Small-size mastic gum is the smallest grade of pure Chios mastiha resin. You may also see it called small grade mastic gum or small tears. All three names mean the same thing. This guide explains how growers grade mastic by size. It also covers what the smallest size is and what small size is best for.
By Carl J., Owner · Last updated 25, August 2026
Most guides focus on chewing or cooking. This one focuses on size itself. Once you understand the grades, it is much easier to shop with confidence.
What does small size mean for mastic gum?
Mastic resin does not come in one uniform size. Instead, each harvest produces pieces of many sizes. Growers then sort them into rough grades. Small size simply refers to the smallest of those graded pieces.
Sellers may label the same grade in different ways. You might see small tears, small grade, or small size resin. The words differ, but the product is the same. In general, small pieces are only a few millimeters across, about the size of a lentil.
How growers grade mastic gum by size
Grading starts at the harvest. Growers score the mastic tree by hand, and the sap drips out. It then hardens in the sun into drops called tears. After collection, workers clean the resin and sort it.
The sorting follows a simple logic. First, workers pick out the largest, cleanest whole tears. Those premium pieces form the top grade. Next, they separate the remaining resin into medium and small sizes. Finally, they grade the smallest fragments and any powder on their own. So the ladder runs from large premium tears down to small tears and fine bits. Size, not purity, sets the grade.
What is the smallest mastic gum size?
The smallest whole pieces are the small tears themselves. Below that, you also find broken fragments and ground mastic powder. Powder is popular for cooking, because it blends easily into recipes. When a seller lists small-size resin, they usually mean the small whole tears rather than powder. So if the exact size matters to you, check the product photos and description before you buy.
Does small size mean lower quality?
No. This is the most common misunderstanding about grades. Small, medium, and large pieces are all the same pure Chios resin. Growers sort them by size, not by quality. So a small piece is every bit as authentic as a large one. For more on spotting genuine resin, see our guide to authentic Chios mastic gum.
Is small-size mastic gum good value, and what is it best for?
Small size is usually the best value grade. It is the most plentiful, so it costs less than the rarer large tears. Yet it performs the same once you chew it or grind it. In practice, small size suits daily chewing and fresh breath. It also grinds easily for Greek baking and cooking.
For the full value breakdown, see small tears mastic gum. For chewing tips, see how to chew mastic gum small tears.
Small size vs large size: which should you buy?
The choice comes down to budget and use, not quality. Here is the short version.
| Small size | Large size | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower, most affordable | Higher, premium |
| Availability | Plentiful | Rarest grade |
| Softens | Quickly | More slowly |
| Best for | Daily chewing, cooking, value | Display and collectors |
So for most everyday buyers, small size is the sensible pick. Choose large size only if you specifically want the biggest showpiece tears.
Frequently asked questions
What does small size mean for mastic? Small size refers to the smallest graded pieces of mastic resin. Sellers may also call it small grade or small tears. The pieces are usually a few millimeters across, about the size of a lentil.
Is small size lower quality? No. Small, medium, and large pieces are all the same pure Chios resin. Growers sort them by size, not by quality. So a small piece is just as authentic as a large one.
Is it good value? Yes. Small size is the most plentiful grade, so it costs less than the rarer large tears. It performs the same once you chew or grind it. That makes it the best value for everyday use.
Best uses for small size? Small size is great for daily chewing and fresh breath. It also grinds easily for Greek baking and cooking. In short, it suits almost any everyday use.
How does it compare to large? Both are the same resin, sorted only by size. Large tears are rarer and pricier. Small size is more affordable and softens faster, which makes it the better everyday choice.
About Titans Jaw
Titans Jaw offers 100 percent pure Chios mastic gum in small and medium tear grades. It lab tests every batch for purity, with no fillers or additives. You can find the grades on the small tears product page and in the shop.
