Chewing gum stays fresh with gum guaiac, the alcohol-soluble gum obtained as a resin from Guajacum officinale or G. sanctum wood. Composed predominantly of alpha- and beta-guaiaconic acids with guaiacic acid and vanillin, it serves primarily as an antioxidant in chewing gums, protecting flavours and softeners from oxidation. Its natural origin suits clean-label positioning. Harvesting the slow-growing trees sustainably is the supply chain’s main concern. Synthetic antioxidants often replace it where cost pressure is intense. Tinctures of the resin have a long history in traditional medicine.