Big Red Gum Review

Jul 31
12 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Big Red Gum Review Table of Contents

Wrigley’s Big Red Gum Overview

Wrigley’s Big Red Gum is a cinnamon-flavored gum made in 1975. It was introduced by the William Wrigley Jr. Company, and is now owned by Mars, Inc. It gave people who don’t like or want to take a break from the traditional mint flavor an alternative. One of the things that made it famous was the commercial and hit jingle, Kiss a Little Longer. It insinuates that this gum can keep your mouth and breath fresh, which allows you to kiss a little longer.

Today, this gum has become hard to find, especially if you’re looking in physical stores. It is easier to find it online, although the number of sellers is still low. You must hunt for it, and this article explores whether doing so is worth it.

What People Are Saying

Here’s what the people are saying about Wrigley’s Big Red Gum on different platforms.

Amazon Big Red Gum Review

Wrigley’s Big Red Cinnamon Gum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Many customers praise its long-lasting flavor, with one reviewer calling it the longest-lasting gum they have tried. Others describe it as the best cinnamon-flavored gum or the best chewing gum from Wrigley’s. One customer said they prefer it over competing brands because it does not cause the tingling sensation that other cinnamon gums can. Longtime fans also appreciate that the formula has remained consistent, saying the gum still tastes the same as they remember.

Most of the 2% of reviewers who gave the gum a one-star rating reported the opposite experience. They said the flavor does not last long or that the gum no longer tastes the same. Some speculated that the gum was stale or improperly stored and recommended avoiding orders during the summer months.

One reviewer also claimed the gum left a strong chemical taste in their mouth and said they contacted customer support about the issue. According to the review, the representative suggested that they may have recently developed a sensitivity to one or more of the ingredients.

Overall, Wrigley’s Big Red Cinnamon Gum was liked. The majority, 86% of the reviewers, gave it a 5 star out of 5.

Walmart Big Red Gum Review

People buying Wrigley’s Big Red Cinnamon Gum on Walmart also rated it highly. It got an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Some commented about the gum’s flavor. Reviewers either said it had a long-lasting flavor or it is more flavorful than the alternatives. One reviewer, though, said it does not taste the same as before and gave the gum a 1 star.

Another reviewer who liked the gum said it’s great if you want to quit smoking since its flavor lasts longer than most gums. It’s worth noting, though, that Wrigley’s Big Red Gum is not an NRT gum, so hold your expectations.

Others complained about the rarity of the gum in physical stores since buying online means they have to pay for shipping.

Overall, those who bought it liked the gum. Even those with complaints gave it a 3 - 5 star rating.

Reddit Big Red Gum Review

Big Red Cinnamon Gum is a polarizing product on Reddit. A post said that it is a terrible gum and the experience it gives is similar to chewing slightly spicy rubber bands. Some users came to the gum’s defense, saying they love its flavor. One said it is their favorite cinnamon-flavored gum. However, others agreed with the original post’s statement. A user said they don’t like it as it tastes like spicy Tabasco toothpaste flavored gum. Other users listed chewing gums that they like more than Wrigley’s Big Red.

Reviewstream Big Red Gum Review

The sole review on Reviewstream claimed that Wrigley’s Big Red Gum is delicious and its flavor lasts and lasts. The user claimed that they have tried other cinnamon gums, but none tasted better or had better texture than Wrigley’s Big Red.

The user also commented about the cons. Wrigley’s is not sugar-free and it contains more calories than other brands. But other than that, they had no complaints. They liked the flavor, flavor longevity, texture, and even the pricing.

YouTube Big Red Gum Review

A video review on YouTube says that the Big Red Gum has a nice, strong smell. They also commented on how one would assume it has an overpowering flavor because of that. But the reviewer says it does not. It does not have an intense flavor and it tastes great. As for the cons, they noted that they haven't had Wrigley’s Big Red Gum in a while because it is not sugar-free.

This reviewer on YouTube said that the gum has the spicy cinnamon smell but the taste is not too spicy. Their verdict is that the Big Red is a nice gum.

Short-form Videos

This Big Red Gum review posted on Instagram judged how spicy the chewing gum is. They commented on the smell. You can really smell the cinnamon. However, they found the taste disappointing. The reviewer said that the spice is barely there.

This customer review on TikTok graded the Big Red Gum based on four factors. The said factors are taste, texture, longevity, and price. They rated the price, longevity, and texture highly. They noted, however, that while it is soft at first, it gets squeaky after a while. The reviewer also loved how the gum can last up to 20 - 30 minutes.

The thing they did not like as much is the taste. They said it’s a bit spicy for them since Big Red is cinnamon-flavored.

What People Like About Big Red

Flavor

Wrigley's Big Red Gum has earned a loyal following for its distinctive cinnamon flavor. Many fans consider it the best cinnamon-flavored gum on the market, with some even calling it their favorite gum overall. Longtime customers often seek it out because it still delivers the familiar taste they remember. While the flavor is unmistakably cinnamon, many reviewers appreciate that it is bold without being overwhelmingly spicy.

