2.43 - Mentos Gum: UP2U: Mandarin Strawberry

Mentos Gum: UP2U: Mandarin Strawberry is one half of the new Mentos "Up to you" line of gums.

Basically it is two half packs of gum put together. In this case, it is paired with Spearmint, which we reviewed last time.




Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Dan, Adam, Liz, & Mark.


Flavor Longevity: 2.67
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Dan - 3
Adam - 1
Liz - 4
Mark - 2

Comments:
"Let’s make it last a little longer next time."
"Kinda Sucked."



Taste: 2.33
Jay - 3
Kevin - 2
Dan - 3
Adam - 1
Liz - 3
Mark - 2

Comments:
"Not great and not horrible. Rather ‘meh’. The strawberry wasn’t very detectable – felt more like a vague citrus-y flavor that I couldn’t quite pin down. Pretty mediocre showing, Mentos. Try harder next time."
"For what it is, I guess it is okay, but nothing special."
"At first, it was unpleasant – my tongue tingled and a toxic waste kind of way, not a fun Pop Rocks kind of way; then it got better."
"The inventor of this gum must hate his fellow man."
"Yuck."



Flavor Strength: 2.33
Jay - 2
Kevin - 2
Dan - 3
Adam - 2
Liz - 3
Mark - 2

Comments:
"Somewhat weak. Really could have brought the awesome sauce, but they left it in the bottle."
"Fairly weak. Of course that may be what they are going for, a mild flavor."
"It got better as it dissipated."
"Sucky taste didn’t last too long."



Texture & Consistency: 2.83
Jay - 4
Kevin - 2
Dan - 4
Adam - 1
Liz - 5
Mark - 1

Comments:
"Good stuff here."
"What the fuck is that? Is there something crunchy in this gum?"



Refreshment: 2.00
Jay - 2
Kevin - 1
Dan - 3
Adam - 1
Liz - 4
Mark - 1

Comments:
"This gum was quite average. Kind of disappointing really."
"The aftertaste wasn’t great and took a little work to get out."
"Better than a mouth full of Bee’s but.. not really refreshing at all."



Overall Score: 2.43

3.60 - Mentos Gum: UP2U: Spearmint

Mentos Gum: UP2U: Spearmint is one half of the new Mentos "Up to you" line of gums.

Basically it is two half packs of gum put together. In this case, it is paired with Mandarin Strawberry, which will be the next review.



Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Dan, Adam, Liz, & Jon.


Flavor Longevity: 3.83
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 4
Liz - 3
Jon - 3

Comments:
"Minty taste is long and strong."
"Only a vague hint of spearmint after 20 minutes."
"I can’t tell if it is aftertaste/lingering of the mint, or if the actual flavor is still going."



Taste: 3.50
Jay - 3
Kevin - 4
Dan - 4
Adam - 3
Liz - 3
Jon - 4

Comments:
"A strange marriage of mint and a bit of citrus. Not the smoothest relationship, but they get along pretty well for the most part."
"Has a strong bite at first."
"I thought the taste was ok – it started out a little fruity which was weird."
"Mild mint flavor. There is a hint of melon or citrus, which may be due to contamination from the other flavor in the 2 pack."
"A hint of apple..."



Flavor Strength: 3.50
Jay - 2
Kevin - 4
Dan - 4
Adam - 4
Liz - 3
Jon - 4

Comments:
"Feel free to dial up the taste strength just a tad more."
"The mint is weak, but consistent."



Texture & Consistency: 3.67
Jay - 3
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 3
Liz - 5
Jon - 2

Comments:
"Very nice mouth-feel. An overall solid gum to chew on."
"I liked the texture; it didn’t degrade as I continued chewing."
"Starts out tough, but mellows into a nice chew."
"It’s one of those gums that vanishes the more you chew on it...ya dig?"



Refreshment: 3.50
Jay - 3
Kevin - 4
Dan - 4
Adam - 3
Liz - 3
Jon - 4

Comments:
"If the taste was cleaned up just a bit, this would be a solid 5. As such, it’s a decent gum, just not great."
"The refreshment was average."
"Somewhat, but honestly, I will use a stronger mint later to really refresh."



Overall Score: 3.60

2.45 - Trident Layers: Wild Strawberry + Tangy Citrus

Trident Layers: Wild Strawberry + Tangy Citrus is the next Layers offering. Basically take two flavors that may or may not go together and cram them into one gum.

The flavors are distinct for a while, until you chew enough to mix them up.




Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Dan, & Adam.


Flavor Longevity: 2.75
Jay - 2
Kevin - 2
Dan - 4
Adam - 3

Comments:
"Flavor lasts long, but it sucks."
"Doesn’t last long."
"Lasts for a while - about an hour, then starts to fizzle out."



Taste: 1.50
Jay - 1
Kevin - 1
Dan - 3
Adam - 1

Comments:
"I hope whoever signed off on releasing this gum was fired. If you want to know what this gum tastes like, eat and orange and a strawberry and then vomit in your mouth."
"How can something taste like nothing and taste like crap at the same time?"
"I’m not big on the initial ‘layers’ gimmick – it starts off kind of weird... but once the flavor blends together, it’s ok."


Flavor Strength: 3.00
Jay - 2
Kevin - 2
Dan - 4
Adam - 4

Comments:
"Way too fucking strong for such a terrible tasting gum."
"It was weak weak weak."



Texture & Consistency: 3.25
Jay - 4
Kevin - 2
Dan - 5
Adam - 2

Comments:
"A bit difficult to chew at first as it is hard out of the wrapper and then the taste bursts into your mouth and at that point you don’t want to keep chewing..."
"The best thing. The Trident Layers have some heft to them."



Refreshment: 1.75
Jay - 2
Kevin - 1
Dan - 3
Adam - 1

Comments:
"Chewing this gum actually made my head hurt...it sucks."
"This gum would be better if it did away with the Layers and just did a regular blended fruit flavor. Also, the taste needs to last a bit longer."



