A vitamin drinks brand is expanding into confectionery with its vitamin chewing gum: seeing the potential of both products to appeal to on-the-go consumers.
Mentos maker Perfetti Van Melle must pay a €180,000 ($192,000) fine for suggesting its chewing gum had equivalent dental health effects to brushing teeth.
Japanese researchers claim that chewing gum for over 10 minutes can reduce stress, adding to a growing body of science linking gum chewing to stress relief.
Chewing gums backed by approved health claims and with low price points are a rare growth opportunity in the mature Dutch confectionery market, according to market analysts Canadean.
A high-dose satiety gum containing a potato extract and African mango has launched in the US that takes four pieces to achieve clinically-backed results.
The taste and mouthfeel of silicon microparticles may be acceptable for inclusion in a functional chewing gum that aids bone health, according to researchers.
Ingredients firm Fluxome is months away from developing a resveratrol chewing gum for Europe through a partnership with Danish medical gum manufacturer Fertin.
The positive EFSA opinions for gum claims under Article 13.1 will compel the sector to further innovate along functional lines, says an expert who argues that gum is the confectionery category 'most likely' to get such regulatory backing.
Positive opinions issued by EFSA for sugar-free chewing gum and the claim that it helps to strengthen teeth and neutralise plaque acid will, no doubt, leave R&D teams in the leading gum brand owners smiling.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved a health claim for xylitol, sorbitol and mannitol-based sugar-free chewing gum that it reduces the risk of tooth decay.
It’s a sticky issue that just won’t go away. There are sugar-free, tooth whitening and nicotine added versions but none from leading makers, as yet, that are dissolvable in rain.
Opportunities are rife for the manufacturers of functional and
sugar-free gums, as consumer analysts predict that these items will
far outstrip chocolate and sugar confectionery in terms of value
growth.
An application to add calcium to chewing gum has been lodged with
Food Standards Australia New Zealand by Wrigley's, which would
allow gum sold in Australia to be fortified with the mineral for
the first time.