The History of Bubble Gum: Who, When, and Why It Was Invented

Remember being eight years old and trying to blow a gum bubble bigger than your head? You loved that sticky treat when you were a kid. Who are you kidding? You still love it.

So does everyone else. Bubble gum is everywhere, from vending machines to your favorite online bulk candy store.

But where did bubble gum come from?

The History of Bubble Gum

Gum has been around in one form or another since nearly the beginning of human history. The Maya had a version of it, and so did ancient northern Europeans.

When was Bubble Gum Invented and Who Invented It? 

The first gum sold commercially was created by John Curtis in the 1840’s. It was made from the resin of spruce trees. Over the years people invented artificial flavorings, chewier substances and new forms, like the Gumball.

Bubble gum was invented in 1906 by Frank Fleer. He wanted a way to stand out from his rival chewing gum manufacturers, and boy did he find it.

His first attempt was too sticky, which was called Blibber-Blubber, but Fleer didn’t give up. He set a team to work on it. In 1928, 22 years after Fleer first got the idea, an employee named Walter Diemer created a successful formula, which is famously called Dubble Bubble.

Dubble Bubble

Is it any surprise, then, that Double Bubble has become one of America’s favorite bubble gum brands with chewy treats in all kinds of flavors and forms. Including:

Dubble Bubble Gum Balls – This classic rainbow of bite-size gumballs includes strawberry, blueberry, lemon-lime, orange, cherry, banana, grape and pineapple.

Dubble Bubble Home Run Baseball Gum – They look like baseballs but they’re really gum! Perfect for your baseball team, softball team, or sports-themed party.

Dubble Bubble Sugar Free Gum – Can’t have sugar, but want to enjoy a chewy treat? Double Bubble has you covered with sugar free bubble gum.

Dubble Bubble Twists – Individually wrapped chunks of chewy gum with the classic flavor of Double Bubble.

Dubble Bubble Mix – If you just can’t decide, get a bit of everything with gum balls, cry baby sour gumballs, and assorted flavored bubble gum twists in grape, apple, original, and watermelon flavors.

Beyond Double Bubble

Of course, Double Bubble isn’t the only company to make bubble gum. Other manufacturers adjusted the idea and ran with it, resulting in some pretty innovative treats.

Big League Chew – Classic pouches of shredded gum makes you look like a baseball player from the heyday of the game.

Big League Chew Bubblegum Balls – Get the great flavor of Big League Chew in a classic gumball package.

Bubble Gum Cigars – Celebrate the birth of a baby with a cigar that’s safe for the kiddies. It’s a boy and it’s a girl . Cigars help you welcome your little one.

Original Bazooka – A blast of bubblegum flavor in a hip new package.

Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape – Feet of fun! This gum tape comes inside its own tape dispenser. Rip off a little. Or take a lot. It’s up to you. This twelve pack includes tangy tropical, sour blue raspberry and of course, awesome original. More than 72 feet of bubble gum fun.

Even more Bubble Gum Fun

For even more bubble gum fun, visit our bulk candy store. There you’ll find gumballs in every color of the rainbow, perfect for your party or candy buffet.