Gum paste vs. fondant

[Benton Tarantella]

I have tried to figure out the best answer for what the difference is between gum paste and fondant when used for decorations. More, not what the difference is, but what the "pro"s and "con"s of each are. I tend to hear more about gum paste being used rather than fondant, but I am just not sure what the benefit of gum paste is over fondant. Any help would be great, just trying to learn...:o

[luv2bake]

Fondant is used more to cover cakes, miniatures, and cookies. It's also used to cut out different shapes and attach to cakes and cookies.
Gum paste seems to be more pliable and is the reason why it's more readily used for flowers, leaves, stems, and shaping anything you want.

[rachael24]

I prefer fondant to gum paste...you ever watch Ace of Cakes? They actually have some good knowledge of both products.

[Clarissa_one]

I am writing this from the point of view of a person that actually has to eat a cake covered with gum paste or fondant. OMG how God awful. It taste horrible. Plus that stuff sticks to the teeth so much only a quick brush with toothpaste will get rid of it. I personally stay clear of these cakes. Altho they do look spectacular and cost and arm and a leg, I prefer cakes done with icing or buttercream. The last piece of such a cake I had to take was at a wedding and I spend a long time trying to scrape the gum paste off only to have half the cake stuck to it. BTW almost all the people at my table loved the look of the cake but hated that darn gum paste.