Bubble Gum: 20 Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Bubble Gum: 20 Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

What do you do when you’re bored? You’ll probably want to chew some bubble gum to pass the time or reduce tension, and in case you’re not aware, it improves concentration.  Consumers sometimes misinterpret the difference between chewing gum and bubble gum. The gum basis is the primary distinction between the two, though. Chicle, a natural gum derived from the sap of a tropical tree known as a sopapilla, is the basis for chewing gum base. It’s chewy gum that doesn’t pop into a big bubble. Alternatively, bubble gum base is a lab-made concoction of starches and polymers designed specifically to produce large bubbles.

However, regardless of the kind of gum you’re chewing, it’s hard to keep away from it as it’s chewy, yummy, and that one thing we have to hide from the kids. Here are 20 fun facts you probably didn’t know. 

1. It was accidentally created by a guy named Walter Diemer

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Picture this: It’s 1928, and Walter Diemer is just a regular accountant at Fleer Chewing Gum Company. One day, while playing around with gum formulas, he stumbled upon the idea of bubble gum. Yes, you read that right—he discovered it by chance!

While experimenting, he accidentally creates a solution that is both flexible and non-sticky. This is how the bubble gum that we all enjoy today was first introduced to the world. So let’s give a virtual round of applause to Walter Diemer, the unintentional hero of chewing gum, the next time we blow a bubble!

2. The iconic pink colour of bubble gum is inspired by the original pink dye

Bubble gum’s signature pink dye has an interesting history. The Fleer Chewing Gum Company’s food colouring options were a little restricted when bubble gum was originally invented. They coloured the gum with this bright pink dye that they just so happened to have in their collection.

It was just what they had on hand at the moment; it wasn’t a calculated move. They had no idea that this “happy accident” would turn into a bubble gum-defining feature. That vivid pink tint became synonymous with chewy, fizzy pleasure!

3. Diemer’s bubble gum was the first to be both stretchy and less sticky

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Walter Diemer’s bubble gum mixture was a game-changer for the chewing gum industry. Unlike its predecessors, his invention was the first to achieve the perfect balance of stretchability and stickiness. This made chewing much more enjoyable and allowed people to blow huge, eye-catching bubbles that we all love. It’s safe to say that Walter Diemer’s invention revolutionised the way we chew gum and took pleasure to a whole new level with its flexible and non-sticky texture.

4. The record for the largest bubble gum bubble ever blown is over 23 inches in diameter

Someone inflated a bubble that measured an amazing 23 inches in diameter using nothing but a piece of gum and a great deal of willpower. It would be similar to having your own gum-filled, transparent beach ball! It’s challenging to fathom the amount of talent it must have taken. Normally, blowing bubbles is just for fun, but this one broke all previous records.

5. The original gum was made from chicle

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The first chewing gum had a simple beginning: it was created from chicle, a natural latex sap gathered from the sapodilla tree, long before the days of synthetic rubber and high-tech additives. Chicle chewing gum is a long-standing Mayan custom that dates back thousands of years. This chewy treat can be found in abundance in the Central American sapodilla tree. Chicle gum was not only sweet but also biodegradable because it was made from natural ingredients. Though the contents may have changed, the joy of chewing remains constant.

6. The first commercially sold-out bubble gum is known as Dubble Bubble

The history of chewing gum is quite colourful, but one name that stands out is Dubble Bubble. It was the first bubble gum to be commercially marketed and was created in 1928. Today, it still brings joy to many gum lovers and is proud of its distinction. Dubble Bubble’s characteristic pink colour and flavour, which many associate with childhood, have made it a beloved classic that has stood the test of time. It reminds us that some things never get old, and there’s nothing quite like blowing bubbles.

7. Bazooka bubble gum was created during World War II

Parka Lewis at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There is a lengthy history of bazooka bubblegum. The Bazooka Joe comic strip is what makes this chewy delicacy so well-liked. It was actually created during World War II. This chewy goodie was developed to raise the spirits of US soldiers. During difficult times, Bazooka Gum provided a quick comic strip with Bazooka Joe and his friends, bringing humour and fond memories to each piece. They had no clue that their creation during the war would become a cherished classic that gum lovers of all ages would continue to enjoy long after the war was over.

8. There are Sugar-free versions of bubble gum

Of course, too much sugar is not good for you, so the best thing to do is enjoy some sugar-free bubble gum which actually exists.  By using sugar substitutes like xylitol, aspartame, or stevia, alternatives provide sweetness without the calories and tooth decay risk associated with regular sugar.

Since it offers a guilt-free way to enjoy the familiar flavour of bubble gum while being mindful of sugar intake, sugar-free gum is a popular choice for anybody searching for a healthier, tooth-friendly substitute. 

9. Catchy music in the 1960s was known as “bubblegum music”

“Bubblegum music” takes us back to the golden era of music in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which was known for its easy, captivating melodies and fascinating sounds. The fundamental objective of this genre was to create pop music that was wacky, cheerful, and instantly recognisable.

The expression first came up when people believed these melodies to be as delicious and sweet as chewing gum. Bubblegum music attracted a large following and developed into a cultural icon due to its catchy tunes and sing-along lyrics. Although some may have dismissed it as “fluff,” its continued popularity shows that sometimes we need a little sugary sweetness in our music.

