What Is Mastic Gum? The Original Chewing Gum, Explained

Mastic gum is the natural resin of the mastic tree, harvested almost entirely on the Greek island of Chios. It hardens into small, pale-yellow pieces called tears. You chew it exactly as it comes off the tree. No gum base, no sweetener, nothing added. It is the original chewing gum, chewed around the Mediterranean since antiquity.

Where does mastic come from?

Mastic comes from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus). The tree grows across the Mediterranean, but only the variety in the villages of southern Chios yields resin in meaningful quantities. That is why real mastic is so closely tied to one island, and why the Chios growers have harvested it for centuries.

How is mastic harvested?

Growers make small cuts in the bark during the summer. Resin seeps out, drips down, and hardens in the sun over the following weeks. The ground under each tree is cleared and dusted with white clay first, so the tears can be collected clean. Every tear is then gathered and cleaned by hand. It is slow, seasonal, manual work, which is why real mastic costs more than regular gum.

What does mastic gum taste like?

Piney, fresh, and slightly bitter at first. The flavor mellows as you chew. If plain resin sounds intense, flavored mastic like our Peppermint Pack coats the same resin in natural flavor.

How does it chew?

Firm. Far firmer than regular gum. A cold tear can crumble if you bite straight in, so warm a piece in your mouth for 20 to 30 seconds first and it softens into a chew. Full walkthrough on our How to Chew page.

Is mastic gum the same as regular gum?

No. Regular gum is a manufactured gum base plus sweeteners and flavorings. Mastic is a single ingredient from a tree. The full breakdown is in Mastic Gum vs Regular Gum.

Can you re-chew mastic gum?

Yes. Mastic can be saved and chewed again. Many chewers keep a piece going for a few sessions in a small tin.

Where does Gum of Gods mastic come from?

Single origin Chios mastiha, sourced direct from the growers cooperative. Nothing added to the Classic Pack. The flavored packs coat the same resin in natural powders.

Where should a first-timer start?

The Sample Pack gives you 10 grams to learn the chew. Not sure on flavor? Read Which Mastic Flavor Should You Start With?