Chewing gum
FDC 168771stick (3 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 7 · -2 vs Sweets medianChewing gum scores 7 of 100 in the Low band, ranking 38th of 60 in Sweets, below the category median of 9. It has no standout nutrient percentages here, since gum is built almost entirely from sweeteners and gum base rather than any nutritive ingredient.
It's chewed rather than swallowed, typically one stick at a time, so the 360 calories and 66.1 g of sugars listed per 100 g rarely reflect what's actually consumed in a sitting, since only a few grams end up chewed. Even so, the per-100 g sugar content confirms it's built as a sweet, not a food with meaningful nutrition value.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around chewing gum, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal | 18% |
| Total fat | 0.3 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.04 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 1 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 97 g | 35% |
| Dietary fiber | 2.4 g | 9% |
| Sugars | 66 g | |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 2 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 11 kcal | 1% |
| Total fat | 0.01 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 0.03 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 2.9 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.07 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 2 g | |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 0.06 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 168771Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the sweets median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Syrups, maltDensity 8 vs 7Candies, white chocolateDensity 8 vs 7Candies, caramelsDensity 8 vs 7Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Chewing gum is made from a gum base (historically chicle, now typically synthetic elastomers) combined with sweeteners, softeners, and flavoring, formed into sticks, pellets, or tabs. It is chewed rather than swallowed, releasing flavor and sweetness over several minutes before the flavor fades and the base becomes essentially inert. Sugared gums use sucrose and corn syrup for sweetness and a softer, more pliable texture, while sugar-free versions substitute sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners and tend to stay firmer longer.
A single stick is only about 3 g, so despite carrying 360 calories and 66.1 g of sugar per 100 g, an individual piece contributes only around 11 calories, most of which is not even absorbed since gum is chewed rather than eaten. Sodium is negligible at just 1 mg per 100 g. Store gum in its wrapper in a cool, dry place, since heat can make it soften, stick together, or lose its shape. Because of its high sugar content per 100 g, sugared gum is best thought of the same way as candy, an occasional habit rather than a snack, with sugar-free versions offering a lower-sugar alternative for the same chewing habit.
Frequently asked questions about chewing gum
How many calories are in a stick of chewing gum?
A single stick (about 3 g) contributes roughly 11 calories, based on 360 calories per 100 g, and much of that is not fully absorbed since gum is chewed, not swallowed.
Is chewing gum high in sugar?
Sugared chewing gum contains 66.1 g of sugar per 100 g, though a single stick's small size means the actual sugar per piece is modest.
How should chewing gum be stored?
Keep it in its wrapper in a cool, dry place, since heat causes it to soften and lose its shape.