Overall Score: 2.45

2.64 - Wrigley's 5: Swerve

Wrigley's 5: Swerve is a "tangy tropical". Fairly orange in color and definitely Tangy, as in, it smells like Tang.




Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Dan, Thea, & Jon.


Flavor Longevity: 2.60
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Dan - 3
Thea - 3
Jon - 1

Comments:
"Taste lasted throughout the test time, but at weak levels."
"The flavor lasts a decent amount of time."
"Just like most of the 5 series gum, the flavor lasts as long as I do... (ed: WTF?)"



Taste: 2.00
Jay - 2
Kevin - 2
Dan - 1
Thea - 3
Jon - 2

Comments:
"Taste matches the description but is too tangy for me."
"I think the name Swerve came from the fact they tried to avoid hitting the taste and killing it, so they swerved. Unfortunately, they missed. The Taste is rotting and revolting. It tries to be orangey, but the overabundance of battery acid (chemical flavor) is too much."
"It starts out very artificial and kinda gross, mellow to tolerable, then alters into a bland pathetic fruity chemical aftertaste."
"Tastes like an orange that has had all of the juice squeezed out of it, or one of those vitamin water zero calorie orange drinks; either/or."



Flavor Strength: 3.00
Jay - 3
Kevin - 2
Dan - 4
Thea - 2
Jon - 4

Comments:
"Too strong at the beginning and too weak after chewing for a few minutes."
"Unfortunately, this is too strong for a gum like this."
"The strength actually is bad, and not just because the taste mostly sucked."
"Considering it doesn’t taste great, it’s best that it doesn’t taste like much of anything for any length of time."



Texture & Consistency: 3.60
Jay - 5
Kevin - 2
Dan - 5
Thea - 3
Jon - 3

Comments:
"Chewing on this is like a workout for your mouth."
"The best thing about this gum. Unfortunately that isn’t much."



Refreshment: 2.00
Jay - 3
Kevin - 2
Dan - 1
Thea - 2
Jon - 2

Comments:
"Not terribly refreshing and kind of dried out my mouth."
"Not pleasant. If you like to pop your chewing gum, it won’t be a pretty feeling with this gum. Every time I pop the gum by sucking in the bubble, the flavor hits my taste buds like a colostomy bag."
"Hardly."
"Not refreshing."



Overall Score: 2.64

3.33 - Wrigley's 5: React 2 (cool)

Wrigley's React (2) (cool – minty): This is the sequel gum to the minty React (which rated pretty good), not the fruity React (which rated pretty poorly).




Participating in this MEGA-review: Jay, Kevin, Jon, Thea, Adam, & Mark.


Flavor Longevity: 3.17
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Jon - 2
Thea - 2
Adam - 3
Mark - 4

Comments:
"This is what gum should be like!"
"You know how cough drops leave a taste, so does this…"
"Good longevity."
"After about 5 minutes, I just have that cold feel in my mouth."
"Flavor was mostly gone after about 5 minutes."



Taste: 3.17
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Jon - 2
Thea - 3
Adam - 1
Mark - 5

Comments:
"Strong like my banking pin."
"Seriously, it’s like Wrigley decided, let’s make a gum version of a shitty cough drop."
"I little fake mint flavor, but overall not too bad."
"After the 5 minute mark, I have that not so good mint aftertaste that makes drinks suck."
"Tastes like menthol, which is indeed cool and minty, but not something I want to chew on for any length of time."



Flavor Strength: 3.33
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Jon - 3
Thea - 3
Adam - 3
Mark - 4

Comments:
"The minty stays for a while."
"The flavor started out surprisingly well."
"The cool quality is pretty strong, but the mint flavor is really lacking."



Texture & Consistency: 3.67
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Jon - 3
Thea - 4
Adam - 3
Mark - 4

Comments:
"A little soft for me but it has some substance."
"The gum is gray, so it’s kind of like chewing on death."



Refreshment: 3.33
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Jon - 3
Thea - 3
Adam - 1
Mark - 5

Comments:
"Indeed!!"
"Interestingly, cough drops are usually refreshing, but not in gum form."
"I got a little bit of cotton mouth after I spit it out. While I was chewing it, I got some refreshment."
"Refreshing, but now I want to get rid of this taste."



Overall Score: 3.33

3.25 - Trident: Cinnamon

Trident: Cinnamon is one of few plain flavors we have tried recently. Most of the recent gums have been made up flavors and combinations. K.I.S.S. Did they?




Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Dan, & Mark.


Flavor Longevity: 3.50
Jay - 2
Kevin - 4
Dan - 4
Mark - 4

Comments:
"Fades fast."
"Ok, I guess. Kind of hard to screw up cinnamon longevity though."



Taste: 3.25
Jay - 2
Kevin - 4
Dan - 3
Mark - 4

Comments:
"Cinnamon is too sweet."
"This is the classic 'rip off is better than the original (Big Red)' situation."
"As far as cinnamon gums, it’s ‘eh’. Similar to Big Red. Not that great, not horrible. Just ‘eh’."



Flavor Strength: 3.50
Jay - 2
Kevin - 3
Dan - 5
Mark - 4

Comments:
"I expect a bit of burn with Cinnamon gum, but with this one? Nothing."



Texture & Consistency: 3.00
Jay - 2
Kevin - 3
Dan - 3
Mark - 4

Comments:
"The Michelin Man must of pooped these out, it is so rubbery."
"Has a slightly weird chew feel in the mouth at first – somewhat rubbery I guess."



Refreshment: 3.00
Jay - 2
Kevin - 3
Dan - 3
Mark - 4

Comments:
"Nope."
"I gotta say, this gum doesn’t blow my socks off. I’ll chew it if nothing else is available, but there’s so many better gums out there. Given how well Trident does spearmint, you’d think they’d have a capable cinnamon, but this frankly doesn’t cut it for me."



Overall Score: 3.25

2.80 - Trident Vitality: Vigorate

Trident Vitality: Vigorate is one of those gums with a completely made up name, because it comes with something a little extra. In this case a citrus & strawberry flavor with Vitamin C.




Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Adam, & Thea.


Flavor Longevity: 3.00
Jay - 2
Kevin - 3
Adam - 2
Thea - 5

Comments:
"Lasts for hours with diminishing intensity."



Taste: 3.00
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Adam - 2
Thea - 4

Comments:
"Good taste and you can definitely taste the citrus and berry notes."
"The minty citrusy flavor while not horrible, is nothing to write home about."



Flavor Strength: 2.75
Jay - 2
Kevin - 3
Adam - 2
Thea - 4

Comments:
"Bursting with intensity at first chew, lasts for hours at a lower level."
"It is pretty weak. Mild and unimpressive."



Texture & Consistency: 2.50
Jay - 4
Kevin - 2
Adam - 2
Thea - 2

Comments:
"Too soft for me."
"A bit too soft, but overall not bad."



Refreshment: 2.75
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Adam - 1
Thea - 4

Comments:
"Moisten and refresh, with a bit of cooling."
"Somewhat...that is all there is to say."



Overall Score: 2.8

3.50 - Stride: Nonstop Mint

Stride: Nonstop Mint is another nondescript minty gum. Some random minty flavors put together to cool and refresh. In addition, we welcome Thea to the review team.




Participating in this mega-review: Jay, Kevin, Dan, Adam, Liz, & Thea.


Flavor Longevity: 3.83
Jay - 3
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 3
Thea - 4
Liz - 4

Comments:
"For a gum called 'Nonstop' I would expect it to last longer."
"Stays minty for quite some time. I had some lingering mint flavoring after about 2 hours, so I’d say that passes the test."
"Nonstop Mint is kind of a powerhouse. I’m about 40 minutes into chew time and it’s only now starting to dwindle on flavor."



Taste: 3.17
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Dan - 5
Adam - 1
Thea - 3
Liz - 4

Comments:
"The gum smells strange before you even start chewing. The mint is actually very mild, almost to the point of being weak."
"A fairly strong spearmint flavor and somewhat sweet. Pretty decent for a spearmint."
"Minty Suckness."
"Taste is decent and reminiscent of spearmint, but a little too fake tasting for my personal preference."



Flavor Strength: 4.17
Jay - 3
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 3
Thea - 5
Liz - 5

Comments:
"The strength of the mint is weak. And since it doesn’t last long, it doesn’t have the opportunity to build upon itself."
"The downside of being a powerhouse is a way too intensely flavored gum."



Texture & Consistency: 3.17
Jay - 4
Kevin - 2
Dan - 3
Adam - 3
Thea - 2
Liz - 5

Comments:
"The chew is fantastic."
"Gets a little tough while chewing – about the only downside to this gum."
"Not awful but too soft for my taste. I like a gum with more bite (er, “chew”) to it."



Refreshment: 3.17
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Dan - 5
Adam - 1
Thea - 3
Liz - 4

Comments:
"Somewhat. The refreshment will last a little while, but I will probably use a different gum later on."
"My mouth feels like it just went through a dental cleaning. Ahhh!"
"Moistens and feels refreshing but I can’t wait to get this taste out of my mouth."



Overall Score: 3.50

A Review Of Disgust, part 2...The Bottom 5 Gums (so far...)

So far, this blog has reviewed over 60 gums. It is time to update list of gums that are the most disappointing, gross, pointless, and a waste of your $1.25.

So sit back, relax, and remember, do NOT buy these gums for any reason. Ever. (Well, unless you buy it for someone else who you hate and wish they would die.)


Coming it at #5 Worst Gum with a score of 2.05 is:
Wrigley's 5: React (warm)

Here are a couple choice comments from that review:
About Flavor Longevity: "It’s gone on vacation and didn’t even set its Out Of Office voicemail!"
About Refreshment: "The flavor is not refreshing...and another thing: the color of the gum. I need to comment on the grey/black color. It would be a good color only if you wanted to coordinate your gum with your handbag."


Coming it at #4 Worst Gum with a score of 2.04 is:
Hubba Bubba Max: Cherry Lemonade

Here are a couple choice comments from that review:
About Flavor Longevity: "The best thing about the flavor of this gum is that it disappears within minutes."
About Taste: "Ug. Not sure what the crap this is supposed to be. More like Cherry-Lemonade-SourCrap."


Coming it at #3 Worst Gum with a score of 1.88 is:
Wrigley's Hubba Bubba Glop: Strawberry Gush

Here are a couple choice comments from that review:
About Taste: "Flavor was so-so with the initial gush part. The after-taste when then the flavor leaves is not good though. Not good at all. Had to wash out mouth with a much better gum after wards."
About Bubble Ability: "It is a real PITA to try and blow a bubble with this shitty gum."


Coming it at #2 Worst Gum with a score of 1.84 is:
Wrigley's 5: Vortex (Green Apple)

Here are a couple choice comments from that review:
About Taste: "This is an extremely vile taste. It is vaguely like apple, but I am pretty sure there is some anthrax and rotting battery acid too."
About Refreshment: "I might just pass this gum out to my kids as punishment rather than washing their mouth out with soap."


Coming it at #1 Worst Gum with a score of 1.70 is:
Fruit Stripe

Here are a couple choice comments from that review:
About Flavor Longevity: "Flavor disappears after about 60 secs of chewing...to maintain flavor, you must keep adding pieces of gum..."
About Refreshment: "This gum sucks and almost made me hate life. I really hated it and threw it out after just a few minutes."

A Review Of Delight, part 2...The Top 5 Gums (so far...)

So far, this blog has reviewed over 60 gums. It is time to update the top 5 gums, so you know which gums were the most delightful, tasty, and worth your hard earned money.

So sit back, relax, and remember, if you don't heed the warnings of the next post (to NOT buy those gums), run out and get one of these to cleanse the disgust. That is what we do.

