Fruit Stripe Gum: History, Flavors & Availability
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Snack History Nostalgia Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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| Fruit Stripe Gum | Facts |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 1960s |
| Manufacturer | Ferrara Candy Company (current) |
| Candy Type | Striped fruit-flavored chewing gum |
| Original Flavors | Multiple fruit flavors (specific originals not listed) |
| Still Available | Yes, though harder to find in stores; most accessible online |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Parent Company | Ferrara Candy Company |
| Mascot | Yipes the Zebra (primary); formerly the Fruit Stripe Gum Man and Stripes Family Animals |
Fruit Stripe Gum debuted in the 1960s and carries deep nostalgic weight for multiple generations, bolstered by appearances in major films and TV shows and its iconic striped design and zebra mascot.
This fruity-tasting gum is often popular with kids for its colorful appearance. Fruit Stripe gum comes in several different flavors and colors and the gum sticks have stripes on them colorful packaging and have featured a Zebra as a mascot.
Fruit Stripe Gum Timeline
- 1960s — Fruit Stripe Gum invented by James Parker, extends Beech-Nut line
- 1967 — Fruit Stripe Gum Man mascot actively promoting the brand
- 1970 — Gum surges in popularity as advertising takes off
- 1996 — Fruit Stripe donates over $100,000 to World Wildlife Fund
- 2003 — Farley's and Sathers acquires Fruit Stripe from Hershey Company
- 2012 — Farley's and Sathers merges with Ferrara Pan, forming Ferrara Candy Company
- 2017 — Ferrero Group acquires Ferrara Candy Company
Fruit Stripe Gum vs Hubba Bubba Bubble Gum
| Feature | Fruit Stripe Gum | Hubba Bubba Bubble Gum |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 1960s | 1979 |
| Candy Type | Striped fruit-flavored stick gum | Fruit-flavored bubble gum |
| Manufacturer | Ferrara Candy Company | Wrigley (Mars Inc.) |
| Flavors | Multiple fruit varieties with striped sticks | Multiple fruit and novelty flavors |
| Mascot | Yipes the Zebra | None widely recognized |
| Availability | Limited in stores; easier to find online | Widely available in most retail stores |
| Target Audience | Children and nostalgic adults | Children and teens |
History and General Information
Fruit Stripe Gum, a gum that first came onto the market in the 1960s, is a very popular gum to many adults and children. It has a powerful nostalgic value to many people as it was a popular gum for many children who are not adults and is famous for being the only gum with stripes, something that many types of gum seem to lack, and for this reason, it remains a top choice in many people’s opinions.
One notable thing about the Fruit Stripe Gum brand, In 1996, Fruit Stripe donated five cents from every sale of the Variety Multipack and the Jumbo Pack of Fruit Stripe Gum to help fund the World Wildlife Fund, which existed to attempt to protect the habitats and lives of endangered animals. The donation amount to the World Wildlife Fund totaled over one hundred thousand dollars. This brought some noteworthy attention to the Fruit Stripe Gum brand’s company, and even more, people began to fall in love with their product.
Fruit Stripe Gum also had a candy mascot called the Fruit Stripe Gum Man. The mascot worked to promote the gum late as 1967. The Fruit Stripe Gum Man was basically just a pack of gum with arms, legs, and a face and many people found it to be quite funny. Along with the mascot, Gum Man came an entire family of animals known as The Stripes Family Animals.
These animals included species such as a tiger, a zebra, an elephant, and a mouse and also worked to promote it. These animals were very creative in how they would bring attention and could be found in everything from children’s coloring books to children’s toys. After a while, most of the animals’ mascots were removed and only the Zebra, named “Yipes”, remained.
For a long while, “Yipes” was the only mascot and was a huge hit. Even to this day, there are collectors who will buy items containing the zebra for much higher prices than one might expect. Yipes is shown to be very sporty, and the package will generally show Yipes playing either soccer or basketball.
Fruit Stripe Gum even played a part in many movies and television shows such as Home Alone, King of Queens, That 70’s show, and Family Guy. This just goes to show how popular this gum was. To this day, many people claim that it’s the best gum they have ever had, loving this fruity gums flavor. This 60s candy really is a gum that everyone should try for themselves.
Who Invented Fruit Stripe Gum
Fruit Stripe Gum was first invented by a man by the name of James Parker in the 1960’s as an extension to the then-popular Beech-Nut line of gum. The rights were eventually acquired by the Farley’s and Sathers Candy Company, who acquired it from the famous Hershey Company in the year 2003. In the year 2012, Farley’s and Sathers Candy Company merged together with the company Ferrara Pan. The Ferrara Candy Company then took their places and is now the producer.
The Year Fruit Stripe Gum Made?
From the information we could find, it appears it was first produced in the 1960s. It appeared to get very popular around the year 1970 when its advertising really took off.
Do they still make Fruit Stripe Gum?
One of the most frequently asked questions we get for this page is do they still make Fruit Stripe Gum? Well, you are in luck my friends, it appears yes they do still make it. You can buy it from several stores or buy it online as well, check out the links above on our page if you want to buy online. Getting it online seems to be the most convenient way for most people as it seems they are getting harder to find.
What happened to Fruit Stripe Gum?
Fruit Stripe Gum has been getting harder to find for some reason. It has slowly started disappearing off many shelves. It may be due to the very high competition of the snack market, or perhaps it’s the health food-friendly mentality that more consumers have in more recent times. One thing we know is that is getting harder to find fruit stripe gum. The best way to get your hands on it now is it buy online.
Mascot
The primary mascot for Fruit Stripe Gum is a zebra by the name of “Yipes.” There were other animals that were used as mascots for this gum in the past as well. This includes an elephant, a mouse, and also a tiger. They were all used to advertise fruit stripe gum, mostly to kids. There was also the Fruit Stripe Gum Man, another mascot.
