"Kosher" Chewing Gum

Asked by Susanna · March 1, 2017 · Kashrut

Question

Dear Rabbis Abadi -- Recently someone asked me where to purchase kosher chewing gum. I answered that 1. I wondered whether there was likely to be any non kosher ingredient in any gum 2. And, perhaps more importantly, whether a product used in such vulgar and repellent public behavior as chewing gum could possibly be considered kosher? Isn't this a matter of modesty and dignity in our public behavior rather than an issue of straightforward kashrut? Thank you, Susanna W

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

Susanna, Our father would agree with you from a cultural perspective, but in places where people do chew gum, it is permitted. :) In regards to the kashrut status of the various gums, you are essentially correct. However, we specifically looked into the yearly kashrut of Wrigleys Gums and found then to be all ok. People should feel comfortable to read ingredients of any gum or candy products which usually are kosher since they don't contain animal derivatives. AA