There are two new comers to this list since our first review

With no further delays, here is the list of the top 5 best gums!:
Coming it at #5 Best Gum with a score of 4.23 is:
Wrigley's: Big League Chew: Bubble Gum Flavor

Here are a couple choice comments from that review:
About Refreshment: "Being a sweet gum, it doesn’t refresh, other than mentally. It just makes people happy."
About Bubble Ability: "Too soft to blow bubbles until about 10 minutes in, and then watch out! Bubbles as big as your head!"


Coming it at #4 Best Gum with a score of 4.25 is:
Wrigley's Orbit: Maui Melon Mint

Here are a couple choice comments from that review:
About Taste: "The sweetness of the Maui Melon (whatever that is) is balanced pretty well with the Mint."
About Refreshment: "Better than you would think, given the name."


Coming it at #3 Best Gum with a score of 4.35 is:
Trident: Splashing Mint

Here are a couple choice comments from that review:
About Longevity: "Flavor lasted to the 2 hour mark."
About Refreshment: "A really good gum. If they dialed back the sweet department a tad, it would be perfect."


Coming it at #2 Best Gum with a score of 4.50 is:
Wrigley's Orbit: Sweet Mint

Here are a couple choice comments from that review:
About Consistency: "Even after an hour, this is still an easy to chew gum."
About Flavor Strength: "A little wuss on the power side, but not too bad."


Coming it at #1 Best Gum with a score of 4.60 is:
Trident: Spearmint

Here are a couple choice comments from that review:
About Flavor Strength: "Very strong flavor. If any stronger, I would probably puke. (ed - But it would be great tasting puke!)"
About Refreshment: "All in all, a solid gum. Taste wins here... there’s a reason why there’s an open invite to my mouth right now."

2.05 - Wrigley's 5: React (warm)

Wrigley's 5: React (warm)

So in April of 2010, we reviewed Wrigley’s 5: React, but the packaging was blue-green (which I will call “cool”) and minty. http://nowchewonthis.blogspot.com/2010/04/420-wrigleys-5-react.html

This one is named the same thing, but has a different package, and has a fruity flavor. In addition they both have "sequel" gums, called React2, and both have an interesting black wrapper and black coloration. Not sure what the heck is going on here.

I would like to point out that 3 members of the taste test team didn't even try to last 20 minutes to qualify for a real review of this gum. Its score may qualify it for the bottom 5 of all time!




Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Adam, & Liz.


Flavor Longevity: 2.0
Jay - 2
Kevin - 1
Adam - 2
Liz - 3

Comments:
"It’s gone on vacation and didn’t even sent its Out Of Office voicemail!"
"Frankly, the flavor lasts TOO long. What is this flavor?"



Taste: 1.75
Jay - 3
Kevin - 1
Adam - 1
Liz - 2

Comments:
"The flavor is better than the scent...so there is that."
"I made the mistake of smelling the gum first. It’s smelled vinegary. So the taste is better than the smell. I ask again, what is this flavor?"
"Ewwww!"



Flavor Strength: 2.25
Jay - 2
Kevin - 2
Adam - 2
Liz - 3

Comments:
"Over all, very weak. Even the initial burst was lame."



Texture & Consistency: 2.5
Jay - 3
Kevin - 1
Adam - 2
Liz - 4

Comments:
"Okay I suppose. It is a stick gum, so it could use a bit more gum."



Refreshment: 1.75
Jay - 3
Kevin - 1
Adam - 1
Liz - 2

Comments:
"Not really. It isn’t super sweet, so it isn’t the worst, but it doesn’t give you a clean feeling either."
"The flavor is not refreshing...and another thing: the color of the gum. I need to comment on the grey/black color. It would be a good color only if you wanted to coordinate your gum with your handbag."
"Ha!"




Overall Score: 2.05

4.35 - Trident: Splashing Mint

Trident: Splashing Mint had a score worthy of the top 5 of all time! A nondescript mint, with hints of sweet charmed the team...



Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Dan, & Liz.

Flavor Longevity: 4.0
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Dan - 5
Liz - 5

Comments:
"Flavor lasted to the 2 hour mark."



Taste: 4.5
Jay - 5
Kevin - 4
Dan - 4
Liz - 5

Comments:
"Interesting mint flavor. Sweet, but not too sweet."
"Really good minty flavor. Docked it a notch for being just a tad too sweet though."
"The flavor was refreshing."



Flavor Strength: 4.25
Jay - 4
Kevin - 3
Dan - 5
Liz - 5

Comments:
"Almost perfect."



Texture & Consistency: 4.5
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Liz - 5

Comments:
"Exactly what you expect from Trident."
"Texture was nice and smooth; after a couple of hours it started to get tougher to chew."



Refreshment: 4.5
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Liz - 5

Comments:
"Good stuff."
"A really good gum. If they dialed back the sweet department a tad, it would be perfect."





Overall Score: 4.35

3.55 - Extra Dessert Delights: Orange Crѐme Pop

Extra Dessert Delights: Orange Crѐme Pop is, I think, the last flavor of Dessert gum Extra made. Overall the dessert line of gums has been pretty good. So, you remember the Orange Crѐme Pops when you were a kid? Those things rocked! So, how did the gum turn out? Let's see...



Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Dan, & Liz.


Flavor Longevity: 3.5
Jay - 2
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Liz - 3

Comments:
"It wusses out."
"At 25 minutes, I realized the flavor was gone."



Taste: 3.5
Jay - 4
Kevin - 2
Dan - 4
Liz - 4

Comments:
"It tastes just like advertised."
"Fairly solid. Not the best of the Desert Line gums, but an overall decent orange-flavored gum."
"I really liked the flavor."
"A fruitful disaster."



Flavor Strength: 3.25
Jay - 3
Kevin - 2
Dan - 3
Liz - 5

Comments:
"It isn’t strong at all."
"Wrigley really went conservative on the flavor strength here. Could have used more cowbell...and flavor."



Texture & Consistency: 4.25
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Dan - 4
Liz - 5

Comments:
"Pretty good."
"The texture was great."



Refreshment: 3.25
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Dan - 4
Liz - 3

Comments:
"Decent gum in general… needed more flavor though."
"Right in the middle."



