Chewing gum intake in Europe: a survey of intakes in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK

Abstract

A limited number of studies have examined chewing gum intakes in Europe. In the current study, chewing gum intakes were estimated in children, adolescents and adults via customised online questionnaires developed to collect data on patterns of chewing gum consumption (including usage, duration and gum variety) in September and October 2011. A total sample of chewing gum consumers composed of 1001 children and 5186 adolescents and adults from five European countries was included in the survey, with 79% and 66% of children and adolescents/adults reporting chewing gum in the previous 3 and 6 months, respectively. The intake of chewing gum on a per g basis was estimated by establishing the mean weights of each form of gum, and using factors for the frequency of chewing gum intake obtained through the online survey. Intakes of chewing gum at the mean, 90th and 95th percentile in children were 1.87, 3.79 and 6.59 g day^–1 (equivalent to 0.75, 1.67 and 2.40 pieces/day), respectively. In adolescents and adults, intakes at the mean, 90th and 95th percentile were 1.87, 5.40 and 8.00 g day^–1 (equivalent to 0.98, 3.00 and 4.00 pieces/day), respectively. Intakes were similar across the five countries. Chewing gum use was significantly higher in older compared with younger children and was significantly higher in adolescents compared with older adults. The data reported herein provide a reliable resource for chewing gum intakes in Europe and will be important for estimating exposure to food additives and flavourings intended for use in chewing gum.

Keywords:

• chewing gum
• dietary survey
• exposure assessment
• food additives
• online questionnaire

Acknowledgements

A. Hearty, A. Lau and analysts in A. C. Nielsen and Kantar Worldpanel developed the questionnaire and conducted the data analysis. A. Hearty and A. Lau prepared the drafts of the manuscript. A. Roberts reviewed the final drafts of the manuscript and provided guidance during the survey period. Thomas Vollmuth and Emerita Alcantara of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., Fabio Allasia of Perfetti Van Melle Group, and Isabelle Schaller of Mondelēz International provided invaluable guidance and assistance on the chewing gum market and established chewing gum consumer behaviour. The International Chewing Gum Association (ICGA) provided direction and guidance to the study, as well as financial support for the work involved. None of the authors declares any interests that may conflict with the provision of their solely scientific input to the report.