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It's no secret that vending machines are popular, and despite our modern technology, they're still a part of everyday life. Vending machines can come with healthy snacks, drinks and confectionery.

In this post, we'll explore the history of vending machines and look at gumball machines in more detail. So, if you love bubblegum and want to learn more about how it became a worldwide phenomenon - read on!

The History of Vending Machines

It might surprise you to learn that vending machines have been around before modern society! In Ancient Greece, Hero of Alexandria (a mathematician and engineer) invented a vending machine that people used for holy water.

They would go to temples in Egypt, put coins into the machine and have access to holy water - which was highly valuable in ancient times.

It's incredible to think that these machines existed in 215 BC, but it wasn't until the late 1800s that commercial vending machines for books were introduced. Next came the eternally popular gumball machine.

What Is a Gumball Machine?

A gumball machine is a vending machine that dispenses small gumballs when a coin is inserted. Gumball machines are usually found in public places like supermarkets, malls, and amusement parks, but they're also popular in homes.

These machines have a range of coloured gumballs with a hard outer shell and a chewy centre. Each colour has a distinct flavour, from traditional fruits to weird and wonderful creations such as pineapple, cherry cola and even root beer in the USA.

When Were Gumball Machines Invented?

Gumball machines were first invented in the late 19th century, with traditionally flavoured tutti frutti gum. Many believe William Wrigley designed the earliest gum machine, but it was The Thomas Adams Gum Company.

These machines were found on subway platforms, and they had animated figures to make them more appealing. They served a purpose and would be known as the first chewing gum vending machines in the USA.

In 1907, everything changed when Pulver introduced the first gumball machine, but it wouldn't be until 1933 when the machines took off. Thanks to the Northwestern Corporation, and their Model 33 machine, gumballs found themselves a part of western culture.

Perhaps the most significant influencer of gumball machines was the Ford Gum and Machine Company. They invented a carousel gumball machine, which featured a round shape, and a twist mechanism to release the gum. While gumball machines have been modernised, many still retain the classic carousel design!

Gumball Machines 1990's Onwards

Gumball machines continued to be popular through the 1980s - especially in arcades which were at their height during this time, and manufacturers began to introduce giant gumballs, which lasted longer.

Today, people still use these machines, and many choose to have them at home. Doing this enables you to enjoy your favourite colour gumballs in a gumball machine that's specifically for your use!

Now you know the history of gumball machines, let's explore some other popular vending machines out there.

Soft Drink Machines

Soft drink machines, as the name suggests, vend cold drinks. From water to juice and soda to energy drinks, these machines have a variety of refreshments on offer.

The original soft drink machines were designed to pump sodas into disposable cups, but chilled bottled drinks became available when the Coca Cola company introduced vending machines in 1937.

Surprisingly, it wasn't until the early 1960's that canned soda was included in vending machines, and today you can go pretty much anywhere and have your choice of cold drinks.

Snack Machines

It's no surprise that snack machines are most commonly associated with vending machines because they offer people grab and go food. In 1972, Polyvend introduced vending machines with a glass front, enabling people to look at the snacks on offer before deciding.

Although these snack machines are highly convenient, they are commonly featured in schools, encouraging students to purchase crisps and chocolate all of the time.

As our society becomes more health-conscious, so too do our vending machines! These days you can find healthy snack vending machines stocked with items like fruit bars, yoghurt, and even sandwiches.

Today, schools and offices encourage healthy eating, and there are plenty of healthy foods to choose between - but there's nothing wrong with enjoying the odd treat now and again.

Crazy Vending Machines

Well, we couldn't leave this post without mentioning some crazy vending machines worldwide. The USA and Japan are two countries that have embraced this convenient way to offer food and drink, and there are some weird and wonderful machines out there.

Take Japan's beer and sake vending machines, for example, or burrito machines in the USA. Japan also offers bread in tin vending machines (we're not sure why!), and the USA turned dreams into a reality with the Tombstone Pizza vending machines.

If you're looking for a healthier take on vending machines, Japan's innovative lettuce machine produces healthy vegetables daily. Those that enjoy decadence will be happy to learn that Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, has its very own caviar vending machine.

Vending machines aren't just for food and drink; plenty of brands are introducing them to sell products. Sephora has a machine that dispenses makeup, while medical marijuana is available in the USA.

