Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Stride Spark Kinetic Mint

Flavor: The first few times I chewed Stride Spark Kinetic Mint I was really impressed, but the more pieces I chomp upon, the scarier this gum becomes. Not only is the gum infused with vitamins, it also seems to be infused with a blend of spices, or chemicals, or some other weird substance that causes the mint to have a "peppery" feel to it. It's reminiscent of the "electric" sensation I felt with Wrigley's 5 Prism. I find that if I leave the gum in one place for too long, I start to feel a weird tingling sensation that quickly turns to burning. Maybe that's the "spark" that Stride is going for with this, but it's really quite unsettling. That being said, it's an adequate mint that does freshen the breath.

Texture: Aside from the aforementioned burning sensation, the texture of this gum is really fantastic. No complaints from first chew to wad disposal, it's pliable and has some meatiness to it.

Presentation: Cute, I suppose. Nothing about the packaging really calls out to me. It's a standard Stride wallet pack featuring the recognizable "S" logo on a semi-shiny silver background with some "electric" graphics. Seems like a wasted opportunity to do something really cool, graphically.

Overall: The package claims that "Vitamins B6 and B12 help release energy in the body." That's a nice enough claim, and all... but really? What does that even mean? There's not even any indication on the pack how much of these vitamins the gum contains. With the rush of health-infusion gums hitting the market as of late, I really think that these manufacturers need to go above and beyond to stand out from the rest of the pack. Now don't get me wrong, it's a fun chew and I certainly don't hate it, but after the whole "Shift" episode, they really needed to step out of the gate with something phenomenal, and this isn't it. At least it's not as bad as Trident Vitality.

Rating: ooo (three gumballs)

16 comments:

Edixon said...

Your so right about this gum. And you know, i always wondered, what is that misterious white background you use on the gum photos haha, is it a table? a folded piece of paper? or just another dimensional plane?

Ashley said...

I actually like this gum. At first I thought it was gross, but then it started tasting better.

Anonymous said...

actually says on the package its 25% of b6 and b12

AlligatorSwitchknife said...

The b6 and b12 percentages are right on the back ya retard

Anonymous said...

i personaly think this gum is awesome. i go through a pack in less than a week. it tastes so good that i can even have ice coffee and it doesn't effect the taste of either (thats just me)

Anonymous said...

I believe the amount of B6 and B12 are on the back.

Deb H said...

I've been chewing the Kinetic Fruit flavor of Stride Spark and have absolutely loved the taste. However, I've discovered a weird "tangy" flavor lingers in my mouth. I haven't had a piece since about 2pm yesterday. It's now 8AM and that "tartness" is still there. It's not quite metallic, and not even particularly unpleasant, but it is unnerving to say the least.

Anonymous said...

You gave this POS gum 3 stars while giving the react mint 2 stars was enough for me to not take your blog ratings into consideration when i buy my gum. This blog aint nothing but one persons opinion, pointless at that.

Shannon said...

Why yes, Anonymous, this blog "aint nothing but one persons opinion," as are review blogs about any subject. Thanks for stopping by!

Anonymous said...

this gum is really good. however when you try to blow bubbles it burns. but it doesnt really spark to be honest. sooo they need to call it something else.

ONYX said...

I have tried the kinetic fruit and there is no burning feel in your mouth. And vitamin b12 helps with sleepiness, weakness, memory lose and helps your nerves i had searched it up cause i was curios. And vitamin b6 helps with the release of glucose from glycogen. It was proven to cure a skin disease in rats.And the liver is the site for vitamin B6.

ONYX said...

and yes the kinectic fruit leaves a taste in your mouth but for me its not a big problem like the mint and because in my other comment vitamin b12 is really useful and have an friend that was feeling tired today and i gave him a gum and he honestly said he didn't feel tired anymore.

JPR said...

The B12 provided is synthetic and not that good for you - its part of a cyanide compound. Check this article:
http://www.naturalnews.com/032766_cyanocobalamin_vitamin_B-12.html

Always read the label!

Anonymous said...

This gum is by far the most fantastic gum I have ever chewed. I work outside in the heat during long hours, and a piece of this gum gets my through the day. It helps me for anything from upset stomach to just plain fatigue. My friend and I even call it "Miracle Gum". If you haven't tried it, give it a shot. The only suggestion I have is to use it only when you really need it. Otherwise it can give an upset tummy.

Anonymous said...

That's the purpose of a blog, dumb ass!!!

Unknown said...

I love this gum myself. I hate that they took it off the market. I hope that they take out so many of the sweetners and reformulate it so it can come back.. The vitamins actually did get me through a night shift. I loved the flavor. I want it back.