What Is Mastic Chewing Gum? Gum that lasts forever!
In short: Mastic chewing gum is a 100% natural, plant-based product — the resin of the Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, which grows only in southern Chios, Greece. Known as "the tears of Chios," it has been chewed for thousands of years for its unique aroma. Chewing mastic contributes to oral hygiene, and as a food supplement mastic contributes to the normal function of the digestive system.
In this article
Sensory profile: aroma and taste
Authentic Chios mastic gum has distinct sensory characteristics:
- Aroma: a strong, woody-fruity pine scent.
- Taste: a natural, subtly sweet flavour that evolves as you chew.
Why "the gum that lasts forever"?
The nickname comes from two things. First, history: mastic has been chewed for thousands of years — it's often called "the chewing gum of antiquity," so in a sense it has quite literally lasted through the ages.
Second, the chewing itself. Unlike synthetic chewing gum, which quickly loses its flavour and falls apart, raw mastic behaves differently: it starts firm, softens into a pliable mass as you warm and chew it, and keeps going far longer. A single tear lasts a long chewing session — you can even set it aside and come back to it — which is why people say it "lasts forever."
Ways to chew mastic
There are two main ways to experience authentic mastic gum:
ELMA chewing gum
Convenient, ready-to-use gum with added mastic and mastic oil — in several flavours, including sugar-free.
Shop ELMA
Raw mastic tears
Pure resin crystals for an authentic 100% natural experience — the original chewing gum.
Shop raw masticNew to the resin? See how to chew raw mastic.
Mastic and oral hygiene
Chewing Chios mastic is a pleasant, natural way to support your daily oral hygiene, and it leaves your breath feeling fresh. For protection against tooth decay, fluoride is the recognised agent — which is why our mastic toothpastes combine mastic with fluoride.
Beyond the mouth, mastic is also taken as a food supplement that contributes to the normal function of the digestive system, continuing its long tradition of use.
Mastic oral-care range
Mastic oil is also used in natural oral-care products for adults and children:
Mastic toothpastes
Natural toothpastes with mastic and fluoride — spearmint and mandarin, plus kids' strawberry and banana.
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Mastic mouthwash
Mouthwash with mastic, stevia and mint — part of an everyday oral-hygiene routine, for adults and children.
Shop mouthwashFAQ: mastic chewing gum
What is the best mastic chewing gum?
Authentic Chios mastic gum — 100% natural, with the purest aroma. You can chew ELMA gum for convenience, or raw mastic tears for the original experience.
Why chew mastic gum?
Chewing mastic contributes to oral hygiene and leaves breath feeling fresh, and as a food supplement mastic contributes to the normal function of the digestive system. It's also simply a pleasant, natural gum.
What does Chios mastic gum taste like?
Mature mastic has a strong, woody-fruity pine aroma and a subtle, natural sweet taste that develops as you chew.
Why is mastic called "the gum that lasts forever"?
Partly history — it has been chewed for thousands of years, "the gum of antiquity" — and partly because raw mastic doesn't break down like synthetic gum: one piece stays chewable for a long time, and you can even set it aside and return to it.
Chew the original — authentic Chios mastic, straight from the island.
Mastic for your gastrointestinal tract
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8-week treatment 🗓️Mastic 8 weeks
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60-day treatment 💪Mastic Gum Extra for 60 days
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Gift set 🎁Mastic „Life with Mastic"
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Gift set 🌿Mastic „Pure Mastic“
Regular price £28.00 GBPRegular price£30.00 GBPSale price £28.00 GBPSale