Dubai even has a machine that dispenses 24 karat gold! People can buy bars, coins and jewellery while being supervised by armed guards the whole time.

At one point, cigarette vending machines were popular, but luckily they're no longer available in the UK - due to the continued effort to stop smoking.

There are so many vending machines available, and you can find one for pretty much everything now.

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it; a complete history of vending machines. There's no doubt that these machines have significantly evolved, making gumball machines all the more impressive.

They're the only machine that still retains its original concept and design, giving people the opportunity to access delicious bubblegum wherever they are.

Whether you're looking to add a gumball machine to your business, or love gumballs so much you'd like your very own machine, you can rest assured that our cost-effective prices are suitable for any budget.

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The Enduring Popularity of Gumball Machines

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They're the only machine that still retains its original concept and design, giving people the opportunity to access delicious bubblegum wherever they are.

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Global “Bubble Gum Market” Size-Share Worth ~ USD 1044 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 4.0% | Industry Research Biz

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In 2024, Bubble Gum Market size, share, invasion and industry trends with excessive details. This 119-Page Report analyses the growth opportunities and trends in the markets development till 2031.

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Bubble Gum: How Dubble Bubble was Invented

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The first bubble gum that was successfully created was Dubble Bubble gum. It was invented by an accountant who worked at the Fleer Chewing Gum Company.

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Students make their own chewing gum and observe a polymerization reaction. They will explore the special properties of their chewing gum polymer, and the effect of heat on the polymer.

Polymers are chemical compounds with molecules bonded together in long, repeating monomer chains. Because of their structure, polymers have unique properties that can be tailored for different uses.
Polymers are both man-made and naturally occurring.
Rubber, for example, is a natural polymeric material that has been used for thousands of years. It has excellent elastic qualities, the result of a molecular polymer chain created by nature. Man made synthetic polymers can be pliable, while others are permanently rigid. Still others have rubber-like properties or resemble plant or animal fibers. These materials are found in all sorts of products, from swimsuits to cooking pans.

Synthetic polymer polyvinyl acetate is regularly used in chewing gum bases along with elastomers, fats, waxes and emulsifiers. It makes up almost 60% of the gum base and is preferred by many manufacturers because it is readily available, has strong chewing properties and improves film formation

Chewing gum is a soft, cohesive substance designed in order to be chewed without being swallowed. Modern chewing gum is composed of gum base, sweeteners, softeners/plasticizers, flavors, colors, and, typically, a hard or powdered coating. Synthetic polymer polyvinyl acetate is regularly used in chewing gum bases, it makes up almost 60% of the gum base.

Chewing gum texture is reminiscent of rubber because of the physical-chemical properties of its polymer, plasticizer, and resin components, which contribute to its elastic-plastic, sticky, chewy characteristics.

Objectives

Name some practical uses for polymers.

Investigate the properties of common polymers.

Describe in general terms what occurs during a polymerization reaction.

Materials

Per Student or Group:
microwave
cutting board
microwavable bowl
finger bowl
scissors
wax paper
plastic bags

Bubble gum making kit:
1/3 cup of gum base
¼ tsp of citric acid
1 tsp glycerine
2 tbsp of corn syrup
1/2 cup of powdered sugar
5 to 7 drops of flavouring (traditional bubble gum, chocolate or vanilla)

* OPTIONS: Ingredients may be collected in bulk OR Bubble Gum kits are available from some candy shops and large chain stores such as WalMart, or can be ordered from Steve Spangler Science. If using a kit, follow the instructions provided.

Key Questions

What special properties does this polymer have?

What effect did heat play in the formation of this polymer?

What can we observe from making this polymer?

What To Do

1. Mix 1/3 cup of gum base with 1/4 tsp of citric acid, 1 tsp of glycerine and 2 tbsp corn syrup.

2. Microwave the gum base mixture in a microwavable bowl for 1 minute.

3. Pour out 1/2 cup of powdered sugar onto a cutting board and make a hole in the center of the pile. Leave a little powdered sugar in a bowl to the side to coat your fingers when you begin kneading the gum mixture.

4. Remove the gum base from the microwave and stir. The gum base should be thoroughly melted and very sticky. If it's not, microwave it for another 30 seconds and stir again. Repeat the process until the mixture is gooey.

