The history of OK chewing gum: From Pinneberg to pure nostalgia!

The history of OK chewing gum: From Pinneberg to pure nostalgia!

The chewing gum culture between North and East Germany

Chewing gum is more than just a candy - for many it is a piece of nostalgia and a part of childhood. In Pinneberg, a small town in northern Germany, OK chewing gum became very popular in the 1950s. These colorful chewing gums were known for their collectible pictures that children could organize in albums. It was often Wild West motifs that thrilled little collectors. The journalist Gerhard Klußmeier originally wanted to write an article about the famous collectible pictures of Winnetou and Old Shatterhand, but during his research he discovered that the enthusiasm for the collectible pictures represented a lucrative business for the company behind the OK chewing gum, which was the market leader in the Federal Republic.

Walter Schumann, the company founder, integrated the collectible images into the chewing gum packs in order to keep up with US competition. In the 60s and 70s, comic characters such as Fix and Foxi as well as Disney characters were also very popular. But collecting gum wasn't just a leisure activity; it often led to real competitive pressure among the children. The OK chewing gums were manufactured until production closed in 1987, while the chewing gum factory in Bernburg, which was founded in 1977/78, continues to offer its products.

A colorful selection of GDR chewing gum

But the chewing gum history doesn't end in Pinneberg. The GDR chewing gum is another exciting point in German confectionery history. The Sonnenallee.de website offers various products from the former GDR, including nostalgic chewing gum. Here you can go back to a time when chewing gum was a rare treat and a popular collector's item. The advantages of buying online are undisputed these days: users find a larger selection and often better prices compared to brick-and-mortar stores. Reviews and delivery conditions will help choose the best offer.

Anyone who knows the most popular chewing gum in the GDR will certainly want to shop the bestseller list on Sonnenallee.de:

• Woogie Kaugummikugeln (500g): Bunte Kaugummis in praktischer Dose.
• Süßigkeiten Box mit 13 Ostklassikern: Ideale Geschenkidee mit nostalgischem Flair.
• Love is Kaugummi: In fünf Geschmacksrichtungen, sehr beliebt.
• Erich Kaugummi Duftbaum: Kaugummiduft für Auto oder Zuhause.
• Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit Kaugummi: Der Klassiker in praktischer Packung.

From ancient times to modern times

Chewing gum has a long history, dating back to prehistoric times when people used botanicals to chew. With the commercial production of chewing gum, which began in the USA in the 19th century, the chewing material was constantly refined. Today, chewing gum consists of a mixture of indigestible polymers, sugar, flavors and other ingredients. Interestingly, chewing not only stimulates salivation and improves oral hygiene, but also has positive physiological effects, such as lowering cortisol levels.

Chewing gum production is now highly developed internationally, but there are concerns about environmental impact as chewing gum is not biodegradable. The Hershey Company and Mars report challenges in the industry as trends and tastes continue to change. However, chewing gum remains a popular product that is also very popular in Germany with almost nine million people aged 14 and over.

This shows that chewing gum is not only a sweet treat, but also embodies an exciting part of the culture of both German countries. Whether nostalgic in childhood or modern when buying from the Internet - the joy of chewing gum remains unbroken.