Who Invented Bubblegum?

Who invented bubblegum? The bubblegum we all know and love today has actually all been derived from an original recipe for the stretchy, chewy substance. That first recipe for bubblegum was created in 1928 by Fleer Chewing Gum Company accountant Walter Diemer. Thus, Walter Diemer can be considered the man who invented bubblegum.

Walter Diemer is widely viewed as the man who invented bubblegum. So, how did this invention happen?

• While working on different chewing gum recipes in his spare time as an employee with Fleer, Walter discovered one day that his latest recipe was much more elastic than any of the previous batches. His new batch was also less apt to stick to the skin and clothing of anyone chewing it.
• The 23 year-old accountant had actually stumbled into what would turn out to be one of the most profitable accidents of the 20th century.
• With his recipe for bubblegum perfected, the invention Diemer created sold almost $2 million worth of product within its first year in the stores. 

Of course, it is also important to note that bubblegum wasn't the first "modern gum." Before bubblegum came gum. While gum was actually chewed in ancient times, modern gum is widely viewed as having been invented by John B. Curtis and as having been introduced on a broad scale to the public by Thomas Adams in 1860. So, these men too have to be given some credit for the invention of bubblegum, since it wouldn't have existed had gum not already been available.

Bubblegum Today

Today, flavor additives, colors and even candies have been added to the original base product that Diemer created in the 1920s, resulting in one of the most popular snack foods in existence.

There are even bubblegum-flavored sodas, and a multitude of companies that specialize in the production of nothing but bubblegum. So, kids around the world who love to have bubble blowing contests should thank Walter Diemer, the man who invented bubblegum.