Out of curiosity, I went to Austria to see how our neighbors are doing with commonly available chewing gums and healthy chewing gums. They have a wider selection. Customers perceive the benefits of Xylitol chewing gums more. There is also a larger offering of healthy chewing gums visible. Austrians value organic food (and natural food), so it was not surprising for me. Financial independence (higher income) helps them, which enhances the quality of chewing gum offerings (chewing gums in Austria).
Chewing Gum in Austria | Ingredients of Commonly Available Chewing Gum | Conclusion | Offer of Xylitol Gum | Conclusion 2 | In the Czech Republic
Chewing Gum in Austria
In Austria, you can see a wider range of chewing gums on the checkout counters. The selection is not only from the largest manufacturer, Mars, but also from other manufacturers. It’s pleasant that I came across chewing gums containing Xylitol and this information is even proudly displayed on the packaging in large letters. This means one thing. Austrian customers seek out chewing gums with Xylitol (healthy gums/BIO gums) – they are interested in them. We are lagging behind. But that doesn’t mean it can’t change in a few years.
Ingredients of Commonly Available Chewing Gums in Austria vs. CZ
I was curious if Austrians have better ingredients in chewing gums. This is not a 100% comparison, but only a quick layman’s comparison of the packaging that is most commonly found in Austrian (AT) and Czech (CZ) supermarkets. I’m only addressing controversial substances that can be harmful to health.
AT – chewing gums often contain Aspartame, Acesulfame K, Sorbitol and antioxidant BHA. Occasionally also dye E133 (brilliant blue FCF) – same as here). I would expect the Austrian neighbors to be more careful about this. But that will change over time.
CZ – chewing gums often contain Aspartame, Acesulfame K, Sorbitol, Maltitol, Mannitol, and antioxidant BHA.
Conclusion
I see no difference in the ingredients of commonly available chewing gums in supermarkets in the Czech Republic vs. Austria.
Offer of Xylitol Chewing Gums or Healthy Chewing Gums in Austria vs. CZ
In the offer of Xylitol chewing gums or healthy chewing gums in comparison of the Austrian and Czech markets, differences are already visible. Austrians commonly have Xylitol chewing gums on offer. Customers are interested in these chewing gums, as the main inscriptions on the packaging are described with the words “Xylitol” and various variations.
Just because a chewing gum contains Xylitol doesn’t mean it’s healthy. It is also necessary to monitor other ingredients in chewing gums. That’s why I also looked on the Austrian market to see if customers in Austria have the opportunity to buy healthy chewing gums (BIO chewing gums). Yes, this option was confirmed to me in the DM chain and also in BILLA. In the Czech Republic, the drugstore DM also offers healthy chewing gums, but I did not come across healthy chewing gums in a regular supermarket.
Conclusion
The Austrian customer has a small but wider selection of healthy chewing gums than the Czech customer. However, this is more because the Czech customer is not yet aware of this option. Therefore, the market has not expanded the offer. What the customer does not demand, the market does not offer. But that will change.
In the Czech Republic
At the beginning of 2023, our supermarkets in the Czech Republic primarily offer sugar-free chewing gums. Perhaps that’s enough for the Czech customer for now. When it comes to xylitol chewing gum, it’s rather inconspicuous. In Austria, it’s a bit better, where you can find chewing gums with the main label Xylitol – see the photo. Apparently, there is a bit more awareness here, but honestly, I would expect bigger differences. The offer should be more extensive on both sides.
Article Sources
Own photos and analysis in the Austrian town of Freistadt.