5. Add 5 to 7 drops of flavouring to the gum base and mix well.

6. Knead the gum base mixture and powdered sugar for 20 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and stiff in your hands. If it gets sticky, add more powdered sugar. The longer you knead the dough, the less likely the gum is to fall apart as it's chewed.

7. Roll the homemade bubble gum into a rope, and cut it into bite sized pieces using scissors.

8. Wrap each piece in wax paper, or store them all in a re-sealable plastic bag.

Extensions

Weigh gum before and after chewing. Do you expect it to increase or decrease in mass? (The mass should decrease substantially because over 60% of bubble gum is sugar which should dissolve during chewing.)

Other Resources

University of Southern Mississippi | Polymer Science Learning Center | Make a Virtual Polymer

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Make Your Own Chewing Gum - Science World

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Students make their own chewing gum and observe a polymerization reaction. They will explore the special properties of their chewing gum polymer, and the effect of heat on the polymer. Polymers are chemical compounds with molecules bonded together in long, repeating monomer chains.

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HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BUBBLE GUM - EASY RECIPE

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It's the 1920s and the Fleer Corporation is trying to create a new kind of gum, but they aren't having much luck. Can a man named Walter who knows nothing about gum save the day?

This book is part of the Read for Success collection. To learn more about Read for Success, click here.

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It's the 1920s and the Fleer Corporation is trying to create a new kind of gum, but they aren't having much luck. Can a man named Walter who knows nothing about gum save the day? This book is part of the Read for Success collection. To learn more about Read for Success, click here.

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Pop! The Invention of Bubble Gum: Read Aloud Video | RIF.org

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Read aloud video of Pop! The Invention of Bubble Gum.

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The above gum art is by the Italian artist Maurizio Savini. For over ten years he has been making these gum sculptures and they sell for over 55,000 U.S dollars.

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Tests show that reaction times amongst chewers are faster

Chomping away leads to improvements in blood flow to the brain

Report will be good news for celebrity chewer Sir Alex Ferguson

It's a habit that divides opinion, but new scientific evidence reveals that chewing gum is actually good for the brain.

Chomping away boosts thinking and alertness and the study reveals reaction times among chewers are up to 10 per cent faster.

The report will be welcome news to celebrity gum chewers such as football manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who is rarely seen on the touchline without a stick of gum in his mouth.

The Japanese research published in the journal Brain and Cognition suggests as many as eight areas of the brain are affected by the simple act of chewing.

One theory to explain the greater performance is that chewing increases arousal and leads to temporary improvements in blood flow to the brain.

Volunteers carried out tasks while chewing and not chewing gum as their brains were scanned to see which areas were active.

During the 30-minute tests participants pressed a button with their right or left thumb in response to the direction of an arrow on a screen.

Men and women who were not chewing took 545 milliseconds to react, compared with 493 milliseconds among the chewers. The brain regions most active during chewing were those involved with movement and attention.

Professor Andy Smith of Cardiff University, a leading specialist in health-related behaviour, said: 'The effects of chewing on reaction time are profound. Perhaps football managers arrived at the idea of chewing gum by accident, but they seem to be on the right track.'

'Our results suggest that chewing induced an increase in the arousal level and alertness in addition to an effect on motor control and, as a consequence, these effects could lead to improvements in cognitive performance,' said the researchers from the National Institute of Radiological Sciences in Japan, and other centres.

However, research carried out last year suggested chewing gum could interfere with short-term memory.

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Chewing over a problem? Chomping on gum can boost alertness by 10%

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New scientific evidence from Japan has shown that chomping away can increase arousal and leads to temporary improvements in blood flow to the brain.

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Today in Wonderopolis, learn what tree sap teaches us about blowing bubbles. The answer will blow your mind!

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How Bubblegum is Made in Factories | HOW IT'S MADE

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Did you know humans have chewed gum for almost 9,000 years?

Humans Have Been Chewing Gum for Thousands of Years

The oldest record of gum chewing began upward of 9,000 years ago with the ancient Mayans.

This civilization enjoyed chewing on a gum-like substance called chicle, derived from the sap of the sapodilla tree. The material was soft and stretchy, not too dissimilar in texture from the stuff we enjoy today.

Chicle was used to either quench thirst or fight off hunger.

