Extra (gum) facts for kids
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Extra is a popular brand of sugarfree chewing gum. It is made by the Wrigley Company. You can find Extra gum in many parts of the world. This includes North America, Europe, Australia, and some areas in Africa and Asia.
The Story of Extra Gum
How Extra Started
Extra gum first came out in the United States in 1984. It quickly became one of the most popular chewing gum brands there. Extra was special because it was the first sugar-free gum that did not use saccharin. Instead, it used a sweetener called NutraSweet. This sweetener was developed by G.D. Searle & Co. It tasted less bitter and was thought to be safer. Later, in 1997, the gum was changed to use aspartame as its sweetener.
Extra Around the World
The way Extra gum looks and tastes can be very different in various countries. Each country often has its own unique flavors, logos, and slogans. For example, Extra is currently a sponsor of the Mexico national football team.
In the United Kingdom, another sugar-free chewing gum brand called Orbit was changed to Extra in 2015. It kept the same 14-piece package.
In September 2017, a TV advertisement for Extra chewing gum was shown. It featured a young woman in a football uniform on a football field. She was chewing gum and looked like she was getting ready to take a penalty kick. A complaint was made to the ASA. The ad was found to be unsafe because it showed a young woman preparing for a penalty kick while chewing gum, which was seen as a distraction.
Extra Gum Flavors
Extra gum comes in many different flavors around the world. Here are some of the flavors you might find in different countries:
| Flavor | Canada and South Africa | United Kingdom and Ireland | Australia and New Zealand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spearmint | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Peppermint | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cool Breeze | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Winterfresh | Yes | No | No |
| Ice | Yes | Yes | No |
| Polar Ice | Yes | No | No |
| Classic Bubble | Yes | No | No |
| Bubblegum | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bubblemint | No | Yes | Yes |
| Active | Discontinued | No | Yes |
| Smooth Mint | Yes | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Strawberry | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Watermelon | Yes | Yes (2024–present) | Yes |
| Tropical | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Berry | Discontinued | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Berry Burst | Yes | No | No |
| White | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Liquorice | No | No | Discontinued |
| Blueberry | No | Yes (2022–present) | No |
| Apple | No | Yes (2022–present) | Yes |