Overall Score: 3.55

3.70 - Orbit Mist: Spearmint Spritzer

Orbit Mist: Spearmint Spritzer is a pretty good spearmint gum. Higher than average ratings across the board.



Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Adam, & Mark.


Flavor Longevity: 3.75
Jay - 3
Kevin - 4
Adam - 4
Mark - 4

Comments:
"Last fairly long. Doesn't disappoint, but doesn't really impress."



Taste: 4.00
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Adam - 5
Mark - 3

Comments:
"Finally one that doesn’t suck ass."
"Not a spearmint fan but spearmint is better than 'fruity' gum."



Flavor Strength: 3.75
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Adam - 4
Mark - 3

Comments:
"Just right but not my favorite."



Texture & Consistency: 3.25
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Adam - 4
Mark - 3

Comments:
"Just a tad to small of a piece."



Refreshment: 3.75
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Adam - 5
Mark - 4

Comments:
"Does what gum should do IMO."


Overall Score: 3.70

2.38 - Stride: Uber Bubble

Stride: Uber Bubble must have been just making claims based on the flavor. No one appreciated the bubble ability of this gum. Almost everyone appreciated the flavor of the gum goes. This is just one of those situations where if you are going to use the name Bubble, it better be a bubble gum!

Maybe they were just going for bubblegum flavored gum. If so, why not go that extra step and actually make it a bubblegum?




Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Dan, & Jon.


Flavor Longevity: 3.25
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Dan - 5
Jon - 2

Comments:
"I’ve still got a hint, but the main flavor peaked and left after a couple of minutes."
"Nice long flavor for a bubblegum. Most bubblegums tend to fizzle out pretty quick."



Taste: 3.75
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Dan - 5
Jon - 4

Comments:
"It does taste like Bubblegum, but there is something extra at the beginning of the chew that I couldn’t quite place."
"One of the best 'bubblegum' flavors I’ve had. Tasty."



Flavor Strength: 3.25
Jay - 3
Kevin - 4
Dan - 3
Jon - 3

Comments:




Texture & Consistency: 3.0
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Dan - 3
Jon - 3

Comments:
"Dense-ish."
"The piece is too small and dense."
"Chewing ability was pretty good, but it could have stepped it up a notch for a bubblegum. Also, I would have like to have more ‘gum’ to chew on for a bubblegum (the small piece wasn’t enough)."



Refreshment: 3.0
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Dan - 4
Jon - 2

Comments:




Bubble Ability: 1.25
Jay - 1
Kevin - 2
Dan - 1
Jon - 1

Comments:
"I would go -11 (the unholy opposite of the Spinal Tap “It goes to 11”) Bubble Gum my ass…and definitely NOT Uber. I should knock off another point or two just for the fact it claims to be Uber."
"Bubble in name only."
"Not much bubble action to speak of. This was more like a chewing gum that happened to be bubble-flavored."



Overall Score: 2.38

2.40 - Extra Dessert Delights: Key Lime Pie

Extra Dessert Delights: Key Lime Pie is a gum that definitely divides people similar to the other Dessert Delights. A lot of it is that the flavors that are coming out of the gum, just don't seem right. In this case you have the added factor of that not everyone likes Key Lime Pie.

Those that negatively rated the gum, all don't like Key Lime Pie in general. Those that do like Key Lime Pie rated it higher.

So, I would say, use that as your judge. If you like the pie, you will probably like this gum.




Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Dan, & Adam.


Flavor Longevity: 2.25
Jay - 2
Kevin - 1
Dan - 5
Adam - 1

Comments:
"Yuck."
"Only Fruit Stripe was quicker to die."



Taste: 2.25
Jay - 2
Kevin - 1
Dan - 5
Adam - 1

Comments:
"Double yuck."
"Worse than shit."
"Tastes like I took a bite of actual Key Lime Pie instead of chewing on a gum pretending to taste like pie. I’m not even a big key lime pie fan, and this gum is great. They did a solid job on this gum – really good stuff! Ignore the other comments from the people who say it tastes like crap...their taste buds are broken due to scientific experiments performed on them during their childhood."
"It actually does taste like Key Lime Pie...I just despise the flavor."



Flavor Strength: 2.25
Jay - 2
Kevin - 1
Dan - 5
Adam - 1

Comments:
"Yuck yuck yuck!"
"Just right."
"It starts out very strong, but then drops to very weak."



Texture & Consistency: 3.25
Jay - 5
Kevin - 2
Dan - 5
Adam - 1

Comments:
"Like chewing on diarrhea."
"The chew itself was good. The size was right."



Refreshment: 2.0
Jay - 1
Kevin - 1
Dan - 5
Adam - 1

Comments:
"Possibly the worst gum ever created."
"Refreshing? Hell NO! Do yourself a favor and DO NOT BUY THIS GUM."
"One of the all-time best gums I’ve had. Right up there with the Mint Chocolate Chip that Extra also makes and the crowned leader Trident Spearmint."
"Not a chance."



Overall Score: 2.40

3.60 - Dentyne Pure: Mint with Melon Accents

Dentyne Pure: Mint with Melon Accents is a nice blend of flavor. You get hint of refreshing melon mixed in with the refreshing mint. Although, can you mix flavors and call it "pure"?




Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Adam, & Mark.


Flavor Longevity: 3.3
Jay - 2
Kevin - 3
Adam - 4
Mark - 4

Comments:
"It doesn't last very long."



Taste: 4.0
Jay - 4
Kevin - 3
Adam - 5
Mark - 4

Comments:
"The taste is very refreshing. The mint is fairly strong and the hint of melon gives a nice clean taste."
"I liked it."



Flavor Strength: 3.8
Jay - 3
Kevin - 4
Adam - 4
Mark - 4

Comments:
"It is middle-ground strength."



Texture & Consistency: 3.3
Jay - 4
Kevin - 3
Adam - 3
Mark - 3

Comments:
"Really good. If it was just a bit larger it would be the perfect chew."
"Too soft towards the end."