The First-Ever Batch Weighed 300 Pounds

Once Diemer got his product right, he wanted to make sure that there was more than enough to go around, resulting in a massive, 300-pound batch of what would soon be known as "Dubble Bubble" gum.

Millions of People Chew It Every Year

Over 150 million Americans chew gum each year.

According to data based on the U.S. Census data and Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS), approximately 160.1 million Americans chewed gum in 2020.

Bubble Gum Is Sticky Because of the Polymer Base

The combination of synthetic polymers, plasticizers and resins are what make bubble gum so sticky and stretchy.

The Biggest Bubble Gum Bubble Ever Blown Was Nearly Two Feet in Diameter

Guinness records records for the largest bubbles ever blown.

Chad Fell of Winston County, Alabama, holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest bubble blown without the use of his hands at 50.8 centimeters, or 20 inches, in diameter.

Meanwhile, Someone Stretched Gum to the Equivalent a Three-Story Building

Bubble gum trivia: the longest gum stretch was 564 inches.

Trevor Cummings of Mesa, Arizona, is said to hold the record for the longest gum stretch at 564 inches long. For reference, that's just slightly taller than a three-story building.

Gum Doesn't Break Down In the Stomach

Bubble gum fact: gum does not get digested by your stomach.

The gum bases do not break down in your stomach. And remember that human stomach acid has a pH level not too far off from being as strong as battery acid.

Bubble Gum May Be Indigestible, But Don't Panic

Bubble gum myth: No, if you swallow gum, it will not stick to your insides.

Although it's not recommended that you swallow gum, it's a myth that if it goes in, it won't come out and will "stick" to your insides.

Don't worry. Gum won't break down in your stomach or intestines, but it will still make a timely exit.

Pepto Bismol Is Not Originally Bubble Gum Flavored

No, Pepto-Bismol is not bubble gum flavor.

No, Pepto-Bismol is not bubble gum flavor. Although it's bright pink coloring makes your brain think "bubble gum," the official flavor is actually mint.

The company does tote a bubble gum flavor, but it's unsurprisingly aimed at kids.

Bubble Gum Is Much Sweeter Than Chewing Gum

Flavor choices: bubble gum is usually fruity, while more traditional chewing gums are often minty.

Bubble gum tends to be sweeter than traditional chewing gum. Also, while bubble gum consists of various fruity flavorings, chewing gum tends to be less sweet and have "minty" flavors.

Myth Alert: Chewing Gum While Cutting Onions Doesn't Really Prevent Tears

It's a myth that chewing gum while cutting onions will prevent tears. You're better off cutting onions under running water or using goggles.

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30 Bubble Gum Facts That Will Blow Your Mind

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Did you know humans have chewed gum for almost 9,000 years?

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Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday

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Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday

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Read Aloud Childrens Books And Fun Stuff

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Alexander Who Used To Be Rich Last Sunday - Book Read Aloud

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50 centimeters and 8 millimeters in diameter.

That's over 19 inches wide!

The record is held by Alabama native, Chad Fell who broke the record in 2004 while chewing on three pieces of Dubble Bubble bubblegum.

Want to know his secret? Chew long enough so that all the sugar gets out, blow slow, and you'll end up with a gargantuan bubble that covers your entire face!

We like to imagine a bubble as big as Chad's could lift you off the ground and send you to space like the movie, !

All that to say, bubblegum is one of those confections that sends every person back to a time in their childhood when life was simple and the only thing you wanted to do was blow bubbles the size of a basketball.

As bubble gum lovers ourselves, we like to think we know a thing or two about what bubblegum is the best. So we decided to rally our team together and rank all the best bubblegum. Check out our list and let us know what you think!

