What exactly makes bubble gum flavoring?

By Bubble Gum

What exactly makes up the classic flavor known as bubble gum?  It is certainly a made up flavor as there is no naturally occurring substance from which to reference.  A fairytale combination of chemicals creates the classic taste everyone associates with bubble gum.

So-called bubblegum flavor is a mixture of esters such as ethyl butyrate or ethyl acetate, essential oils such as wintergreen or orange, and flavoring chemicals such as ethyl maltol, maltol, benzaldehyde (cherry), and vanillin (vanilla). Most blends are proprietary and, thus, secret. No one chemical corresponds to bubblegum flavor.

If you are interested in creating your very own homemade bubble gum flavored goodness then check out the following recipe.  You are essentially going to end up with a pitcher of bubble gum flavored water, which is totally useless in most cases.  It is left in your hands to decide what to do with your mixture; although I would not recommend watering the plants with it.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Water
  • Raspberry extract
  • Sugar
  • Baking yeast
  • Red food coloring
  • 1-gallon pitcher

Steps:

  1. Fill up the pitcher with water. For the ingredients to dissolve completely, the water should be cold but not iced.
  2. Add two teaspoons of raspberry extract to the water. Stir the mixture thoroughly to properly disperse the flavoring.
  3. Mix in two cups of sugar to the liquid. For best results, use white refined sugar or sugar cube.
  4. Measure 1/3 teaspoon of baking yeast. Add it in with the other ingredients and mix.
  5. Place five cups of red food coloring into the mixture. Continue stirring until everything is fully mixed