Refreshment: 3.8
Jay - 4
Kevin - 3
Adam - 4
Mark - 4

Comments:
"I liked it a lot and found it to be refreshing."



Overall Score: 3.60

3.55 - Orbit: Tropical Remix

Orbit: Tropical Remix, trop, trop, tropical remix, rem, rem, mix, mix, mixie, mix, mix!

This is an interesting citrusy fruity gum. Although why it needed to be remixed, I have no idea, what would have been wrong with just "tropical"?



Participating in this review: Jay, Dan, Adam, & Jon.


Flavor Longevity: 3.3
Jay - 3
Dan - 5
Adam - 3
Jon - 2

Comments:
"Not good, not bad."



Taste: 3.5
Jay - 4
Dan - 4
Adam - 4
Jon - 2

Comments:
"Solid tropical flavor. Does contain a hint of 'chemical' taste, but not nearly as bad as some other gums I’ve had."
"I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor."



Flavor Strength: 3.5
Jay - 3
Dan - 4
Adam - 4
Jon - 3

Comments:
"Could up the dial on the flavor strength-o-meter just a notch."
"It smelled stronger than it actually was."



Texture & Consistency: 3.8
Jay - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 4
Jon - 2

Comments:
"Good mouth-feel."



Refreshment: 3.8
Jay - 4
Dan - 4
Adam - 4
Jon - 3

Comments:
"Not a bad gum all in all, but loses a point do to the slight fake-tasting chemical taste."
"Not bad. It got worse the longer I chewed."



Overall Score: 3.55

2.48 - Wrigley's Extra: Fruit Sensations: Sweet Tropical

Wrigley's Extra: Fruit Sensations: Sweet Tropical

Citrusy, juicy, refreshing...that is what I see on the packaging for this sweet moist gum. Too bad the packaging was better than the gum itself.



Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Dan, Adam, & Jon.


Flavor Longevity: 3.0
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Dan - 4
Adam - 3
Jon - 2

Comments:
"Luckily, the initial flavor sucks, and then it fades into less suck."



Taste: 1.8
Jay - 3
Kevin - 2
Dan - 2
Adam - 1
Jon - 1

Comments:
"Almost like a weak, yet shitty tasting cough syrup. After spitting it out, there is still this like layer of shitty taste in my mouth, kind of like Orajel leaves..."
"Not the worst-tasting gum I’ve had, but it isn’t great either. First impression when you start chewing is...'Ok, so-so tropical taste...<5 seconds later>...*ick*... artificial chemical taste!' It just finishes up with a very fake taste that doesn’t work very well."
"My mouth does not feel as though it has been to the Tropics."
"You can definitely taste the chemical flavor."



Flavor Strength: 2.6
Jay - 3
Kevin - 2
Dan - 4
Adam - 2
Jon - 2

Comments:
"Very strong at first, then tapers off."
"Meh."
"Fairly weak. It starts out okay, but drops quickly."



Texture & Consistency: 3.2
Jay - 5
Kevin - 2
Dan - 4
Adam - 2
Jon - 3

Comments:
"When you first bite into the gum it just cracks and breaks...almost like chewing on a piece of layered masking tape (which is what it looks like btw) that has been left out and become hard with age."
"The only great part about this gum."



Refreshment: 1.8
Jay - 2
Kevin - 2
Dan - 2
Adam - 1
Jon - 2

Comments:
"No!"
"I just don’t feel very refreshed after chewing this gum."
"No sir, I don’t like it!"



Overall Score: 2.48

3.02 - Trident Vitality: Rejuve

Trident Vitality: Rejuve

Rejuve claims the description of "a rejuvenating blend of luscious mint and white tea". The mint was good, and I suppose there was some tea in there somewhere. What's the world coming too? Tea, ginseng, vitamins...in GUM?!




Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Dan, Adam, & Mark. Special Guest Reviewer: Jon.


Flavor Longevity: 4.0
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 4
Mark - 3
Jon - 4

Comments:
"Uhm, nothing more to add here."
"If the flavor could have held on a bit more it would have been perfect."



Taste: 3.2
Jay - 3
Kevin - 4
Dan - 4
Adam - 3
Mark - 3
Jon - 2

Comments:
"White tea...what the hell is white tea?"
"I’ve never had white tea, nor luscious mint. I would say it tastes like mint mostly."
"Not bad, not good...just...there."
"Almost garnered a 5 rating, if it weren’t for a brief moment 30 sec into chewing where unpleasant aftertaste rears its head. The aftertaste is short-lived though, and the flavor goes back to a nice sweet/slightly minty taste."



Flavor Strength: 3.7
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 3
Mark - 2
Jon - 4

Comments:
"Not very much there, from beginning to end."
"A little weak, but overall good."



Texture & Consistency: 3.5
Jay - 5
Kevin - 4
Dan - 4
Adam - 3
Mark - 2
Jon - 3

Comments:
"It was able to get the unknown piece of sausage from lunch out of my teeth."
"Got too, dense too quick."
"Gum has a small amount of ‘goo’ in the middle that surprises if you aren’t ready for it."



Refreshment: 3.7
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 2
Mark - 3
Jon - 4

Comments:
"Ehhh."
"It would do the trick but not for the long haul."
"All in all, the gum is pretty decent, if it weren’t for the short-lived nasty aftertaste, and the implementation of the goo."



Overall Score: 3.02

2.60 - Wrigley's Extra Dessert Delights Strawberry Shortcake

Wrigley's Extra Dessert Delights Strawberry Shortcake

The Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream gum went over fairly well...




Participating in this review: Jay, Kevin, Dan, Adam, & Mark.


Flavor Longevity: 3.0
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Dan - 4
Adam - 3
Mark - 2

Comments:
"Was decreasing rapidly at exit time."



