Bubble gum facts for kids
Woman blowing a bubble
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| Type | Chewing gum |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Created by | Walter Diemer |
| Invented | 1928 |
Bubble gum is a fun type of chewing gum. It's specially made so you can blow it out of your mouth to create a bubble!
Contents
What's Inside Bubble Gum?
Modern bubble gum uses a special base. This base can be made from natural rubber, like a substance called chicle. But most bubble gums today use man-made, or synthetic, materials. These synthetic bases help the flavor last longer. They also make the gum softer and less sticky. This means fewer messes on your face when a bubble pops!
Why Bubble Gum is So Stretchy
Bubble gum has a unique quality that makes it perfect for blowing bubbles. It's super stretchy and strong! This special design allows the gum to stretch a lot without breaking. When you blow air into it, the gum forms a big, stable bubble. Regular chewing gum isn't usually made to be quite so stretchy.
The Sweet History of Bubble Gum
Bubble gum was invented in 1928 by a man named Walter Diemer. He was an accountant for the Fleer Chewing Gum Company in Philadelphia. Walter loved to experiment with new gum recipes.
How Dubble Bubble Was Born
One day, Walter Diemer created a new gum. It was less sticky than other gums and stretched much more easily. This new gum was a huge success! The president of Fleer named it Dubble Bubble because of its amazing stretchy texture.
New Gums and Less Stickiness
Dubble Bubble was the most popular bubble gum for many years. After World War II, Bazooka bubble gum also became very popular. In the 1970s, new types of bubble gum came out. These used synthetic gum bases. They were even less sticky when a bubble popped! Brands like Hubba Bubba and Bubble Yum were among the first to use these new, less sticky formulas.
Why Is Bubble Gum Pink?
Walter Diemer's first successful bubble gum was a dull gray color. To make it look better, he added red dye. It was the only dye he had on hand at the time. The red dye made the gum a bright, cheerful pink. And that's why many bubble gums are still pink today!
Popular Bubble Gum Flavors
Kids often prefer simple and sweet flavors for their bubble gum. Flavors like strawberry and blue raspberry are very popular. Sometimes, more complex flavors make kids want to swallow the gum instead of chewing it.
What is "Bubble Gum Flavor"?
"Bubble gum flavor" isn't just one taste. It's a special mix of different artificial flavors. Each company has its own secret recipe! These flavors often include fruity tastes like banana and pineapple. Sometimes, spices like cinnamon or cloves are added too. Even a hint of vanilla, cherry, or lemon oil can be part of the mix.
Amazing Bubble Gum Records
People love to see who can blow the biggest bubble!
- In 1996, Susan Montgomery Williams from California set a Guinness World Record. She blew a bubble gum bubble that was 26 inches (about 66 centimeters) wide! That's bigger than a basketball!
- Chad Fell holds another record. On April 24, 2004, he blew the "Largest Hands-free Bubblegum Bubble." His bubble was 20 inches (about 51 centimeters) wide, and he didn't use his hands!
Fun Bubble Gum Tourist Spots
Did you know there are places famous for bubble gum?
- Bubblegum Alley is in downtown San Luis Obispo, California. It's an alley where people have stuck their used bubble gum on the walls for years! It's a colorful and sticky sight.
- The Market Theater Gum Wall is in Downtown Seattle. It's a brick wall covered in used chewing gum. It's located in an alleyway under Pike Place Market.
See also
- Functional gum
- Gumball machine
- Gum base
- Gum industry
- Inca Kola
- List of chewing gum brands
