In a sign of the times as we move past the pandemic, chewing gum sales have bubbled up in the past few months. As we toss off our masks, we must ensure our breath is minty fresh. I know that’s what I want!

In the four weeks ending Feb. 27, gum dollar sales had fallen more than 30% from the same period a year ago, according to NielsenIQ figures. Then by the four weeks ending May 1, gum sales climbed more than 23% from a year ago. In fact, Americans purchased nearly 15 million more packs of gum in May compared with January 2021 levels.

Chart from Bloomberg.com. YoY = year over year

Why Gum Sales Declined

Demand for gum dropped during the pandemic for several obvious reasons, according to Bloomberg.com. Americans weren’t leaving the house or socializing, and required masking plus six-foot distancing meant consumers weren’t in need of fresh breath as in the good old pre-pandemic days.

Now, of course, it’s time for some fun facts about gum!

According to gleegum.com:

  • During WWII, U.S. military personnel spread the popularity of chewing gum by trading it and giving it as gifts to people in Europe, Africa, Asia, and elsewhere around the world.
  • Cinnamon, spearmint, and peppermint are among the most popular flavors of chewing gum today.
  • The color of the first successful bubble gum was pink because it was the only color the inventor had left. The color “stuck,” and today bubble gum is still predominantly pink.
  • Studies suggest that chewing gum can help you concentrate. Studies also have shown that chewing gum may improve long-term and working memory, reduce muscle tension, and increase alertness.
  • Chewing gum burns around 11 calories per hour.
  • Back in the 1920’s, prohibition increased gum sales because people needed to mask the alcohol on their breath. When prohibition was enacted, Adam’s Clove gum hit the market with the slogan: “It takes your breath away!”
  • Humans are the only animals on Earth that chew gum. If you give a monkey a piece, he will chew it for a couple of minutes, then take it out and stick it in his hair.
  • According to History.com, Europeans were likely chomping on birch bark tar around 9,000 years ago, and the ancient Mayans and Aztecs chewed the sapodilla tree’s chicle “to quench thirst or fight hunger.” Chicle continued to serve as the main ingredient in most chewing gums until the mid-20th century.

Record Your Gum Purchases

As you can see from the NielsenIQ data cited above, the information in this blog was based on YOUR recording of gum purchases. This just proves how important it is that you record all of your purchases, even packs of chewing gum!

Finally, have you been purchasing more gum lately? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Have a great weekend!

Best wishes,
Taylor

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