Taste: 2.4
Jay - 2
Kevin - 3
Dan - 4
Adam - 2
Mark - 1

Comments:
"Not what I want in a gum (but I guess it was what was advertised)."
"Pretty nice strawberry flavor at first. Not quite as great as it tapers off, but remains fairly solid."
"I suppose it was good for a strawberry shortcake, but it just isn’t my cup of tea."
"Something like strawberry shortcake should not be put into gum form."



Flavor Strength: 3.0
Jay - 3
Kevin - 3
Dan - 4
Adam - 2
Mark - 3

Comments:
"I could use just a more bit punch."
"Not very strong."



Texture & Consistency: 2.6
Jay - 4
Kevin - 2
Dan - 4
Adam - 2
Mark - 1

Comments:
"Like a tire off of an old Schwinn."
"The size of the piece was fine. The gum did rubberize fairly quickly though."



Refreshment: 2.0
Jay - 2
Kevin - 2
Dan - 4
Adam - 1
Mark - 1

Comments:
"Not one bit. Felt sugary and 'bla' the whole time."
"Fairly decent gum in the Desert line for Extra. Not as good as the Great One (Mint Chocolate Chip), but respectable."
"Not really. The sweetness leaves my mouth wanting to be refreshed."



Overall Score: 2.60

4.12 - Stride Spark: Kinetic Mint

Stride Spark: Kinetic Mint

A couple weeks ago we tried the Kinetic Fruit. Now it is time for the Mint. Just a hint: this gum almost broke into the top 5 of all time!



Participating in this review are the classics: Jay, Kevin, Dan, & Adam. In addition, the new guy: Mark.


Flavor Longevity: 4.2
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 4
Mark - 4

Comments:
"Stronger than 3-of-a-kind in a game of 5-Card Stud."
"Still going, oddly enough."
"Has a solid lingering mint taste that keeps going and going."



Taste: 3.8
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Dan - 4
Adam - 3
Mark - 4

Comments:
"This is a unique mint. The mint is good and they threw in something a little extra...a hint of citrus?"
"What a gum should taste like, but it’s oddly non-descriptive."
"Very sweet – almost too sweet. Some of the initial sweetness backs off eventually, leaving you with a pleasant sweet-minty taste."



Flavor Strength: 4.6
Jay - 5
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 4
Mark - 5

Comments:
"Perfect. Not too strong, just right."
"Pretty strong taste"



Texture & Consistency: 4.0
Jay - 5
Kevin - 3
Dan - 4
Adam - 4
Mark - 4

Comments:
"Just about perfect for this kind of gum."



Refreshment: 4.0
Jay - 5
Kevin - 4
Dan - 4
Adam - 3
Mark - 4

Comments:
"This may well be my new favorite gum."
"Yes!"
"Kinda refreshing...I think?"
"Not too bad, but could have used more mint and less sweet in the flavor. Otherwise, a decent all-around gum."



Overall Score: 4.12

1.84 - Wrigley's 5: Vortex (Green Apple)

By the name: Wrigley's 5: Vortex, you would have no idea that it is apple flavor.

Nothing fancy...no vitamins, no ginseng, no heroin...just gum.

This gum drove a member of the taste testing crew to violence and its horrible taste helped it rank as the #2 worst gum ever in the history of this blog.



Participating in this review are: Jay, Kevin, Dan, Adam, and Mark (promoted from "New Guy").

Flavor Longevity: 1.6
Jay - 3
Kevin - 1
Dan - 1
Adam - 1
Mark - 2

Comments:
"Far too long."
"Thank God it wears off fast."
"The flavor is faded fast after about 10 minutes."



Taste: 1.4
Jay - 1
Kevin - 1
Dan - 1
Adam - 1
Mark - 3

Comments:
"OMG! This is the worst tasting gum ever."
"Simply Terrible. You’ll do your best to keep this gum off your tongue. When I made my post using the word shit in every category, I should have saved that post for this gum."
"This is an extremely vile taste. It is vaguely like apple, but I am pretty sure there is some anthrax and rotting battery acid too."
"Fu*beep*ck me gently with a chainsaw, this shit is vile! Imagine a person with no working taste buds trying to concoct a gum that tastes like green apple...they ignorantly select multiple flavor chemicals with no knowledge if they actually go together – now release this gum on the market without taste testing. This is that gum. It tastes like floor cleaner with a hint of pine tree extract. It brings rage to those who chew it and drove this reviewer to violence (I’m afraid to say that the blog owner was assaulted by a stuffed doll as a result for bringing this atrocity upon us). For all that is good and holy, do not try this gum unless you wish to inflict pain on your enemies."
"Contrary to everyone else, I kinda liked it. Reminded me of Fruit Stripe/Gatorade –much better than FruitStripe, not as unique as Gatorade"



Flavor Strength: 2.6
Jay - 3
Kevin - 1
Dan - 4
Adam - 1
Mark - 4

Comments:
"The gum has a very strong taste, but because it is just horrible, I have to only give it a 1."
"The strength is fine, it is just too bad the taste sucks."
"Too strong I’m afraid for this gum."



Texture & Consistency: 2.2
Jay - 4
Kevin - 1
Dan - 4
Adam - 1
Mark - 1

Comments:
"Can’t get past the taste to rate this category."
"While the consistency isn’t all that bad, the taste is so horrible, I cannot award this gum any value in points."
"Fairly standard for a stick gum."
"Okay, I guess."
"Got dense too quick. At 20 I spit it out."



Refreshment: 1.4
Jay - 1
Kevin - 1
Dan - 1
Adam - 1
Mark - 3

Comments:
"I need to brush my teeth."
"Are you fu*beep*cking kidding me?!"
"I might just pass this gum out to my kids as punishment rather than washing their mouth out with soap."
"Best thing about this gum: spitting it out. Next best thing: the wrapper? That’s all this gum has going for it – spitting it out, and the wrapper."
"For the first 5 minutes it was “refreshing”."



Overall Score: 1.84

4.12 - Trident Vitality: Awaken

Trident Vitality: Awaken

This is Trident's counter to the Stride Spark line of gums. Trident's Vitality Awaken has Ginseng.




