Is there a downside to swallowing chewable aspirin?

No, but there might not be as much good. The coating may not dissolve completely which would make the aspirin less effective.

It’s fine.

I don’t care for the taste so I always swallow mine. My doc said it was OK & @Caravanfan seems t agree. Might I suggest that you shop alone next time!!!

Yes. You miss out on that burst of orangey goodness.
I’d take that grandkid shopping more often!

Nope. Chewable is just that – chewable. That’s for folks (small children, elderly, etc) who might not be able to swallow pills so easily. But they don’t have to be chewed.

I recall one incident where a patient was given a chewable antibiotic reluctantly as she was terrified of a shot. She swallowed the pill whole, did not chew the pill (allowing it to properly be absorbed), and her infection did not go away.) She had to have the shot.