Monday, August 30, 2010

Wrigley's 5 Prism

Flavor: Katie knows that when it comes to watermelon, I'm much more of a fan of artificial watermelon flavor (a Jolly Rancher is the perfect example of this) than an actual watermelon. I actually don't like actual watermelon very much at all. The new 5 flavor, Prism, is billed as "...an electric watermelon." And I have to say, that of all the artificial watermelons I've tasted, this one comes the closest to natural watermelon flavor. Right there it's got one subjective strike against it. Then it gets weird. The "electric" part of this gum is actually palatable. It's another one of those scary-gum-chemical-reactions that you can feel going on in your mouth that makes you wonder exactly what kind of phenylketonurics they've got going on here. There's a definite tingle in the chew - a quasi-carbonation, sort of a peppery tingle. If you leave the wad in the same spot in your mouth for too long it actually kind of burns. Very disconcerting, and just plain weird.

Texture: Nothing too interesting to say here. It starts off a bit too soft for my tastes but after a few minutes it firms up nicely.

Presentation: I've always been a fan of the 5 graphics, and this is no differently. Love the sleek black ribbed cardstock with the bright, almost tie-dyed color splashes. The matching foil is always pleasing to the eye.

Overall: As usual, I gasped with excitement when I saw a new gum in the checkout line today, and swooped it right up. I was super stoked that 5 had gone back to its roots after all the "React" shenanigans they've toyed us with recently. Unfortunately, this gum disappoints. Normally you can trust that 5 will be a worthy chew no matter what the flavor, but I'd probably stick to Extra Fruit Sensations Sweet Watermelon if I wanted a watermelony chew.

Rating: oo (two gumballs)

20 comments:

SeriousGumChewer said...

I just tried some today. It tastes very similar to Extra's Sweet Watermelon, but it has an odd aftertaste, and the aforementioned electric sensation. Not unenjoyable, and a definite improvement over some of their recent experiments, but I will probably not buy it again. I agree with the review completely. 2/5

Anonymous said...

I actually just got this gum and really like it! Idk what electric sensation you're talking about...

Erin said...

Bought a pack today. Eh. I didn't get any "electric" sensation and it was kind of a bland flavor of watermelon. Will not buy again.

Anonymous said...

I just bought this today and I thought it tasted terrible...like the flouride rinse that you get at the dentist's office. Wayyy too chemically.

I also did not notice an "electric" feeling

Marissa said...

Now that ou mention it I can taste the electric sensation. I still love this gum, though.

Unknown said...

Shannon ur being way to harsh, GOSH

Anonymous said...

I loved this gum! To me it tasted like a mix of sour bubblegum and watermelon. I got that electric feeling that I had with Spark Kinetic Mint.

ein311 said...

What do you mean by "makes you wonder exactly what kind of phenylketonurics they've got going on here".
I don't think you know what a phenylketonuric is...

Shannon said...

We have no idea what a phenylketonuric is. That's the joke.

k said...

Just so you know, I tried both versions of this gum (Prism+Cyclone) and they're pretty different from each other.

Cyclone doesn't have a "peppery tingle" to it, it's a little firmer in texture, sweeter, and the flavour ends quickly in comparison to the long-lasting Prism. Also, the Cyclone's wrapper is red and the gum itself is white.

Anonymous said...

i got this gum today and must say that the watermelon flavour is a tad too fake, as for the "pepper" tingle, i felt it very strongly and kinda freaked out that i was having an allergic reaction to the chemicals in the gum :O but as usual 5 gum is wonderfully packaged and has a perfect texture to it (soft but not sticky) ... im a big fan of 5 gum but will not get the watermelon again

Anonymous said...

ok so i got a piece of this gum today, and chewed it from the beginning of 6th period to the end of 7th. At the end of 7th period, the gum literraly turned to liquid in my mouth and started to burn. It tasted like chemicals, and i was scared. So, i spit it out into a piece of paper right during class. I am disgusted with this gum and will never eat it again. I mean what the heck! Gum is supposed to stay GUM! Not gum liquid! I am very angry, because it got in my hair while i was spitting it out, and it hardened because of the cold air. UGH never buy this gum. It sucks.

Anonymous said...

Phenylketonurics are people whose bodies cannot process phenylalanine, which is an ingredient in aspartame.

Valerie said...

Actually, I would put this gum in my top 10 (okay, top thirty - I'm an overgrown toddler) if that weird tingle at the beginning lasted. I love the way it starts and hate the way it travels from there. I got 3 packs for Christmas (because my mother is concerned about my coffee habit) and I blew through an entire one in an hour just to make that initial flavor last. I would never buy a pack just to do that, but as a gift it made me very happy.

pbas121 said...

as usual somebody has a bright idea and ruins a good thing! original prism was the best and now it is gone! what genius do i thank? frigging fools

Anonymous said...

I accidentally got a pack of the rain flavor that was one month out of date and chewed maybe 5 pieces. I t tasted funny at first then about 2 hrs later I started to itch and my lip began to swell and thats when I decided to check the date. I chew rain all the time and that was the first time it made me break out in hives.

tenlev said...

Very strong hot pepper burning reaction in my mouth

Chuyển nhà trọn gói 24h tại Hà Nội said...

Very good.
công ty chuyển nhà trọn gói
chuyển nhà trọn gói tại hà nội
dịch vụ chuyển nhà trọn gói

Michael Dorion said...

I know someone who works in the factory where all sugar free gum is made. The formula changes slightly for the gum almost every time this flavor is made. There are very minor changes to the premium 5 gum over the extra brand. Like every company they are always looks to cut cost and increase profits. This flavor is a trail flavor and may be cut if sales are too low. The problem with most of the gum being produced is the flavor doesn't last that long because they feel you will just pop another piece in your mouth and keep buying more.

Nancy Larke said...

An amazing flavored chewing gum with amazing flavors!! I found this one on http://bonvera.com/join/product/WR022000123930 and its really good to chew on and on. Go get your one today!!