How To Crack Gum

All throughout my life, I've had people ask me how I crack my gum. Well first, let's define "gum cracking". Gum cracking, different from gum popping, is a sport crafted mostly by black women. We understand that OF COURSE other types of people, including men, participate in this SPORT, I do believe, without proof, black women created this form of recreation. Anyways, gum popping is usually done by blowing a reverse bubble into your mouth using your front teeth and then popping the bubble. Gum cracking, however, is only done by chewing the gum. It's actually quite scientific. You don't manipulate the gum with your tongue at all during the gum cracking process.

Here's how it works: you get a very decent piece (stick) of chewing gum. Unlike gum popping, gum cracking can usually be done with chewing gum only and NOT bubble gum. Sugarless chewing gum works much better than Wrigley's (because all Wrigley's gums have sugar). You get the stick of gum and chew it a bit to work it in. Then, with the back teeth, you work the teeth against the gum, almost the way you would if you were kneading dough. The top tooth and bottom tooth pull the gum apart, creating a pop. It takes a lot of practice and concentration.

The best gums to use for gum cracking: (sticks only! not bubble gum or chiclet type gums!)

Extra - All flavors
I really like peppermint Extra. The popping abilities are endless and the flavor lasts a really long time. I've also discovered a new Extra flavor, Berry Paradise. If you usually only chew minty gums, Berry Paradise can give you that fruity flavor to break up the monotony once in a while. Kinda reminds me of the bubble gum I use to chew when I was a kid. Try it.


Trident - the old school kind that comes in the 8 packs
The old school Trident comes in flavors like cinnamon, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen and bubble gum. This was the gum I used back in the day, teaching myself how to crack. Works very well. The newer brands of Trident on the candy shelf at the checkout lines DO NOT WORK well for cracking. Some of you may have exceptional cracking ability but I don't use those gums for cracking. I don't have the patience.


Carefree Sugarless Gum - Do they still make this?
I haven't seen Carefree gum in years but if you can get your hands on some, it works very well for cracking. They come in the same flavors as old school Trident if anyone cares.


5 Gum - New!
New 5 Gum is not only new and comes packaged in a really cool little gum kit with metallic wrappers, this gum is great for cracking. Try the Cobalt (peppermint flavor). Cracks like a champ!

Well we're sure there are many more good cracking gums out there. Suggestions are always appreciated. Please let us know in the comments section. And for all of you aspiring crackers out there, KEEP PRACTICING! You'll get it one day!