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.

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 mastic

New 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.

Shop toothpaste

Mastic mouthwash

Mouthwash with mastic, stevia and mint — part of an everyday oral-hygiene routine, for adults and children.

Shop mouthwash

FAQ: mastic chewing gum

Chew the original — authentic Chios mastic, straight from the island.