The 10 Best Bubblegum According To A Candy Company
1. Dubble Bubble
Dubble Bubble is one of the oldest brands on this list which was founded in 1928. Originally made by the Fleer Chewing Gum Company, Dubble Bubble was the brainchild of Walter Demier, an accountant for Fleer. After watching his boss, Frank H. Fleer fail to create a bubblegum that wasn't too sticky, he started to test his own recipe which he perfected in 1928. The only problem was that he never wrote it down. From there, it took him 4 months and hundreds of test batches to get it back, but when he did, it was the perfect formula for blowing bubbles. Maybe it's the bright yellow wrapper or the wildly chewy texture that makes every kid think they can blow a bubble big enough to float away, but when it comes to the best bubblegum in the world, Dubble Bubble holds the top spot on this list.
2. Bazooka
Bazooka is a classic childhood bubblegum that has been around since 1947. A division of the famous sports card brand Topps, Bazooka was created to compliment the sports fanatics, specifically baseball fans, who would purchase the baseball trading cards. Topps sold the production rights for Bazooka to the sports juggernaut Fanatics in 2022. Bazooka is widely known for its iconic Bazooka Joe comic strips that came wrapped around every piece of gum, which were taken out of production in 2012 and replaced with brain-teasing puzzles instead. If you're a sports fan who loves to chew on a sweet treat while watching your favorite team, Bazooka is the bubblegum for you.
3. Hubba Bubba
Hubba Bubba is a bubblegum produced by Wm Wrigley Jr. Company. Created in 1979, Hubba Bubba got its famous name from the military term "hubba hubba" which was used to express approval. Hubba Bubba is branded as the bubblegum that won't stick to your skin when your big ol' bubble explodes onto your face after it bursts. It's also known as the rival gum to Bubblicious which was produced around the same time. When it comes to unique ways to sell gum, Hubba Bubba was made most popular by its Hubba Bubba tape which was six feet of bubblegum wrapped into a curricular tape dispenser making it incredibly attractive to youth who wanted to test their chewing ability by seeing just how much of the tape they could chew at one time-a challenge we've tried a few times here in our candy headquarters.
4. Bubblicious
Bubblicious is a bubblegum created in 1977 and produced by Cadbury Adams. This bubblegum brand was the first "soft" bubblegum to hit the U.S. market. Bubblicious is best known for its range of 28 different flavors over the years including classic bubblegum, strawberry, grape, blueberry, cotton candy, sour apple, tropical punch, and fruit twist. 2000's kids will remember it most when NBA legend LeBron James partnered with Bubblicious to make his favorite flavor, LeBron's Lightning Lemonade which was the athlete's go to chew while he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Shoutout to our favorite basketball team!)
5. Big League Chew
If you played baseball or softball as a kid, chances are you had your fair share of Big League Chew. The bubblegum brand, which was introduced in 1980 by left-handed pitcher Rob Nelson and bat boy Todd Field, was originally pitched to Wrigley gum as a healthy alternative to chewing tobacco for baseball players-hence why it's conveniently packaged the same way as chewing tobacco. This bubblegum is a common confection amongst professional athletes, all the way down to the little leagues and has become a staple in sports. There's just something about throwing in a fat lip of bubblegum that makes you feel like a pro, not to mention Big League Chew now flexes a slew of flavors including Big Rally Blue Raspberry, Ground Ball Grape, Slammin' Strawberry, and Swinging Sour Apple.
6. Blow Pops Gum Balls
Everyone remembers the childhood classic candy, Blow Pops. But did you know that it also makes a gum ball? Yes, you read that correctly, Blow Pops makes its own bubblegum. Just imagine your favorite Blow Pop sucker, but inside out, with the chewy center as the star of the show. It comes in three distinct flavors, cherry, watermelon, and blue raspberry. Our personal favorite is the blue raspberry, but if you're a true bubblegum fan we recommend taking one of each and chewing all of them at the same time to get the best of all three flavors in every single bubble.
7. Cry Baby Bubble Gum Balls
What if you could mix bubblegum with your favorite sour candy? That was the mission of Cry Baby when it set out to create Cry Baby Bubble Gum Balls. Cry Baby is most popular for its hard candy that would make your mouth pucker up with its insanely sour flavors, so when they launched a variation that was bubblegum based, you know that kids all over the country flocked to their local candy shop to get their hands on a few. And if you're wondering just how sour Cry Baby Bubble Gum Balls are, let's just say that it's rather hard to blow a world record bubble when your mouth is zapped of all moisture thanks to the overwhelming sour flavor that coats every bit of your taste buds.
8. Fruit Stripe
If you're an older gum fan, then you've definitely heard of Fruit Stripe. The five-flavored gum was invented by James Parker in 1969 and produced by the Beech-Nut Company. This candy is recognized as the first multi-flavored pack of gum which consisted of melon, cherry, orange, lemon, and peach flavors. For all the flavor that Fruit Stripe packed, it only lasted for a matter of minutes, leading you to pick up another piece and try something new. It might not be the perfect piece of gum for blowing bubbles, but best believe it holds its own as one of the most iconic gums of all time.
9. Quench Gum
Quench Gum is unlike any other gum on this list as it was developed by Mueller Sports Medicine in the 1970s to aid athletes in performance. We've all seen athletes of different disciplines chewing gum while they play, so Mueller decided to make a gum that was packed full of electrolytes to enhance performance. The bubblegum company made a significant pivot in 2021 to rebrand with the hopes of finding new popularity and has continued to grow its reputation in the sports industry. You can find Quench Gum in double raspberry, orange fruit punch, strawberry watermelon, lemon, fruit punch, orange, and grape. If you're an athlete, or you just like to pretend you're one on the weekends, Quench might just be what you need to take your performance to another level.
10. Bubblegum Cigars
For those of you who remember Candy Cigarettes, Bubblegum Cigars are considered the close cousin to the retro candy. These were the bubblegum treats every kid wanted to chew back in the day because it was the closest thing you could get to dad's evening cigar that he'd have after dinner. Bubblegum Cigars were made famous in brick-and-mortar candy stores where you could grab a pack for a few cents and knaw on them all day. While they might lack the flexibility that is needed to blow massive bubbles, it holds a special place in bubblegum history, making it a must have on this list.

