Extra Classic Bubble Gum

For many years now, I have been a big fan of bubble gum. There is almost always a package of some brand of bubble gum in my pocket and I like to try new brands of gum periodically. Last week, I purchased a package of Extra Classic Bubble Gum at a Hartford, Connecticut CVS Pharmacy and I have mixed feelings about the product.

The package that holds the gum is attractively designed and the gum itself, gives off a delightful aroma. The package holds many pieces and it is reasonably priced. There are some things about this gum, however, that I am not very impressed with. Presented here, as a service to the consumer at large, is one food writer’s product review of Extra Classic Bubble Gum.

Size
The standard sized package of Extra Classic Bubble Gum contains 15 full sized sticks of gum. These sticks are similar in size and appearance to sticks of regular chewing gum, whereas most other brands of sugar free bubble gum feature thick cubes or chiclet like pieces of gum.

In physical size, the package of Extra Classic Bubble Gum measures approximately 2.5 inches x 3 inches.

Price
The regular retail price charged for one 15 stick package of Extra Classic Bubble Gum at Hartford, Connecticut area pharmacies, supermarkets and convenience stores is approximately $1.29. I think that the price is very reasonable, it works out to approximately $0.08c per stick of gum.

Texture / Bubble Capability
The texture of Extra Classic Bubble Gum before it is chewed is soft and pliable. Once I start chewing a piece of this tasty gum, it is still very soft, but it also seems to be a little bit moister than other brands of sugar free bubble gum.

As I type this article, I am chewing a piece of this gum and I am attempting to blow bubbles while I chew it. While I really like the soft and moist mouth feel of this gum, I am not certain about its bubble blowing capabilities.

The gum seems poised and ready to blow some nice bubbles, but when I start to form a bubble, the piece of gum does not seem to do what it’s supposed to do. It’s not that the gum is incapable of producing bubbles, it just doesn’t seem to produce very big ones. I can only seem to produce small to medium sized bubbles.

Nutritional Facts
Extra Classic Bubble Gum contains 5 calories, per one stick serving. This bubble gum also contains 0 grams total fat, 0 mg of sodium, 1 gram total carbohydrates, 1 gram of sugar alcohol and 0 grams of protein, per one stick serving.

Taste / Flavor
The flavor offered by Extra Classic Bubble Gum is pleasant and enjoyable, especially at first. When I first start chewing a piece of this gum, it releases a burst of flavor, that to me, tastes slightly fruity. As I keep chewing it however, the flavor, as with any brand of gum, begins to diminish. All things considered, the flavor of this sugar free bubble gum is quite good and it is not too sweet.

Packaging
Extra Classic Bubble Gum is packaged in a small cardboard box that opens at one end. The box is wrapped in tight, clear plastic and it opens easily, but does not necessarily re close effectively.

Inside the box, the sticks of gum are further packaged in three groups of five sticks each, with paper wrappers that cover the lower half of each group of sticks. The rear label of the package also lists all pertinent ingredient and nutritional information.

Overall Rating
I really want to say that I like everything about this brand of sugar free gum, but I can’t. The initial burst of flavor that Extra Classic Bubble Gum offers is impressive, but then, the fireworks stop. This bubble gum is supposed to offer long lasting flavor, but I do not agree.

Also, after chewing the gum for approximately 45 minutes, it begins to lose some of its elasticity. And, being bubble gum, one would expect to at least be able to blow bubbles. Not necessarily. Try as I may, I just can’t seem to blow bubbles very easily with this brand of sugar free gum. I’m not saying that this gum is bad, but for blowing bubbles, it could be better.

Sources :
Personal experience with the product
The product label