Flavor Longevity

One of Wrigley's Big Red Gum's biggest strengths is its long-lasting flavor. Many reviewers say they can continue chewing for 20 to 30 minutes before the taste noticeably fades. Customers on Amazon, Walmart, Reviewstream, and TikTok frequently describe it as lasting longer than many competing gums, making its flavor longevity one of the product's most praised qualities.

What People Dislike About Big Red

Inconsistent Flavor and Chewing Experience

Although Wrigley's Big Red Gum is widely praised for its cinnamon flavor and long-lasting taste, not everyone has the same experience. One of the most common complaints is that the flavor fades much sooner than expected, despite the brand's long-running "Kiss a Little Longer" campaign built around flavor longevity.

At the same time, longtime fans are divided over whether the gum still tastes the way it used to. Some believe the flavor profile and texture changed after the 2003 reformulation that introduced artificial sweeteners to the product, while others insist it remains unchanged.

The cinnamon intensity is also a point of disagreement, with reviewers describing it as anything from pleasantly balanced to too mild or overly spicy. These conflicting opinions suggest that personal taste plays a significant role, although factors such as product freshness, storage conditions, and formulation changes may also influence the chewing experience.

Not Sugar-Free

Unlike many modern chewing gums, Wrigley's Big Red Cinnamon Gum contains sugar. That may be a drawback for people who prefer sugar-free gum to reduce sugar intake or support better oral health. While one stick contains only a small amount of sugar, those who chew gum frequently may prefer sugar-free alternatives that are less likely to contribute to cavities.

Limited Availability

Big Red has become increasingly difficult to find in physical retail stores. Many consumers report that grocery stores and convenience shops no longer stock the product, forcing them to purchase bulk quantities online through retailers like Amazon or Walmart. Buying online can also increase the overall cost due to shipping fees or minimum order requirements, making the gum less convenient and more expensive to purchase.

This reduced retail footprint suggests a decline in overall market demand and popularity compared to sugar-free mint alternatives.

The Ugly Truth About Big Red Gum

Ingredients Some Consumers Prefer to Avoid

Wrigley's Big Red Cinnamon Gum contains several ingredients that some consumers choose to avoid. These include artificial flavors, artificial colors such as Red 40 Lake and Blue 1 Lake, the preservative BHT, sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium (in some formulations), and soy-derived ingredients. While these ingredients are approved for use by food safety regulators, some shoppers prefer products made with simpler or more natural ingredient lists.

Cinnamon May Irritate Sensitive Mouths

The cinnamon flavor that gives Big Red its signature taste may not agree with everyone. Some people report a burning or tingling sensation when chewing cinnamon-flavored gum, especially if they have sensitive mouths or chew it for an extended period. Although this reaction is not unique to Big Red, it is something to keep in mind if you are sensitive to cinnamon-flavored foods or candies.

Big Red Gum Ingredients

Despite its classic status, the formulation of Big Red gum includes several ingredients that have raised health and safety concerns among researchers and health advocacy groups.

Here is the full ingredient list:

Sugar, Gum Base
Corn Syrup
Natural and Artificial Flavors: Less than 2% of: Glycerol, Soy Lecithin, Aspartame-Acesulfame, Hydroxylated Soy Lecithin
Color (Red 40 Lake, Blue 1 Lake)
BHT (to Maintain Freshness).
Phenylketonurics: Contains phenylalanine.

Here are the ingredients that may raise some flags:

Artificial Sweeteners: Aspartame and Acesulfame Potassium

Although Big Red is not marketed as a sugar-free gum, Wrigley replaced some of its sugar content with artificial sweeteners—specifically aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K)—in 2003. Some consumers prefer to avoid them, although major regulatory agencies have concluded they are safe within established intake limits.

Aspartame

In July 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B). The move was based on limited evidence linking it to hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer.

Furthermore, aspartame contains phenylalanine. Products containing aspartame must carry a warning label for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder where the body cannot metabolize phenylalanine. For individuals with PKU, consuming phenylalanine can lead to severe neurological issues, including intellectual disability and brain damage.

Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Research has indicated that Ace-K may disrupt the gut microbiome. A 2017 study on mice found that consumption of Ace-K perturbed gut bacteria and associated functional pathways, potentially increasing the risk of chronic inflammation and intestinal injury .

Artificial Colors: Red 40 Lake and Blue 1 Lake

The vibrant color of Big Red is achieved through the use of synthetic food dyes, specifically Red 40 Lake and Blue 1 Lake. These are among the most debated food dyes. While approved by regulators, some research suggests synthetic food colors may contribute to hyperactivity in a subset of sensitive children.

Red 40 is derived from petroleum and has been linked to behavioral issues in children. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment released a report in 2021 concluding that consumption of synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, can result in hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in some children. That is especially true for those with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Additionally, synthetic dyes have faced scrutiny over potential carcinogenic contaminants, such as trace amounts of benzene, though regulatory bodies currently maintain their safety at low consumption levels .

