Yes, gum generally does have calories, though the amount varies.
Calorie Content in Gum
Most types of chewing gum contain some calories. The exact amount differs based on whether it is sugar-free or regular gum.
- Regular gum: A typical stick of regular chewing gum contains about 11 calories (1, 2).
- Sugar-free gum: A stick of sugar-free gum contains about 6 calories (1, 2).
Calorie Content Comparison
| Type of Gum | Calories per Stick |
|---|---|
| Regular Gum | 11 |
| Sugar-Free Gum | 6 |
Fasting and Gum Consumption
For those practicing strict fasting, like a water fast, consuming any calories, including those from gum, would technically break the fast (1).
Practical Considerations
- While gum does contain calories, the amount is relatively low, especially for sugar-free varieties.
- The small number of calories in gum may not significantly impact overall caloric intake for most individuals.
- Those following strict fasting protocols should avoid gum to maintain their fasting state.
