What is OLIGUM and how did the idea of ​​combining chewing gum with Extra Virgin Olive Oil come about?

In a significant milestone for the olive oil industry and functional product innovation, OLIGUM, a revolutionary functional chewing gum with anti-aging properties enriched with microencapsulated extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) , has been awarded the coveted Beyond Olive Oil Award by the Olive Oil World Congress (OOWC). This international recognition celebrates pioneering applications that extend the value and versatility of EVOO beyond its traditional culinary use, opening new frontiers for this age-old ingredient.

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The development of OLIGUM is the result of the vision and rigorous research of Mónica Di María, a distinguished doctoral researcher at the prestigious University of Palermo , Italy. Her disruptive proposal not only redefines the concept of functional products but also ventures into the promising field of edible cosmetics. Under the evocative slogan " Chew Your Beauty," OLIGUM introduces a unique category of chewable products that promote holistic well-being. This innovative product is the result of a meticulous fusion of cutting-edge food science, rich Mediterranean tradition , and an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.

Food innovation and technology: the challenge of integrating healthy fat into chewing gum

The true essence and effectiveness of OLIGUM lie in its sophisticated polyphenol microencapsulation system . These compounds, known for their potent antioxidant properties and abundant in high-quality extra virgin olive oil, are encapsulated in such a way that their release occurs in a controlled and gradual manner during chewing. This advanced technological strategy not only optimizes the bioavailability and absorption of polyphenols in the body, but also significantly enhances their renowned anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects.

In this way, a product as common and accessible as chewing gum is transformed into an innovative and convenient functional delivery system for these valuable bioactive compounds . Microencapsulation protects the polyphenols from degradation, ensuring their stability and efficacy from production to consumption, representing a crucial advance in the formulation of functional foods.

Properties and benefits for oral health of chewing extra virgin olive oil in chewing gum form

The formulation of OLIGUM goes beyond the mere addition of EVOO; it is enriched with a careful selection of natural ingredients, each providing additional and synergistic benefits:

• Sicilian lemon, mint and rosemaryThese natural extracts not only give OLIGUM a refreshing and pleasant sensory profile, but also provide recognized digestive properties, contributing to overall gastrointestinal well-being.
• Honey and plant fibersInstead of artificial sweeteners, OLIGUM uses honey and plant fibers. These components act as natural sweeteners, providing a subtle sweetness and a pleasant texture, while also adding functional value to the product, such as dietary fiber.
• Chicza RubberA key distinguishing feature of OLIGUM is its Chicza gum base, a 100% biodegradable, plant-based ingredient sourced directly from the Mayan jungle. This choice underscores the product's deep commitment to ecological sustainability and reducing environmental impact, setting it apart from conventional chewing gums that use plastic bases.

The commitment to sustainability extends to the packaging design as well. OLIGUM comes in a lightweight, reusable aluminum container. This material is not only eco-friendly, but it has also been selected for its superior ability to preserve the freshness and stability of the chewing gum's active compounds, protecting them from light and air, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the polyphenols.

Who is OLIGUM for and how to incorporate it into your daily wellness routine

The "Beyond Olive Oil" competition, conceived as one of the activities leading up to the highly anticipated OOWC 2026 in Lisbon, has the fundamental purpose of catalyzing and fostering the development of products that expand the immense value of extra virgin olive oil into new fields such as health, cosmetics, and technology. This year, proposals were received from various countries, but OLIGUM emerged as the clear winner, standing out for its solid commercial viability, undeniable technological innovation, and considerable potential to generate a positive impact on public health.

Ricardo Migueláñez, General Coordinator of the OOWC, articulated the spirit of this initiative by stating that OLIGUM perfectly embodies the spirit of this call for proposals. It is a clear example of how an ancient ingredient, deeply rooted in our history and culture, can acquire new meanings and applications in everyday life, presented in a modern, healthy, and eco-friendly format.

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The panel of judges , comprised of experts from various disciplines, emphatically highlighted OLIGUM's ability to transform a product as common and ingrained in daily life as chewing gum into an effective tool for promoting healthy habits. Additionally, they underscored its significantly lower environmental impact compared to conventional chewing gum, which is manufactured using non-biodegradable plastic bases, making OLIGUM a beneficial option not only for the consumer but also for the planet.

This recognition not only validates the research behind OLIGUM, but also opens the door to a new generation of EVOO-derived products that promise to merge tradition, science and environmental responsibility.