In April 2025, the FDA announced that they will try to phase out the use of Red 40 and other synthetic dyes.

Preservatives: BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

Big Red gum contains BHT, a synthetic preservative used to maintain freshness. BHT is a subject of ongoing controversy and regulatory scrutiny. This preservative frequently appears on "ingredients to avoid" lists.

The National Toxicology Program and various health advocacy groups, such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG), have highlighted concerns regarding BHT. The FDA classifies it as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) in small amounts. However, prolonged exposure in animal studies has been linked to liver and kidney damage, as well as tumor promotion. Consequently, consumer advocacy groups frequently advise avoiding foods containing BHT.

Additional Ingredient Considerations

Added sugars (Sugar and Corn Syrup): Since this is a regular gum rather than a sugar-free gum, frequent chewing may contribute to sugar intake and increase the risk of cavities.

Gum Base: Because manufacturers are not required to disclose its exact formulation, some consumers dislike the lack of transparency, although gum bases used in foods must meet food safety regulations.

Health Risks Associated with Chewing Gum

Beyond specific ingredients, the physical act of chewing Big Red gum, on top of the nature of the gum base itself, presents several health and environmental concerns.

Cinnamon Contact Stomatitis

The intense cinnamon flavor of Big Red, derived from natural and artificial flavorings like cinnamaldehyde, can cause adverse oral reactions.

"Cinnamon contact stomatitis" is an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction characterized by a burning sensation, mucosal swelling, and the development of painful, canker-like sores or white and erythematous patches in the mouth.

Consumers have frequently reported these symptoms after chewing cinnamon-flavored products, mistaking the painful ulcers for poor oral hygiene before identifying the gum as the culprit .

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

Frequent and prolonged gum chewing is a known risk factor for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders. The repetitive, non-functional activity overworks the jaw muscles and joints. It could lead to chronic jaw pain, tension headaches, earaches, and muscle fatigue. Dental professionals frequently advise individuals with existing jaw pain or TMJ issues to avoid chewing gum entirely.

Dental Health and Sugar Content

Because Big Red contains both sugar and corn syrup alongside artificial sweeteners, it poses a risk to dental health. The sugar and corn syrup feed harmful oral bacteria, which secrete acids that erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities (dental caries). High fructose corn syrup, being a liquid refined sweetener, is particularly sticky and adheres easily to the fissures of the teeth, exacerbating the risk of decay .

Microplastics in Gum Base

Modern chewing gum bases are largely composed of synthetic polymers and plastics, such as polyvinyl acetate. A 2025 pilot study presented at the American Chemical Society revealed that chewing gum can shed hundreds to thousands of microplastics into saliva per piece.

A typical piece of gum can release up to 3,000 plastic particles during chewing, contributing significantly to human microplastic ingestion. The long-term health impacts of microplastic accumulation in the human body remain a subject of urgent scientific investigation .

Big Red Gum FAQs

Is Big Red Gum vegan?

Wrigley's Big Red Gum does not list any obvious animal-derived ingredients, but the gum base is proprietary and its exact composition is not disclosed. Because of this, it cannot be confirmed as vegan based on the ingredient list alone. If you follow a strict vegan diet, you may want to choose a gum that is specifically labeled as vegan.

Does Big Red Gum actually let you "kiss a little longer"?

That's the promise behind Big Red's famous slogan. Many reviewers say its cinnamon flavor lasts much longer than most chewing gums. As long as the flavor is there, your breath is likely to feel fresher too. Just keep in mind that Big Red is meant to temporarily freshen your breath. It won't replace good oral hygiene or fix the underlying cause of bad breath.

Is Big Red Gum gluten-free?

Big Red Gum is generally considered gluten-free because it does not contain wheat, barley, or rye ingredients. However, if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, check the packaging or contact the manufacturer for the most up-to-date information.

Big Red Gum Review Final Thoughts

Wrigley's Big Red Gum has stood the test of time for a reason. Its distinctive cinnamon flavor and impressive flavor longevity have earned it a loyal following, with many reviewers calling it one of the best cinnamon gums ever made. For fans of cinnamon gum, it's easy to see why Big Red remains a nostalgic favorite decades after its debut.

That said, it isn't the perfect gum for everyone. Customer opinions on its flavor are surprisingly divided, with some praising its balanced cinnamon taste and others finding it too spicy, too mild, or not as flavorful as it once was. The gum also contains sugar and several artificial ingredients, including artificial colors, preservatives, and sweeteners, that some consumers prefer to avoid. While these ingredients are approved for use by food safety regulators, they remain the subject of ongoing debate and may influence purchasing decisions for health-conscious shoppers. In addition, Big Red has become increasingly difficult to find in local stores, often requiring shoppers to buy it online.

So, is it worth tracking down? If you enjoy cinnamon-flavored gum and don't mind its ingredient list or limited availability, the answer is likely yes. Its iconic cinnamon flavor continues to set it apart from many competing gums. However, if you prefer sugar-free gum, products with simpler ingredient lists, or milder flavors, you'll likely find alternatives that better suit your preferences.