Today's chewing gums--made mostly of synthetic materials--have evolved into colorful novelties of all shapes and sizes as well as more serious functional products that claim to help adults cope with modern problems. This requires product developers to blend technical know-how with psychology, art and creativity.
"As developers of novelty gums and candies, we are asked to find the answer to an impossible question," says Chris Corriveau, vice president, R&D, Amurol Confections Co., Yorkville, Ill.