Many BHS students feel that gum is an essential to get through the school day. You might catch a hint of mint when someone is opening a new pack in class or hear them smacking their gum during a quiz. 

But have you ever stopped to wonder which chewing gum is the best? 

With so many brands out there, we set out to investigate.

We focused on the classic chewing gum flavor of spearmint as our common point of comparison.

We decided to test five of the most popular spearmint gums on the market: Trident, Orbit, Extra, 5 Gum and Ice Cubes to find out which brand offers the best flavor, longevity and overall chewing experience.

After careful chewing (and lots of note-taking), we ranked the gums from worst to best based on flavor strength, flavor longevity, texture and packaging. Here’s what we discovered.

#5 Trident Spearmint

Trident was created in 1960. It is one of the most recognizable gum brands and is often marketed as a dentist-approved choice due to its sugar-free formula.  You’ve probably seen it lining the checkout lane at your local grocery store.

At first we were optimistic. Trident’s spearmint flavor starts off with a light, natural taste. It’s not as sharp or as sugary as some other brands, and depending on your preference, that can be a good thing. However, the flavor fades quickly, typically within just five minutes, leaving behind a bland, chewy texture that doesn’t do much to keep us chewing. 

On the bright side, the gum stays soft and doesn’t get too hard or sticky. Still, if you’re someone who likes to chew for longer periods of time and wants your gum to keep its flavor, Trident may disappoint you.

Price-wise Trident is very affordable at $1.99. It’s a very reliable brand with health-conscious marketing, but for flavor impact and staying power, it can’t compete with the rest. We rate it a 7/10.

#4 Orbit Spearmint

Orbit was created in 1899 and is one of those gum brands you can find pretty much anywhere. 

The packaging is super clean and simple, and each piece is individually wrapped, which makes it way easier to throw in your backpack or pocket without making a mess. It just feels clean and sleek, which we really like. 

Flavor-wise, Orbit is definitely a step up from Trident. The spearmint has a stronger, fresher taste that hits right away and makes your mouth feel super clean. It’s not too intense, which is nice, and it’s strong enough to notice but doesn’t burn your mouth like some mint gums do. The only downside is the flavor doesn’t last that long. After about 10 minutes, it fades into a really mild mint taste that’s fine, but not super satisfying if you’re hoping it’ll last through class or practice. 

The texture is smooth and doesn’t get too hard or gross while you’re chewing it. Plus, the gum pieces are thin and easy to chew – they don’t feel huge or awkward in your mouth. Overall, Orbit is a solid choice. It looks good, tastes good ( at least for a little while), and is easy to carry around. It also isn’t too pricey as we paid $1.89 for a pack. It might not be our number one favorite, but it’s definitely better than a lot of other gum out there. We rate it a 7.5/10.

#3  Ice Cubes Spearmint

Ice Cubes were created in 2006 and definitely stand out from the usual gum options. They were originally introduced as sticks like we’re all used to but they switched it so they come in small cube-shaped pieces with a light crunchy coating that quickly softens into regular gum. Right away, the spearmint flavor hits strongly;  it’s sweet, fresh, and feels like your mouth is super clean. 

What we liked most was how long the flavor actually lasted. Compared to other brands, Ice Cubes held their taste for around 25 to 30 minutes, which is pretty impressive for chewing gum. 

Still, even though the flavor lasted longer, it didn’t have that same bold punch or overall reliability as some of the top-ranked gums we tried. After a few rounds of testing, we realized we weren’t reaching for Ice Cubes as often as we thought we would when we wanted to chew gum.

Additionally, they are a little more pricey than your average pack of gum, so we paid $5.00 for our container (which also contains more gum than your average pack). Ice Cubes is a solid option if you like unique texture and unique packaging, but in the end, it just missed the top spot for us. We rate it an 8/10. 

#2  5 Gum Spearmint 

5 gum was created in 2007, which is late compared to other gum brands. It’s known for its sleek, almost futuristic branding, 5 Gum markets itself toward teens and young adults looking for an edgier chewing experience. 

The packaging is matte black with bold graphics, giving it a modern, high-tech look. Even the gum pieces themselves feel more “premium.” They are neatly shaped, with a smooth texture that stands out from more basic brands. 

The flavor immediately makes a good impression. The mint is cool, intense and lingers on your tongue in a way that feels refreshing without becoming overwhelming. But the real win here is how long the flavor lasts. 

We were really impressed that even after 30 minutes, the gum still had a strong, noticeable minty kick, much longer than most gums on the market. This gum is also very reasonably priced. We bought a pack for $2.49.

The texture holds up well, too. It stays smooth, soft and doesn’t turn grainy or hard over time. This makes it an awesome pick for long chewing sessions, whether you’re sitting through a full class, grinding through a homework assignment, or just walking between classes. 

With a balance of lasting flavor and modern presentation, 5 Gum earns its spot near the top. It feels just a little more elevated than your typical pack, and it’s easy to see why so many people swear by it. We rate it a 9/10. 

#1 Extra Spearmint

Out of all the gum we tried, Extra Spearmint easily came out on top and for good reason. It’s been around since 1984 and has become a total staple. 

It’s affordable, super easy to find (we grabbed a 3-pack with 5 pieces each for just $1.25 at Dollar Tree), and most importantly, it actually delivers. 

Right out of the pack, Extra hits you with a powerful wave of spearmint that’s sharp, sweet, and super refreshing. It gives you that quick wake up boost – perfect for early morning classes, staying focused during lessons, or freshening up after lunch. 

The flavor lasts for about 15 – 20 minutes, which might not sound like much, but it holds its strength longer than most other gums we tested. Even as the flavor fades, the gum stays soft and chewable without getting too rubbery or gross. 

What really makes Extra stand out is its reliability. Every piece tastes just as strong as the piece before with no stale pieces or weird batches. It’s the kind of gum you can count on, whether you’re prepping for a test, trying to stay awake ini 7th period, or just want your breath to smell decent before talking to someone. 

Extra also wins big for convenience. You’ll find it pretty much anywhere, vending machines, gas stations, grocery stores – so it’s easy to restock if you run out. It’s great for keeping in your locker, your backpack or even sharing with friends. 

Overall, Extra spearmint checks all the boxes: bold flavor, solid texture, great price, and total consistency. It’s easily the best gum we’ve tried. We rate it a 10/10

What makes gum great? For us, it came down to how it felt to chew it throughout a typical school day. We wanted something that wouldn’t quit on us in the middle of a lecture, that would leave us feeling refreshed and that we’d actually want to keep chewing.

All five of these spearmint gums offer something different depending on what you’re looking for, whether quick refreshment, lasting flavor or sleek packaging. While Ice Cubes and 5 Gum stood out for their presentation and flavor longevity, Extra ultimately took the crown for being the most consistent and an affordable option.

Whether you’re grabbing gum between classes, heading into a stressful test, or just trying to avoid post meal breath, Extra offers the best balance of taste, lasting power, and convenience.