Ready to blow some bubbles?

Checkout our bubblegum category and grab all of your favorites from this list!

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The Best Bubblegum Ranked According To A Candy Company

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Do you know what the Guiness World Record is for the largest bubblegum bubble ever blown? 50 centimeters and 8 millimeters in diameter. That's over 19 inches wide! The record is held by Alabama native, Chad Fell who broke the record in 2004 while chewing on three pieces of Dubble Bubble bubblegum.

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Meet Chad Fell who holds Guinness World Record for largest bubblegum bubble blown

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In 2004, he chewed three double bubblegum and blew a bubble that was 50 centimetres and 8 millimetres in diameter..Bbblegum. bubble. largest bubble. Chad Fell. Guinness Record

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For some reason, chewing gum for me gets my brain going.
Brie Larson

Chewing gum, for many people, is associated with the ability to think more clearly. Something about keeping the mouth closed and the jaw moving chewing makes the brain just focus in and start concentrating. This is the very reason that Bubble Gum Day came into existence, with the twin goals of generating charity contributions and also allowing kids to chew gum in school for the special event!

So bring out those two quarters, make a donation, and get to chew gum in school all day. Isn't it about time there was something to take your mind off of that Calculus project?

Even those who don't happen to be in school can still choose to celebrate National Bubble Gum Day, though. No one who wants to join in should be excluded!

History of National Bubble Gum Day

While chewing gum has been around for a long time, bubble gum was invented in 1928 when the first commercial bubble gum was created: Double Bubble.

But this is more than just a day to celebrate the existence or invention of a sweet and chewy treat. Although that, in itself, is probably worth celebrating, this day has bigger ideas behind it.

National Bubble Gum Day was started in 2006 when children's book author, Ruth Spiro, decided that the world needed a day focused around education, philanthropy and, best of all, bubble gum. She started the day to raise funds for school activities without the children having to sell something to family members, friends or neighbors. And she knew there was one thing that would motivate children to bring a couple of quarters in with them to school-Bubble Gum!

It was such a phenomenal success that an entire institution built up around it, encouraging philanthropy in children and allowing various schools to support a charity that fits the beliefs and policies of the school.

And It's not just for schools either! Businesses, libraries and community centers have all been known to hold events centered on Bubble Game Day because charity isn't limited to educational institutions.

Ruth Spiro produces some of the most amazing children's books out there, including Lester Fizz, Bubble-Gum Artist, Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering, Baby Loves Quarks, and many other odd and quirky books aimed at giving children valuable information while entertaining them with bright colorful books aimed at engaging their mind.

She firmly believes that it is never too early to engage children's curiosity, and get them asking questions about their world. Sure they probably aren't going to be able to comment on these books at six months old. And while it's probably a little too early to allow them to chew bubblegum, it's never too early to start packing their brains with interesting topics that can lead them to explore the world around them and love learning!

