Monday, April 26, 2010

Trident Layers Cool Mint + Melon Fresco

Flavor: Based on our previous assessments of Trident Layers Wild Strawberry + Tangy Citrus and Trident Layers Green Apple + Golden Pineapple, I had some pre-conceived notions of this gum before I took the first bite, so in the beginning I was on the fence. I had expected a burst of flavor, a candy-like explosion of sweetness that faded rather quickly into a bland, but enjoyable, flavor. I was surprised to find that there was no initial burst, despite the layer of goo in the middle that seems to suggest candy-like properties. The preliminary chew was therefore judged unjustly, as I decided too quickly that the flavor was boring and dull and didn't give it a fair chance before spitting it out. Upon a second piece, however, I quickly changed my mind. Layer gimmick aside, this gum exhibits a really enjoyable balance of melon and mint, a subtle marriage of two clashing flavors that, for the first time I can recall, actually does them both justice. The flavor is a harmonious bond between fruity and mint, a cooling sensation and a slight sweetness that is reminiscent of Trident Minty Sweet Twist (my personal favorite, ehem). It lasts a really long time, too, and I never got sick of it the longer I chew.

Texture: The layers confuse me a little, because there's isn't really a detectable purpose for the gelly inner layer. But who cares? It packs a really thick bite that maintains its elasticity and size for as long as I've chewed so far. It doesn't get mushy or make bubbles in your mouth. It's a great chew.

Presentation: This package portrays this gum quite well-- an watery slice of melon splashing down into an imaginary electric blue mint leaf. It looks cool, refreshing, like drinking a mint mojito on the beach. It touts "with REAL mint flavor," which is questionable, but it's delicious, real mint or no. The packaging is suspect, however, as it does not list any ingredients expressly on the package. This is rather deceptive to the consumer, as we've heard these layer gums contain a form of pork, which is definitely a no-no for many folks out there. I know that I have a bad reaction to a particular artificial sweetener, as well, and would like to know what I'm chewing. A contact phone number is not sufficient in this case-- this here is the only draw back, but I fear a big one, that might keep quite a many chewers from buying. And who could blame them.

Overall: It's perfect. If only we knew who died (Porky, Babe?) so it could live. Sigh. Maybe I'm wrong, but it's worth wondering about.

Rating: oooo four gumballs

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree with you, the gum was not the most exciting thing when I first bit into it, but after a while you do taste the flavor and it's really good! I'm chewing a piece right now. ;D

Anonymous said...

my favorite gum ever!

Unknown said...

My favorite gum as well! I know the food scientist that created the flavor!!

Unknown said...

i know the scientist too... kudos... im going to be on the look out for it....

Jinho said...

Hmmm... there SHOULD be an ingredients and nutrition facts panel. Did you just discard the outer wrap? 5 Gum has all its information on the outer wrap.

Anonymous said...

Where do you buy this gum? My friend gave me a piece the other day and I loved it but I couldn't find it any stores? :(

Anonymous said...

The outer wrapper most certainly does have the nutrition facts and ingredient list. Check there next time!

Tried the gum for the first time today and it was very delicious!

Anonymous said...

Hmm. This gum is alright. I'm not a fan of trident layers but I quite enjoyed this flavor. I just wish it had more melon flavor :(

Anonymous said...

I just found this gum yesterday in NYC at a Rite Aid in the World Financial Plaza. Do you know if there are any other flavors expected to hit stores soon? Personally Trident Layers is my favorite gum at the moment.

G3rba1 said...

i think yall should try mango and kiwi flavor. if yall can make it blend together like the real fruit that may be pretty yummy.

Anonymous said...

This is by far the best gum ever made! Chew it constantly!

Anonymous said...

Well, a big huge mistake y'all made in reviewing this is that you left out the fact that THE GUM CHANGES COLORS! did anyone else notice this?? at first, it's green, then after a while it turns blue. amazing! oh, how i love chemicals.
anyways, this gum is my favorite.

Unknown said...

I have to disagree with everyone else (as I often do), and give this gum one gumball. I found it absolutely horrendous when I tried it a couple months ago. It tasted like that goo that the dentist puts in your mouth when he's filling a cavity.

Unknown said...

Also, I don't know why Blogger is calling me "Unknown." I told it to call me "TortoiseWrath." But, no, it doesn't know that...

katiewhitley174 said...

Have you tried Sweet Cherry and Island Lime yet?

Anonymous said...

Not a huge fan.. Got a free sample in the mail and this is my review: The minty flavour is awesome.. but I feel like i'm chewing on mush.. it's so soft in my mouth it makes it feel like i'm chewing on my teeth.. I wont ever buy this gum, it's also very very sticky in texture.. don't drop it on your pants cause those pants will be garbage after

Anonymous said...

Sweet Cherry and Island Lime is my favorite Layers gum! :)