Why is Wrigley's Extra classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The gum is labeled NOVA 4 because it is made from industrial ingredients rather than whole foods, including several sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol), artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame K), a gum base, glycerol, gum arabic, soybean lecithin, carnauba wax, the antioxidant BHA, and other minor additives.

How does the sugar‑free formulation of this gum affect people with diabetes or those monitoring sugar intake?

Since the product contains zero digestible sugars, it does not raise blood glucose levels, making it suitable for diabetics and low‑sugar diets, but the high polyol content can cause gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large amounts.

Is the aspartame in Wrigley's Extra a concern for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU)?

Yes; aspartame breaks down into phenylalanine, and the label explicitly warns that the gum contains a source of phenylalanine, so people with PKU should avoid it.

Wrigley's • 37.8g

Wrigley's Extra

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Wrigley's Extra is a sugar‑free chewing gum classified in the sugary snacks and sweets PNNS groups, with a Nutri‑Score marked as not applicable and a NOVA 4 ultra‑processed label. It contains no fat, saturated fat, sugars or salt, is vegetarian-friendly, and provides 156 kcal per 100 g largely from polyol carbohydrates. However, the gum includes multiple artificial sweeteners and additives such as sorbitol, xylitol, aspartame, acesulfame K, mannitol, BHA, carnauba wax and soybean lecithin, carries a phenylalanine warning for PKU sufferers, may cause laxative effects, and lists soy as a potential allergen.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal156 kcal

Fat0 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Carbohydrates65 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sugary snack (≈53 g sugar, 10 g fat and 0.36 g salt per 100 g), this gum has virtually no sugar, fat or salt and only 156 kcal, though its 65 g of polyol carbohydrates drive the carbohydrate count.

Ingredients

sweeteners sorbitol, xylitol, aspartame, mannitol, acesulfame k, gum base, humectant glycerol, thickener gum arabic, flavourings, emulsifier soybean lecithin, glazing agent carnauba wax, antioxidant bha, excessive consumption may produce laxative effects, contains a source of phenylalanine, chew for at least 20 minutes after eating and drinking, a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are mportant, suitable for vegetarians,

84%

35%

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