You can be the kid in the candy store without any guilt, as the racks explode with new candy additions almost monthly. Today, there’s even more reason to browse and shop in the candy and gum aisles. Assortments of gum are growing in dimension, flavors, and even form. The days of the stick of gum are slowly giving way to a variety of unique options: For convenience and speedy freshness delivery, why not make use of dissolving tabs or gel-filled bubbles? For that afternoon jolt without the cup of coffee, try some hyper-caffeinated gum as a pick-me-up alternative; or, steady your caffeine ‘flow’ with pieces throughout the day for maximum effect. If you’re a rabid gum-chomper, you’ll probably find an entire gum roll-up more convenient; this gum can be purchased in larger lengths to cut down to the perfect size you need.
Today’s candy makers and gum manufacturers are exploring the world in consumer tastes and creating some unique Wonka-style favorites. Here are eight top picks for your next candy store adventure:
1. JOLT Hyper-Caffeinated gum is available in both spearmint and peppermint, and has a very strong mint taste overall. For that steady caffeine buzz, you only need one piece since it is also infused with Guarana and Ginseng.
2. If Vanessa hasn’t convinced you yet of her ‘never-ending quest to prove that Orbit leaves your mouth feeling clean. . .no matter what,’ then give the Orbit brand line a try. The seven flavors on the market today are Original Peppermint, Spearmint, Wintermint, Bubblemint, Cinnamint, Citrusmint, and Sweet Mint. Sweet Mint is a newer flavor and a must-try for mint gum enthusiasts. Some also report whiter teeth.
3. For another energy-boosting outlet, try the Penguin Energy brands for some fancy, portable, and flashy tins packed full of your stash. Flaors include Kola Nut & Ginseng, Peppermint, and Cinnamon. AS the company states, “These little birds are a fantastic, non-liquid source of herbal energy.”
4. A seemingly ‘scientific’ take on fresh breath and cavity reduction, BreathRX Halispheres come in an trendy tube and canister, offering sugar-free chewing gum in shiny little wrappers. They are ‘conveniently packaged for the home, car or office’ in packs of 125 pieces; don’t worry, you’ll be covered for a while.
5. A fresh face in the long-lasting flavor category is Stride Gum by Cadbury. The little gum sticks themselves come in a snazzy flip-up carton, and the flavor lasts approximately 34-127 minutes according to a Chicago Sun-Times study.
6. Dentyne Ice is your best pick from some chillingly refreshing bursts of mint, citrus, and even vanilla, or its opposing version with Dentyne Fire. The ‘Ice’ line offers Peppermint, Arctic Chill, Vanilla Chill, Avalanche Mint, and Shiver Mint for some long-lasting fresh breath.
7. Don’t limit your creative gum exploits to chewing gum. IceBreakers Liquid Ice are dissolve-in-your-mouth, miniature balls of flavor. Choose from Cool Mint, Spearmint, Citrus Freeze, Cinnamon, and Alpine Splash. The concept takes a little getting used to, but it does leave you with a freshness unmatched by standard stick gum.
8. And who can forget the traditional favorites? Bazooka still reigns in the gum aisle, with offerings that now include sugarless versions, as well as lollipops, softer chews, and bubble gum balls. Although these nostalgic brands don’t fare well in the fresh breath and cavity protection domain, they will forever remain a part of candy and gum culture!
