Can I chew gum while fasting?

Why gum is different from saliva

Swallowing your own saliva doesn't affect your fast at all (see Does swallowing my spit break my fast?). Gum is different. The sugar, sweeteners and flavor oils dissolve into your saliva, and when you swallow, you're taking in something from outside. That's what fasting is about avoiding:

What about sugar-free gum?

Sugar-free doesn't mean taste-free. It still contains sweeteners and flavorings that dissolve as you chew, so most scholars treat it the same as regular gum.

Classical scholars discussed chewing natural gum resin, which has little taste. Many said it's disliked during the fast, and that the fast breaks if any flavor or pieces are swallowed. Modern gum is almost never truly flavorless, so the safe answer is simple: no gum while fasting.

Mints, lozenges and nicotine gum

• Mints, breath strips and cough drops dissolve in your mouth and are swallowed, so they break the fast.
• Nicotine gum and lozenges: most scholars say these break the fast too. Many scholars consider skin patches acceptable, since nothing enters through the mouth.

If you're trying to quit smoking, Ramadan can be a great push. Talk to your doctor about options that work with fasting.

What if I chewed gum by accident?

If you forgot you were fasting, your fast is still valid. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that whoever eats or drinks forgetfully should complete the fast, because "what he has eaten or drunk has been given to him by Allah" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1933). Spit it out as soon as you remember, and carry on.

Keeping your breath fresh

Worried about fasting breath at work? A miswak, a tongue scraper or brushing without toothpaste are all good options. See Can I brush my teeth while fasting?