So get ready to enjoy everything about National Bubble Gum Day and remember that it is all for a good cause.

National Bubble Gum Day Timeline

How to Celebrate National Bubble Gum Day

How this day will be best celebrities probably depends on each person's role. But certainly anyone can find some way to really enjoy the day! Try out some of these ideas:

Participate in National Bubble Gum Day at School

For those who are a student or employee at an institution that is celebrating National Bubble Gum Day, they can make their donations and enjoy their gum! For those who are teachers or principals of a school, take this opportunity to organize an event around National Bubble Gum Day, and use it to help debunk some of the beliefs that surround bubble gum. Also, engage the student body in choosing a charity to support!

Businesses can participate as well, just let everyone know, vote on a charity, and then enjoy that bubble gum. And perhaps adults would be able to participate by donating more than just the 50 cents that kids do!

Learn Fun Facts About Bubble Gum

Entertain the kids, friends or family by sharing these bits of trivia revolving around gum and bubble gum:

Bubble Gum Is Just Not That Dangerous

The dangers of bubble gum have been burned into many kids' brains since a very young age. But some of those just aren't true. The biggest one? Gum doesn't stay in a person's system for seven years if they swallow it.

Bubble Gum Bubbles Can Be Huge

In fact, the biggest one ever blown was measured to be 20 inches in diameter! It was blown by Chad Fell from Alabama in 2004, and he used three pieces of Double Bubble bubble gum to set the Guinness World Records.

Tons of Bubble Gum is Chewed Each Year

As it turns out, people all over the world chew what amounts to about 100,000 tons of bubble gum each year.

The Chomp Title Goes to Richard Walker

This means that Mr. Walker holds the record for chewing gum for the longest continuous stretch. In his case, it was chewing 135 sticks of gum successively for eight hours straight.

Appreciating National Bubble Gum Day doesn't have to be complicated! It might just be about enjoying a piece of bubble gum and sharing the rest of the pack with a friend, family member or coworker. Grab some Hubba Bubba, Double Bubble or another bubble gum that's a favorite and get to blowing those bubbles!

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Chewy, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this sweet treat is perfect for blowing bubbles and bringing a smile to your face.

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🍬 The Bubble Gum Story Read Aloud Children's Book

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Is there anything more quintessentially American than bubble gum? You might be surprised to learn that chewing gum (in one form or another) has been around for thousands of years. Read on to learn more about the history of chewing gum.

Gum Beginnings

Chewing gum history begins thousands of years ago. Some of the first examples of chewing gum actually originated in the Americas. The ancient Mayans chewed chicle, which is the sap from the sapodilla tree, while North American Indians chewed the sap from spruce trees. This habit was passed down to early settlers, who made chewing gum from spruce sap and beeswax.

History of Chewing Gum Timeline

1800s - Beginning of the Chewing Gum Industry
The first commercial chewing gum, the State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum, was sold by John B. Curtis in 1848. This gum was initially made out of spruce tree resin but it didn't taste great. Curtis switched to ingredients such as paraffin wax to achieve a better flavor.

In 1869, a dentist named William Semple was the first person to patent a chewing gum. His gum recipe consisted of charcoal and chalk.

The chewing gum industry truly exploded when an inventor named Thomas Adams entered the scene. Before creating his own company, Adams worked with the famous Mexican president, General Antonio López de Santa Anna, who wanted to use chicle as a substitute for rubber. Santa Anna eventually abandoned this endeavor but Adams decided to experiment with chicle and create a better chewing gum out of it. His gum was a success and he soon had a patent for a machine that could create chewing gum sticks. These sticks were popular and Adams was able to establish his company, Adams New York Gum Company, selling around five tons of gum per day. He added flavors to the gums such as natural spearmint and tutti-frutti, which became one of the first gum flavors to be sold via vending machine in 1888.

1900s - Invention of Bubble Gum
So we know more about the origins of chewing gum but what about bubble gum? Bubble gum was created in 1928 by Water Diemer. He originally worked for a man named Frank Fleer who owned a chewing gum company. Fleer wanted to create a product that was different from anything else in the industry. He came up with Blibber-Blubber, a gum that could be blown into bubbles. Unfortunately, the gum was too sticky and therefore hard to sell. Diemer experimented with Fleer's formula and after many trials he came up with Dubble Bubble, a bubble gum that you can still purchase to this day!

