Why does gum become sticky and disgusting?

Question

i just came home from a month spent in China, and i was digging through my purse and found gum that i brought from the states and haven't been opened it. When i opened it, the gum turned sticky and disgusting. Why does this happen? and how do you prevent it from happening?

Answer 1

It melts. Just like any other food substance you might leave in your purse. It probably gets disgusting because the coating of sugar or other sweetener (you know... the stuff that makes it feel sort of powdery) melts along with it.

Answer 2

Heat and age. same as with people.

wash the people and keep the gum in a cool place.