Kreto Gum -
Regular Gum
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’re here to help
What is mastic gum?
Mastic is a natural resin that comes from the Pistacia lentiscus tree. These trees only produce this resin on the island of Chios, Greece, nowhere else in the world. Scientists still don't fully understand why. The resin is harvested by making small cuts in the bark and letting the sap drip out and harden into "tears." People have been chewing these tears for over 2,500 years across the Mediterranean. When you chew it, the hard resin softens into a smooth, gum-like texture.
How is it different from regular gum?
Regular chewing gum is made from a plastic base, typically polyethylene and polyisobutylene, the same polymers used in plastic bags and caulking. Manufacturers then add softeners, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, artificial flavours, and preservatives. The ingredient list usually runs to 15 or more items. Mastic is pure tree resin. One ingredient. It biodegrades naturally and has been chewed safely for millennia.
What does it taste like?
The flavour is unlike regular gum. It starts bitter and piney, almost medicinal. Some people describe it as earthy or herbal. This is the natural taste of the resin. As you chew, the bitterness fades and the flavour becomes milder and more neutral. If you're expecting minty sweetness, this isn't that. Most people grow to appreciate the taste after a few chews, and some prefer it precisely because it's not artificially flavoured.
Why is it so hard at first?
Mastic arrives as crystallised resin, essentially hardened tree sap. It's supposed to be hard. Place one or two pieces on your tongue and let them sit for about 10 seconds. Your body heat starts to soften the resin. Then begin chewing slowly. Within a minute or two, it will soften into a smooth, pliable texture. The firmness is actually a feature. It provides more resistance than regular gum, which is why some people use it for jaw exercise.
How long should I chew it?
We recommend 15 to 30 minutes per session. The longer you chew, the smoother and softer the texture becomes. Some people chew for an hour or more. Unlike regular gum, mastic doesn't lose its texture or fall apart over time. When you're done, discard it as you would regular gum.
How many pieces are in a tin?
Each tin contains 15g of mastic nuggets. Because mastic is a natural product, the pieces vary in size and shape. You'll typically get 15 to 20 pieces per tin, sometimes more. Smaller pieces can be combined. One or two pieces is enough for a single chewing session, so a tin lasts most people two to three weeks with daily use.
How should I store it?
Keep your tin in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Mastic softens at warm temperatures and the pieces may stick together if stored somewhere hot, like a car in summer or near a radiator. If this happens, it doesn't affect the quality. Just break the pieces apart before use or put the tin in the fridge for a few minutes to firm them up again.
Is it safe to swallow?
Mastic is non-toxic and has been consumed for centuries, sometimes intentionally as a digestive remedy. However, it's designed to be chewed and discarded like regular gum, not swallowed. If you accidentally swallow a piece, there's no cause for concern, but we don't recommend making a habit of it.
Where does your mastic come from?
We source directly from Chios, Greece through the Chios Mastiha Growers Association, the official cooperative that has managed the island's mastic harvest for generations. Our mastic carries PDO certification, which means its origin is protected by EU law, the same protection given to Champagne and Prosciutto di Parma. Every batch is traceable back to Chios.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship to most countries worldwide. UK and international shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your location. Orders are dispatched within one to two business days.
What is your returns policy?
We offer a 14 day return policy on unopened products. If your tin arrives damaged or you're unhappy with your order, contact us and we'll make it right.
I've tried mastic before and didn't like it. Is yours different?
Possibly. Not all mastic is equal. Lower grade mastic can taste overly bitter or have an unpleasant texture. We source only high grade tears, hand-sorted for purity and cleaned before packaging. If you've had a bad experience with mastic bought elsewhere, we'd encourage you to try ours. That said, mastic does have a distinctive taste that's not for everyone, and we respect that.
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Authentic mastiha resin sourced from Chios.
Restocks, new drops, and occasional notes from Kreto.
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†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
15931114, Andromia Ltd, Office 6721, 58 Peregrine Road,
Hainault, Ilford, Essex, IG6 3SZ, UK
Hainault, Ilford, Essex, IG6 3SZ, UK
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