Participating in this review are the classics: Jay, Kevin, Dan, & Adam. In addition, the new guy: Mark.


Flavor Longevity: 4.4
Jay - 4
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 5
Mark - 4

Comments:
"The flavor lasts a while."
"21 minutes and still going."
"Flavor nearly outlasted Favre’s latest retirement."



Taste: 4.2
Jay - 3
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 5
Mark - 4

Comments:
"It is a pretty mild peppermint...they say “peppy”. It isn’t minty enough though, just not enough flavor."
"Yay! A gum that doesn’t taste like shit!"
"I like it."
"One of the better tasting gums I’ve tried."



Flavor Strength: 4.2
Jay - 3
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 5
Mark - 4

Comments:
"It is mild, as said. Overall it is pretty week. The mint needs to be more “peppy”."
"Just right."



Texture & Consistency: 3.8
Jay - 2
Kevin - 4
Dan - 4
Adam - 5
Mark - 4

Comments:
"The piece of gum is small. There isn’t enough to offer any resistance to the gnashing teeth. You could “chew” this between the roof of your mouth and your tongue."
"Even after 20 mins, still easy to chew."
"Just a tad bit too soft."
"Good for chewing – wouldn’t mind it being ever so slightly stronger so I could pop a few more small bubbles."



Refreshment: 4.0
Jay - 2
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 5
Mark - 4

Comments:
"Buy this gum!"
"Very refreshing."
"Not sure if the Ginseng had any effect, but I enjoyed this gum."



Overall Score: 4.12

3.16 - Stride Spark: Kinetic Fruit

Stride Spark: Kinetic Fruit

So this is Stride's line of gums that mix in things not normally thought of when it come to chewing gum.

In this case Kinetic Fruit has B6 and B12 vitamins.




Participating in this review are the classics: Jay, Kevin, Dan, & Adam. In addition, the new guy: Mark.

Flavor Longevity: 3.6
Jay - 3
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 3
Mark - 3

Comments:
"Unfortunately the flavor hangs out for a bit."
"Just cause I gave it a 3 doesn’t mean I really like it."
"Solid longevity."



Taste: 2.8
Jay - 2
Kevin - 3
Dan - 4
Adam - 2
Mark - 3

Comments:
"The initial burst is bad, way too chemical tasting. Like your tongue on a 9-volt. It does get better, but not much."
"It definitely has a “taste.” The taste actually forced my face into a terrible contortion because of its “taste.”"
"Not bad. Kind of like Flintstones Orange vitamins."



Flavor Strength: 3.6
Jay - 5
Kevin - 3
Dan - 4
Adam - 3
Mark - 3

Comments:
"The initial burst is strong, but then it fades faster than Manning in the playoffs."
"Very very strong during the first 30 seconds. It then tapers off and is tolerable."
"Pretty good...I could see turning it up one more notch for the full effect."



Texture & Consistency: 3.2
Jay - 2
Kevin - 4
Dan - 5
Adam - 2
Mark - 3

Comments:
"This is the only thing good about this gum. You can chew it for a while."
"It’s easy to chew once you get over the “taste.”"
"Solid mouth feel."



Refreshment: 2.6
Jay - 2
Kevin - 3
Dan - 4
Adam - 1
Mark - 3

Comments:
"There is a slight minty flavor that keeps it from the pits of hell."
"The “taste” is like shit and as I said before: shit isn’t refreshing."
"Not the best gum I’ve had, but fairly decent. Look mom… I’m getting my vitamins too!"



Overall Score: 3.16

3.28 - Wrigley's Extra Dessert Delights Mint Chocolate Chip

...and we're back. That was the longest commercial break ever. Had to recharge the taste-buds!

Today we try one of the new Dessert gums: Wrigley's Extra Dessert Delights Mint Chocolate Chip



Participating in this review are the classics: Jay, Kevin, Dan, & Adam. In addition, we are adding some new blood. This week: Mark.


Flavor Longevity: 3.8
Jay - 4
Kevin - 3
Dan - 5
Adam - 4
Mark - 3

Comments:
"Still has a pleasant lingering flavor after 45 min of solid chewing."
"Could tell it started decreasing after 5 minutes."
"Even after spitting it out I can still fu*beep*cking taste it."



Taste: 3.0
Jay - 4
Kevin - 2
Dan - 5
Adam - 1
Mark - 3

Comments:
"Can I vote for 6? This flavor is freakin’ sweet! The name ‘Mint Chocolate Chip’ of the Dessert Delights line is spot on. It’s like eating a minty-chocolatey bowl of goodness. One of the best-tasting gums I’ve ever had. Remember that scene in ‘A Christmas Story’ where Ralphie daydreams that his essay of the Red Rider BB-gun gets him an A++++++++++++++++++ from the teacher? That’s like this gum ... 5++++++++++++++++++"
"Was it supposed to be Mint Chocolate Chip? Couldn’t tell, however it didn’t taste bad."
"I have a head code and my taste buds are not up to par, and even still, this gum tasted like shit."



Flavor Strength: 3.8
Jay - 5
Kevin - 2
Dan - 5
Adam - 3
Mark - 4

Comments:
"Just right. It tastes great and lets you know it."
"Just about right."
"Too strong."



Texture & Consistency: 2.8
Jay - 4
Kevin - 3
Dan - 5
Adam - 1
Mark - 1

Comments:
"No complaints."
"Wasn’t too hard, but I could only stand chewing it for about 10 secs."



Refreshment: 3.0
Jay - 3
Kevin - 2
Dan - 5
Adam - 1
Mark - 4

Comments:
"Everything about this gum is right. Mostly riding on the Taste high, it gets the job done and takes your gum chewing to a new level. If you look down, notice all of those ants? Wait – those aren’t ants, they’re all of the other gums being left behind."
"Refreshing, yes!"
"Somewhat refreshed due to the mint, but the Ice Cream flavor gives me concern. I think I need take a big drink of water, then use a different Mint gum."
"Fu*beep*ck no!"



Overall Score: 3.28