10. Sugary bubblegum was created by a dentist

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Do you believe that a single dentist invented the sugary bubble gum that they often warn against? Surprisingly, a dentist by the name of William Morrison received the first-ever patent for bubble gum in the late 1800s. “Sweet Tooth” was its original name. Prior to becoming the recognisable Dubble Bubble that we are familiar with today, it was first known as “Blibber-Blubber.” The next time you’re chewing a piece of bubble gum, you may be able to thank a dentist for giving you this tasty, chewy delight.

11. Diemer converted the first batch of his gum into 100 pieces of bubble gum

Walter Diemer wasted no time in producing his innovative bubble gum mixture. He turned that original batch into a hundred pieces of bubble gum and hurried to the next candy store, eager to see how the public would take his innovative invention. Little did he anticipate that the response would come quickly and with enthusiasm, laying the groundwork for the upcoming bubble gum revolution.

12. In the first year, Diemer’s Gum earned $1.5 million.

Did you know that Walter Diemer’s invention of bubble gum was a major breakthrough in the gum industry? It was a huge success when bubble gum was introduced to the commercial market for the first time, and people were ecstatic. The less sticky and flexible mixture was an instant hit, selling a whopping $1.5 million in its first year!

It’s no surprise that people loved the chewy delight and the fun of blowing bubbles. What’s more, Diemer’s creation unintentionally sparked a thriving industry that still brings happiness and nostalgia to people of all ages. It’s amazing how something so simple can make such a big impact, don’t you think?

13. Bubble gum is sticky because of the Polymer Base

 The reason why bubble gum is so delightfully sticky is because of its polymer composition. Bubble gum is made from synthetic rubbers that contain extended chains of polymers, which gives it that signature chewy and elastic texture. These polymers are what makes bubble gum so sticky – their tangled chains create a cohesive and adhesive substance. As you chew, the warmth and pressure of your mouth soften the polymers, making them mushy and sticky. And, of course, who can forget about the fun of blowing bubbles? It’s all thanks to the sticky nature of bubble gum, which also allows it to stick to your teeth.

14. The most common bubble gum base is found in everyday items

15. The “bubble gum” flavour is a bit of a delusion

Though it’s somewhat of a fantastic illusion, the “bubble gum” flavour is often associated with that pleasant, sweet taste. It’s surprising that there isn’t a specific fruit or plant that this unique flavour can be easily linked to. It is completely artificial and was created by culinary scientists with great care to resemble the well-known sweet, fruity, and slightly floral ingredients of “bubble gum” flavour.

As a result, despite the fact that bubble gum comes in a variety of enticing flavours like strawberry, watermelon, or cherry, the original “bubble gum” flavour is still the product of creative cooking methods that we can easily say are in fact not natural.

16. Someone stretched gum equivalent to a three-story building

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People have different ambitions, and in this case, someone actually managed to stretch a piece of gum to the height of a three-story building. I mean, it must have been quite humorous, but this also just shows how stretchy gum can be. If you ever thought your imagination was wild, then remember Trevor Cummings of Mesa, Arizona, who holds this record. 

17. You should chew for at least 15 minutes to get the gum soft before blowing it

Blowing bubbles is so much fun and it’s even more impressive when you can make them perfectly round! But, did you know that there’s a tiny trick to being a master bubble blower? All you have to do is chew your gum for at least fifteen minutes to make it soft and malleable enough for those big, bouncing bubbles. This gives your gum some extra time to become moist and warm, making it easier to manipulate. So, if you’re ready to show off your bubble-blowing skills, just be patient and let your gum do its thing. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you become a bubble-blowing champion!

18. Bubbles blow better when it’s hot than when it’s cold

Did you know that the temperature can have a big impact on how well your gum bubbles blow? It’s true! Blowing bubbles in warm weather is usually easier and more fun since the heat causes the air inside the bubble to expand, making it bigger and easier to float. But in cold weather, the air can get trapped, making the bubble smaller and harder to blow. So, if you want to impress your friends with some amazing, giant bubbles, be sure to do it on a warm, sunny day! And don’t forget, the science behind bubble blowing is pretty cool too!

19. Bubble gum is not easily digested

There is a bit of a misunderstanding about what happens if gum does go down, despite the fact that it is rarely advisable to swallow gum because of its challenge with digestion. Despite what many people think, gum won’t “stick” to your insides or remain in your stomach for seven years.

Actually, it normally travels through your digestive tract and goes out together with other meals. Still, it is best to discourage young children in particular from developing the habit of swallowing gum since gum occasionally causes obstructions or pain in the digestive tract. As a result, gum should only be used for chewing, not swallowing, even if it might not end up living permanently in your stomach.

20. Bubble gum has its own day of celebration, known as “National Bubble Gum Day”

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There is a day set aside specifically to celebrate bubble gum called “National Bubble Gum Day.” The first Friday of February is when this lovely holiday occurs. On this day, people of all ages join together to raise money for charity causes while also enjoying and sharing their favourite flavours of bubble gum. It’s the ideal time to enjoy some chewy nostalgia and maybe have some entertaining bubble-blowing competitions, all supporting a worthy cause. So remember to put this delicious bubble gum party on your schedule!

And that’s a wrap, my friends! I hope you had a good time learning these cool bubble gum facts. So, the next time you’re munching on some bubble gum, remember it’s not just chewy; it’s a bit of history and loads of fun! Keep blowing bubbles and keep on having fun because that’s what bubble gum is all about.