Bubble gum played a big role during WWII. It was given to soldiers as a healthy stress reliever, an alternative to cigarettes and GIs spread the popularity worldwide by trading it and giving it as gifts to people in Europe, Africa, Asia and around the world.

Present Day
Today there are more than 1,000 varieties of gum manufactured and sold in the United States and people on average chew 182 sticks a year.From its humble beginnings thousands of years ago, chewing gum has become one of the most popular forms of candies in the world. They can definitely satisify your sugar cravings, but if you are a daily gum chewer, we recommend only chewing sugar-free gum to reduce the risk of cavities.

If you have questions about which brand of gum is healthier or notice any toothaches when chewing gum, book an appointment with our team at Bright Now! Dental! We'll make sure your teeth are healthy so you can continue chewing your favorite gums for years to come!

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History of Chewing Gum - Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics

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Discover the fascinating history of chewing gum at Bright Now! Uncover ancient origins, innovative flavors, and surprising benefits. Start chewing today!

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Bubble Gum Day is the First Friday in February... 2-5-21 Everyone may celebrate Bubble Gum Day a little different, but the event was…

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Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum | Children's Books Read Aloud | Stories for Kids

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LEARNING TARGETS:
-Understand that printmaking can produce multiple copies of an image.
-Know that Thiebaud painted desserts, such as gumball machines.

TERMS:
-Printmaking: Using a plate (in this case, a stamp) to create images, often multiple images.
-Wayne Thiebaud: A Pop Artist most famous for his paintings of desserts.

MATERIALS:
8 1/2" X 11" white paper with a circle pretraced by the teacher (ice cream lid works perfectly)
Circle stamps (I bought wooden circles and small spindles at Jo-Ann and glued them together to make stamps with handles)
Paint in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
8 1/2" X 11" red paper
4" X 6" grey paper
Scissors
Glue/ Glue sticks
Paintbrushes
Pencils

We once again began with a PowerPoint, this time highlighting paintings by Wayne Thiebaud; focusing on his gumball machines. Next, demonstrated how to stamp the circles. I asked them to start with yellow and work their way to the darker colors. We talked about how the darker colors change the color of a lighter color and we don't want to have funny colored gumballs. In hindsight, I think I would just have a stamp and paintbrush for each color to eliminate the cleaning the stamp between each color (I had them wipe them with a papertowel). I also asked them to stamp 1-3 circles outside of the pencil circle for the gumballs that have been purchased in the final picture.

Next class, I passed out the paintings first and while they were cutting those out I passed out the red paper, gray paper, and glue. I showed them how to fold the red paper the "hot dog" way and make the red base of the machine by drawing a small horizontal line and then a long diagonal line to the top of the page. I also showed them how to trace the top of the circle (with it flipped over, in case they get pencil on it) to make the lid, and use the corner of the paper to make a rectangle. I showed them all the pieces, and layed it out how they should glue it down and then gave them time to work.

ASSESSMENT: In addition to circulating the classroom, looking for success and redirecting misguided students I review the completed works of art for use of all the colors in the gumballs, cutting and gluing skills, and craftsmanship.

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LEARNING TARGETS:-Understand that printmaking can produce multiple copies of an image.-Know that Thiebaud painted desserts, such as gumball machines. TERMS:-Printmaking: Using a plate (in this case, a stamp) to create images, often multiple images.-Wayne Thiebaud: A Pop Artist most famous for his paintings of desserts.

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national chewing gum association - Google Search

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We exist to promote the chewing gum category and ensure that it can continue to thrive and provide fun and meaningful experiences to people all over the world.

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In this lesson, students participate in an activity that demonstrates a key economic idea: The level of competition in an industry is a major determinant of product prices. Students are placed in groups that replicate four competitive conditions-perfect competition, monopoly, competitive oligopoly, and collusive oligopoly. Students act as firms in each industry competing to sell their product to the teacher (acting as a consumer). Through the market activity, students learn that when many firms are competing in an industry, prices begin to reflect the cost of production, whereas a single seller can command a high price. They also learn how collusion can result in groups of sellers behaving as monopolists.

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Teaching Market Structures with a Competitive Gum Market

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Students participate in an activity that demonstrates a key economic idea: The level of competition in an industry is a major determinant of product prices.