2024, unit sales of gum declined by 2.2%. This contraction in volume, despite revenue gains driven by price increases, indicates that the industry is struggling to expand its user base. The persistence of environmental concerns limits the category's ability to secure long-term loyalty and drives a wedge between traditional product offerings and evolving consumer values, directly hampering organic growth.

Key Market Trends

The adoption of sustainable and compostable packaging solutions is rapidly gaining traction as major manufacturers align production infrastructure with circular economy principles to mitigate plastic waste. This trend extends beyond the gum base itself to the outer wrapping, where brands are investing heavily in technologies that eliminate non-recyclable materials from the supply chain. A prime example of this industrial shift occurred when Mars Wrigley Australia announced a $6.5 million investment to upgrade its Asquith facility with circular-by-design packaging technology, aiming to remove significant tonnage of soft plastics annually. According to Packaging News, April 2025, in the 'Mars Wrigley cuts plastic with $6.5m upgrade' article, this capital injection will support the transition to recyclable cardboard trays, eliminating approximately 13 tonnes of plastic wrap from the market each year.

Simultaneously, there is a distinct surge in clean label and plant-based ingredient lists, driven by shoppers actively seeking aspartame-free and allergen-friendly alternatives to conventional sugar-free options. This movement has allowed challenger brands to capture market share by formulating products with natural sweeteners and gum bases that appeal to health-focused consumers wary of artificial additives and synthetic polymers. The commercial viability of this segment is evident in the performance of The Pur Co., which utilizes a minimal ingredient approach. According to Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, September 2025, in the 'State of the Industry 2025' report, The Pur Co. saw its sales jump by 42% to reach $11.7 million, significantly outpacing the broader category's growth rate.

Segmental Insights

The sugar-free category is currently recognized as the fastest-growing segment within the global chewing gum market, primarily driven by heightening consumer awareness regarding oral hygiene and the adverse effects of high sugar consumption. This expansion is significantly bolstered by endorsements from established health institutions, such as the American Dental Association, which grant seals of acceptance to products proven to prevent tooth decay and neutralize plaque acids. Consequently, the increasing preference for functional confectionery containing non-cariogenic sweeteners like xylitol continues to accelerate demand among health-conscious populations worldwide.

Regional Insights

North America maintains the leading position in the global chewing gum market, driven by high consumer awareness regarding oral hygiene and a strong preference for sugar-free variants. The regional dominance is further reinforced by the wide acceptance of functional products intended for breath freshening and dental health. A key factor supporting this demand is the validation of specific sugar-free gums by the American Dental Association, which enhances consumer confidence in product safety and efficacy. Additionally, the concentrated presence of major manufacturers facilitates continuous innovation and ensures robust distribution networks throughout the region.

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, Perfetti Van Melle USA announced the expansion of its sugar-free gum offerings with the introduction of Trident Vibes Cotton Candy. This product was marketed as the only sugar-free gum with a cotton candy flavor available in the national retail market at the time. The launch followed a successful exclusive trial period with a major retailer and was part of the company's broader strategy to deliver novel flavor experiences in the refreshment category. The new flavor was packaged in the brand's signature bottles, designed to appeal to consumers looking for fun, indulgent tastes in a sugar-free format.
• In September 2024, The Hershey Company unveiled an innovation under its Ice Breakers brand with the release of Ice Breakers Flavor Shifters gum. This new product line featured a proprietary technology designed to change the gum's flavor profile from one distinct taste to another during the chewing process. The initial variants included "Wild Berry to Coolmint" and "Wintergreen to Coolmint," aiming to provide a multi-sensory experience that evolved from fruity or specific mint notes to a cooling finish. The company positioned this launch to cater to consumers seeking sensory stimulation and prolonged engagement from their gum products.
• In June 2024, Lotte Well Food, a prominent player in the confectionery industry, introduced two new fruit-flavored chewing gum products specifically targeting Generation Z consumers. The company released "&LEMON" and "&DALKI" (strawberry), which were developed based on consumer research indicating a strong preference for fruit flavors over mint among younger demographics. These products utilized a proprietary manufacturing method to combine real fruit juice with herbal scents and spices, such as rosemary and salt flavor, to enhance the sensory experience. The launch represented a strategic move to revitalize interest in the gum category among younger audiences by offering unique, texture-rich formulations.
• In February 2024, Mars Wrigley expanded its confectionery portfolio by launching a new format for one of its iconic bubble gum brands. The company introduced Hubba Bubba Mini Gum, which was designed to offer a different chewing experience with smaller, pop-able pieces compared to the traditional chunk or tape varieties. This new product featured flavors from the Skittles brand, including the original mix of lemon, strawberry, grape, orange, and lime. The launch aimed to leverage cross-brand popularity and appeal to consumers seeking nostalgic yet novel gum products in portable packaging options like bottles and stand-up pouches.

Key Market Players

• Mars Incorpoprated
• Perfetti Van Melle Group B.V.
• Grupo Arcor SA
• Lotte Corporation
• Mondelēz International Inc.
• The Hershey company
• Zed Candy BV
• The Campbell Soup Company
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• Cloetta AB

By Product Type	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Sugared Chewing Gums Sugar-free Chewing Gums	Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Convenience Stores Specialty Stores Online Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Chewing Gum Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Chewing Gum Market, By Product Type:

• Sugared Chewing Gums
• Sugar-free Chewing Gums

• Chewing Gum Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online
• Others

• Chewing Gum Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE