People Are Just No Longer Chewing Gum

Author Mike O'Brian

March 12th 10:34 AM

A woman putting a piece of gum in her mouth

It’s a little crazy to think, but there is a reason why people are just no longer chewing gum nowadays. And it has nothing to do with the gum itself. Oh, there are plenty of choices to choose from…but as it was talked about on The Mike & Carla Morning Show, the real reason came out.

It seems that the product has simply priced itself out of the market. That’s right, chewing gum has just become to darn expensive! According to a recent article by Takeout, it seems over a third of purchases has fallen off the charts since 2020. It seems during the pandemic, we just didn’t need our breath to be as fresh right?

Why People Are Chewing Gum Anymore

On the other hand, after all was said and done, once favorite little chewy snack, never rebounded in sales! The one reason we think sales is down is simply the price. Of course when we were growing up, you’d pick up a pack of gum for like a nickel! Guess what? Times have changed and the price has gone up!

Last year the average price of a pack of gum was about $2.71. You go back even further to about 2018 when a pack was going for $1.70…even that’s a little much right? Nonetheless, people are just not buying it!

Keep in mind, Carla is the big gum chewer on The M&C Morning Show for a few reasons. She is almost OCD about her breath and the cleanliness of her mouth. With that said, one listener brought up a reason you might want to stay clear of certain brands that might include a few noted ingredients.

Ones that might have an after affect on your chewing…so take note, listen to the segment. Plus, a few other stories in a segment we know as “A Few Things We Think You Should Know”…enjoy!

Mike O’Brian is the Program Director and Morning Show host on 96.3 KKLZ in Las Vegas, along with Carla Rea. He has been with the Beasley Media Group for almost 23 years. Mike was named one of the “Best Program Directors In America” by Radio Ink magazine. Over the years, “The Mike & Carla Morning Show” have been presented with a number of proclamations for their work in the community and numerous awards. Having lived in Las Vegas for over 35 years, he writes articles on living in Las Vegas, sports, and odd stories happening within the state of Nevada. Mike is the host of the morning show and program director of 96.3 KKLZ/Las Vegas. He has been doing mornings in Las Vegas for the past 38 years. Over the years, he has hosted a numerous amount of community events and has been the P.A. announcer for a number of sports teams in Las Vegas. He has written on living in Las Vegas, the sports teams here, as well as odd & little-known facts about Las Vegas & Nevada.

Late-Night Snacks: Bring Big Flavor To Your Wedding Celebration

In recent years, a new trend has been making waves in the world of weddings: late-night snacks and meals. Gone are the days when weddings were limited to formal dinner receptions. Couples and wedding planners have embraced the idea of adding a touch of fun and excitement to the celebration by offering a delectable spread of snacks and meals in the late hours of the night.

As a matter of fact, there are some McDonald’s restaurants offering $200 wedding packages that include 100 chicken sandwiches and 100 four-piece packages of chicken McNuggets. According to CNBC, the $230 deal would provide a chicken sandwich and McNuggets for $2 per person at a 100-guest wedding.

Late-night snacks for dancing the night away at your wedding!

The late-night snack and meal trend at weddings has gained traction for several reasons. It allows couples to extend the festivities and keep the party going well into the night. And late-night snacks and meals are very practical. Weddings are often full-day affairs; guests can work up an appetite after hours of dancing and celebrating. By providing a variety of tasty bites and heartier fare, couples ensure that their guests are well-fed and energized throughout the evening.

The trend injects an element of surprise and excitement into the wedding experience. It adds an element of novelty to the event, creating memorable moments for everyone involved.

Choosing the right late-night snack or meal for a casual wedding involves a more relaxed and informal approach. When choosing late-night snacks or meals for a casual wedding, there are several factors to keep in mind. For instance, opting for comfort food favorites that evoke a sense of familiarity and satisfaction, such as sliders, chicken wings, or nachos. You may even consider a food truck also allows guests to interact with the chefs and customize their orders, adding an element of fun and personalization. Another great idea is to set up interactive stations where guests can build their own late-night snacks or meals.

Don’t hesitate to incorporate personal touches that reflect your tastes and preferences. By considering these factors, you’ll create a memorable late-night food experience that perfectly complements the ambiance of your wedding.

Check out six late-night wedding snacks and meals to serve up on your wedding day.

Smores Bar
Create a nostalgic spread featuring marshmallows, graham crackers, and various chocolate options. For an interactive twist, provide small gas canisters typically used for buffet food warmers, allowing guests to roast their own marshmallows to perfection.
Burger Sliders
Regarding late-night snacks, offering full-sized burgers may not appeal to everyone, especially after a filling dinner. However, you can still satisfy your guests’ savory cravings with sliders. Serve up mini burgers, or get creative with pulled pork or brisket sliders for a flavorful bite. Expand the options further by including mini grilled cheese sandwiches or mini biscuit sandwiches, providing a variety of burger or sandwich-like options. If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, consider pre-ordering mini burgers from your favorite restaurant to save on wedding day DIY efforts.
Hot Dogs
Guests can customize their hot dogs with various toppings like mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, and more. Whether you opt for traditional all-beef franks, vegetarian or vegan sausages, or specialty gourmet dogs, the possibilities for customization are endless.
Fries
Take it up a notch by offering a variety of fry cuts, each with its own unique appeal. From classic shoestring fries to thick-cut steak fries or crispy waffle fries. To enhance the fry experience, provide an assortment of dipping sauces. Think beyond the traditional ketchup and offer flavorful options like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, tangy barbecue sauce, truffle mayo, or even a spicy sriracha dip. Present the fries and dipping sauces in an attractive display, whether in individual containers or shared platters for guests to enjoy.
Pizza
Serving pizza as a late-night snack adds a comforting and delicious touch to the festivities. Consider classic favorites like pepperoni, cheese, or Margherita and gourmet options with unique toppings like BBQ chicken, spinach, and feta, or prosciutto and arugula. You can even provide vegetarian or vegan pizza options to accommodate different dietary preferences. To keep things convenient, you can arrange for a local pizzeria to deliver fresh pizzas to your wedding venue. Alternatively, consider setting up a pizza station where guests can customize their slices with a selection of toppings.
Mini Tacos
These bite-sized treats pack all the flavor of traditional tacos into a compact and easy-to-eat package. Offer a variety of fillings to cater to different preferences and dietary needs. Classic options like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or grilled vegetables are always a hit. Consider adding unique twists like shrimp with spicy aioli, pulled pork with tangy barbecue sauce, or vegetarian options like black bean and corn salsa. To complement the mini tacos, set up a toppings bar with an array of condiments and garnishes. Include traditional favorites like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese. You can also provide additional toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime to add a burst of freshness.