Does Chewing Gum Ever Expire?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 26, 2020

Technically, chewing gum does not expire; however, over time it becomes hard, brittle and less flavorful. Gum is the very best if eaten within four to six months of its manufacturing date.

In most countries, chewing gum is not required to have an expiration date because it is nonreactive and has a low moisture content. Even after chewing gum has become brittle and has lost a lot of flavor, it is still safe to chew.

Chewing gum has long been enjoyed by people around the world. The earliest forms of chewing gum were made from tree resin. Evidence of people chewing on tree resin can be traced back for over 5,000 years.