Hunting And Outdoor Sports
Remineralize Your Mouth: An Alaskan Hunt for Centuries-Old ‘Tree Sap’ Gum
Remineralize Your Mouth: An Alaskan Hunt for Centuries-Old ‘Tree Sap’ Gum
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Juneau, Alaska
At a trailhead north of Juneau, Nate Mal is filmed chewing gum in the drizzly November air. He is in Alaska for his mission to collect spruce resin, a valuable bounty known for its health benefits, as well as a key ingredient in his budding venture, Underbrush, which serves up natural chewing gum made from traditional woodland ingredients. Mal's innovative approach to chewing gum takes a cue from indigenous practices, which utilized tree sap to promote oral health.
Mal meticulously chips at the bark of Sitka spruce trees on Douglas Island, not far from the capital city of Juneau, to collect the resin that has been used for centuries for its antiseptic qualities. He carefully melts it down, mixing it with natural compounds like chicle and clay to create a product that’s not only flavorful but also health-conscious.
Underbrush has quickly gained traction, amassing impressive sales of $30 million largely due to its commitment to natural ingredients, deviating from what Mal refers to as ‘Big Gum’—companies that favor synthetic compounds over traditional ones. Products like Underbrush not only reflect a growing trend toward clean eating and natural remedies but also spotlight a cultural remembrance of indigenous practices.
The gum, available in several flavors, is prized for its unique flavor profile that fades into a mild taste reminiscent of the forest. Despite its $12 price tag, consumers are eager to shell out for a product that whispers of adventure and authenticity. In a time where environmental concerns are at the forefront, such offerings have gained an enthusiastic following.
Mal's personal journey adds depth to the narrative. With roots in Guam and a decorated background as a chef, he wasn’t initially set on creating gourmet gum. Rather, a painful toothache changed his perspective on oral health, leading him down a path of discovery that involved countless experiments with sap and resin. Each step toward the final product speaks volumes of resilience, creativity, and nostalgia for simpler times spent in nature—experiences many enthusiasts can relate to.
The Alaskan wilderness serves as both backdrop and character in this story. With each foraging hike, Mal and his team not only collect sap but also navigate a landscape teeming with life, including seals and the breathtaking scenery of fjords and glaciers. These expeditions have become central to the Underbrush brand, creating a narrative of adventure linked directly to their product.
As the foragers hike through the mud and drizzle, the rich cultural history and environmental qualities of spruce gum become evident. This product not only feeds the modern consumer's desire for authenticity and natural ingredients but also revives a little piece of history, connecting present-day users with practices passed down through generations.
The gum craze is echoed in broader conversations about consumer habits and the ethics of food production. Mal’s experience aligns with a growing market interested in sustainable options, highlighting a notable shift. If trends from various commentaries and publications suggest anything, it’s that consumers are increasingly skeptical of what goes into their food and are willing to turn back to nature.
As the sun dips behind the distant peaks, Mal's team packs up their harvest after a long day that reflects both labor and legacy. The demand for Underbrush has become so strong that Mal is considering expanding his operations into new territories to ensure supply chain sustainability.
While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: products that align with consumer values of health, adventure, and authenticity are poised to thrive—and Underbrush is at the forefront of this movement. It's evident from their rapidly growing user base and the viral success of their launch that they have tapped into something much deeper than just a gum replacement.
The success of natural alternatives like Underbrush points to a broader trend within the food industry, with consumers looking for products that tell a story and retain their connecting to the environment. As emphasis shifts toward sustainability, we should keep an eye on how such brands continue to influence consumer preferences, especially with evolving conversations around health and ingredients. Evidence suggests the market might see further innovations as more entrepreneurs explore what nature has to offer. However, there are still hurdles related to sourcing and scaling these strategies that could shape their future trajectory.