Chewing gum is a $33.1 billion global business, but concerns over their negative environmental impact and a lack of innovation over the years have caused legacy food companies, notably Mondelēz, to turn away from the category.
In 2022, the Oreo cookie producer announced the sale of its chewing gum business in developed markets to competitor Perfetti Van Melle for $1.35 billion. By contrast, gum products boosted with functional benefits have been making waves ever since confectionery leader Mars Wrigley relaunched its caffeinated gum Alert in 2017 after the FDA clearance.
Smaller entrants touting portability and efficacy of their added ingredients, including Mighty Gum, Run Gum, and