An aqueous syrup for use in chewing gum, particularly pellet gum, comprises, on a dry basis, greater than about 98% polyols, of which i) about 50% to about 90% is sorbitol, ii) about 3% to about 30% is maltitol, iii) about 2% to about 20% are polyols, other than sorbitol and maltitol, with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 1 or 2, and iv) less than about 20% (and perhaps less than about 12%) are polyols with a DP of 3 or greater. The syrup is made with less than about 1.0% plasticizing agent, such as glycerin or propylene glycol. The syrup contains less than 5% water. The syrup can be made by evaporating a mixture of a sorbitol solution, a maltitol syrup and one or more polyols selected from the group consisting of mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, erythritol, hydrogenated isomaltulose, and combinations thereof. Methods of using the syrup to make chewing gum, and chewing gum products containing the syrup are also provided.