Why is Airwaves Extreme Menthol classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The gum is made from a mixture of industrial sweeteners, gum base, coating agents and numerous food additives rather than whole foods, which places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category. Its additive list includes sweeteners such as sorbitol, isomalt, maltitol, mannitol, aspartame and acesulfame‑K, colorants E133 and E160a, the antioxidant BHA, a calcium carbonate coating, carnauba wax, gum arabic and soy lecithin.

How does the polyol content in this sugar‑free gum affect people with diabetes or sensitive stomachs?

Polyols like sorbitol and maltitol are low‑glycaemic sweeteners, so they do not raise blood glucose levels sharply, making the gum suitable for most diabetics. However, high amounts of polyols can draw water into the intestine and may cause bloating, gas or laxative effects in individuals who are sensitive to these sugar alcohols.

Is the soy lecithin in this gum a concern for people with soy allergy?

Yes. Soy lecithin is derived from soybeans, and the product lists soy as an allergen, so anyone with a soy allergy should avoid this chewing gum.

Wrigley's • 70 g (5 x 14 g)

Airwaves extreme menthol

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Airwaves Extreme Menthol is a sugar‑free chewing gum by Wrigley's, classified in the Sugary snacks and Sweets groups. Per 100 g it provides 142 kcal, 0 g fat, 0 g salt, 0 g sugars and 59 g polyols, earning a NOVA 4 ultra‑processed rating and a non‑applicable Nutri‑Score for chewing gum. The formula includes several artificial sweeteners, colorants (E133, E160a), antioxidant BHA and soy lecithin, which may be problematic for soy‑allergic consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal142 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates59 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average sweet snacks, this gum contains virtually no sugar, fat or salt and about one‑third the calories, while its carbohydrate content (mainly polyols) is slightly lower than the typical 70 g per 100 g.

Ingredients

Édulcorants (Sorbitol, Isomalt, Sirop de Maltitol, Mannitol, Aspartame, Acésulfame-K), Gomme base, agent d'enrobage (carbonate de calcium), arômes, épaississant (gomme arabique), émulsifiant : lécithine de soja, agent d'enrobage : cire de carnauba, colorant : E133, antioxydant : BHA, colorant (E160a)

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.