National Gum Day

A person blowing a large bubblegum bubble while wearing a colorful outfit, surrounded by a park full of playful children.. — National gum day illustration

Welcome to National Gum Day, where we celebrate the chewy delight that keeps our jaws busy and our breath fresh! Whether you’re a gum aficionado or just enjoy blowing bubbles like a kid, this is the day to indulge in this sticky delight. So grab a pack, pop a piece, and let’s dive into the fascinating history behind National Gum Day!

When is Gum Day?

It's national gum day on the 30th September.

The Origins of National Gum Day

Before we dive into the internet history of National Gum Day, let's take a trip down memory lane to explore the roots of chewing gum itself. The ancient Greeks chewed on tree resin, Native Americans chewed on spruce sap, and even the ancient Mayans had their own version of gum made from tree sap and beeswax. But it wasn't until the 19th century that modern chewing gum as we know it was born. And it all started with a guy named Thomas Adams.

Adams, a photographer turned inventor, stumbled upon a batch of Mexican chicle—a natural gum-like substance—while he was experimenting with a new type of rubber. Being an innovative fellow, he decided to try chewing on the chicle, and voila! He discovered that it had a pleasant flavor and was quite chewy. Adams saw potential in this newfound gum and started production in 1871.

The popularity of chewing gum quickly spread, and it became a favorite pastime for many. People chewed gum not only for its minty freshness but also as a way to relieve stress and freshen their breath. And thus, National Gum Day was born!

The Internet History of National Gum Day

If you're wondering how National Gum Day made its way onto the world wide web, we have some juicy details for you. According to our data, National Gum Day started gaining traction online around September 30, 2015. It seems like gum enthusiasts worldwide couldn't contain their excitement any longer and took to the internet to spread the word about this glorious day.

Since then, National Gum Day has become a popular topic of discussion, with people sharing their favorite gum flavors, bubble-blowing techniques, and even gum-related memes. It's incredible how something as simple as chewing gum can bring people together online!

Did You Know?

Did you know that chewing gum isn't just a fun activity but also has some surprising benefits? Studies have shown that chewing gum can help improve memory and cognitive function, reduce stress and anxiety, and even relieve heartburn. Not bad for a tiny stick of gum, huh?

History behind the term 'Gum'

1848

Chewing gum as a modern concept

Chewing gum as we know it today originated in 1848 when Mexican general Antonio López de Santa Anna brought chicle, a type of natural gum made from the sap of the sapodilla tree, to the United States. Chicle was traditionally chewed by the indigenous people of Central America and Mexico for centuries, but it was Santa Anna who introduced it to the American market.

1869

First commercial chewing gum

In 1869, a dentist named William F. Semple received the first patent for chewing gum. Semple's invention was called 'Improvement in Rubber Composition for Dental Purposes' and it was made using a combination of rubber, resins, and flavorings. Although this gum was not widely successful, it marked the beginning of the commercialization of chewing gum.

1871

Adams New York Chewing Gum

In 1871, a businessman named Thomas Adams encountered chicle during his attempts to find a use for it other than rubber. He started experimenting with different flavors and textures and eventually created the first commercially successful chewing gum. He founded the Adams New York Chewing Gum company and introduced the first flavored gum known as 'Black Jack'. This marked the birth of modern chewing gum as a popular consumer product.

1891

Wrigley's chewing gum empire

The year 1891 witnessed the rise of one of the most iconic chewing gum brands, Wrigley's. William Wrigley Jr., a soap salesman, started offering free packs of chewing gum as a bonus to customers who purchased his soap. The gum became so popular that Wrigley transitioned into the chewing gum business full-time. He introduced Juicy Fruit and Spearmint flavors, which propelled Wrigley's to great success and established the company as a major player in the industry.

1928

Bubble gum revolution

Bubble gum, the beloved gum that creates bubbles when chewed, was first introduced in 1928 by Walter E. Diemer, an accountant at the Fleer Corporation. Diemer stumbled upon a unique formula that resulted in stretchier and more manageable gum, perfect for blowing bubbles. The first bubble gum flavor was called 'Dubble Bubble', and it became a huge hit among children and adults alike. The introduction of bubble gum added a playful and fun element to the world of chewing gum.

1944

Sugar-free gum innovation

The first sugar-free gum was invented in 1944 by a dentist named Dr. Edward E. Beeman. He believed that chewing gum could have dental benefits if it didn't contain sugar. Dr. Beeman created a formula using pepsin, a digestive enzyme, and peppermint oil to stimulate saliva production and freshen breath. His invention, called 'Beemans gum', was a success and paved the way for future sugar-free gum varieties.

1951

'Bazooka Joe' and comic strip gums

In 1951, the Topps Company introduced 'Bazooka Joe' bubble gum, which came with a small comic strip featuring the adventures of Bazooka Joe and his friends. This marked the beginning of comic strip gums, where chewing gum packaging included entertaining comic strips for added value. Bazooka Joe became an iconic character in the world of chewing gum, and the inclusion of comic strips remained a popular feature in many gum brands.