Memories of Fruit Stripe Gum as a child
I remember the first time I tried the gum, I was just a small child. I remember how fantastic it tasted and how my and my friend would gobble up a whole pack in an hour. This was of course in part to the gum losing its flavor rather quickly. At the time I used to wonder why the flavor faded so fast, but I dismissed it and just took another piece. In hindsight, perhaps that short-lived flavor that tastes so great is what keeps sales up for our favorite zebra-striped gum. Regardless, this gum sure was a staple of childhood for many adults today.
Logo
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients of Fruit Stripe Gum.
- Sugar
- Gum Base
- Corn Syrup
- Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Malic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Titanium Dioxide [Color]
- Yellow 5 Lake
- Blue 1 Lake
- Red 40 Lake
- Soy Lecithin
Nutrition
| Serving Size: | 1 piece | % Daily Value * |
| Amount per Serving | ||
| Calories | 10Kcal | 1% |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Sodium | 0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2g | 1% |
| Sugars | 2g | 3% |
| Protein | 0g | 0% |
Where Can I Buy?
Over the years Fruit Stripe Gum has become slightly harder to find. Those who wish to know where to buy fruit stripe gum have two options, local stores or buying online. Those looking to buy in stores can check places like Sams Food Stores or Wal-Mart. We have a full list of locations where you can buy fruit stripe gum further down this page.
The Company That Makes Fruit Stripe Gum
The Company that produces the gum is called The Ferrara Candy Company. Ferrara Candy Company is known for making several popular types of candy such as jaw busters and the now discontinued Atomic Fireballs.
Locations were you can buy
The following is a list of said locations you can purchase Fruit Stripe Gum.
- Sams food stores in the United states.
- Walmart
- cvs
- Local convenience stores may have it in some locations.
- online
- amazon
- Ebay
- You can buy them online through the links above
- Some stores in the UK are said to still have them.
Check-in your local stores in your general area as the availability of these products seems limited in many areas.
Pictures
Commercials
Watch these advertisements
The Fruit Stripe Gum Tattoos
One of the best things about being a kid and eating fruit stripe gum is the tattoos. It comes with tattoos in their packages, and kids love them, having a variety of different designs. usually, they were the various mascots fruit stripe had, most often times animals. These tattoos could be applied using water and pasting them on your skin. Afterward, they would come off after a few days from bathing and such.
The Downside
As great as the gum is, it does have one major flaw. Apparently, it’s not a fatal flaw, because it remains popular, but it’s a flaw nonetheless. The issue is the flavor runs out really fast. As is when you first start chewing it tastes wonderful, but before you know it tastes like nothing, tasteless. A clever marketing trick, or the price it pays for that short burst of fruity and flavorful wonder? Perhaps that is just the way fruit stripes gum ingredients need to be to get the flavor just right.
Fruit Stripe Gum — Quick Facts
| Introduced | 1960s |
| Manufacturer | Ferrara Candy Company |
| Candy Type | Chewing Gum |
| Still Available | Yes, though harder to find in stores; available online |
| Parent Company | Ferrara Candy Company (formed via merger of Farley's and Sathers with Ferrara Pan in 2012) |
| Original Manufacturer | Beech-Nut (invented by James Parker as an extension of the Beech-Nut gum line) |
Snack History Nostalgia Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fruit Stripe Gum debuted in the 1960s, has strong generational fan mentions, multiple TV and movie appearances, and is becoming increasingly hard to find on store shelves, all of which drive its exceptionally high nostalgic appeal.
Fruit Stripe Gum Timeline
- 1960s — Fruit Stripe Gum is invented by James Parker as an extension of the Beech-Nut line of gum.
- 1967 — The Fruit Stripe Gum Man mascot is actively used to promote the gum.
- 1970 — Fruit Stripe Gum becomes very popular as its advertising takes off.
- 1996 — Fruit Stripe donates five cents from every sale of the Variety Multipack and Jumbo Pack to the World Wildlife Fund, totaling over one hundred thousand dollars.
- 2003 — The rights to Fruit Stripe Gum are acquired by Farley's and Sathers Candy Company from the Hershey Company.
- 2012 — Farley's and Sathers Candy Company merges with Ferrara Pan, and the Ferrara Candy Company becomes the producer of Fruit Stripe Gum.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fruit Stripe Gum
Who invented Fruit Stripe Gum?
Fruit Stripe Gum was invented by a man named James Parker in the 1960s. It was originally created as an extension of the then-popular Beech-Nut line of gum.
Do they still make Fruit Stripe Gum?
Yes, Fruit Stripe Gum is still being made and is currently produced by the Ferrara Candy Company. However, it has been getting harder to find on store shelves, and purchasing it online is considered the most convenient option for most people.
Who makes Fruit Stripe Gum now?
Fruit Stripe Gum is currently made by the Ferrara Candy Company. Ferrara took over production after Farley's and Sathers Candy Company, which had acquired the brand from Hershey in 2003, merged with Ferrara Pan in 2012.
What is the mascot of Fruit Stripe Gum?
The primary mascot of Fruit Stripe Gum is a zebra named Yipes, who is often shown playing sports like soccer or basketball on the packaging. Earlier mascots included the Fruit Stripe Gum Man as well as a family of animal characters called The Stripes Family Animals, which featured a tiger, zebra, elephant, and mouse, though over time all were retired except for Yipes.
Has Fruit Stripe Gum appeared in movies or TV shows?
Yes, Fruit Stripe Gum has been featured in several well-known movies and television shows, including Home Alone, King of Queens, That 70's Show, and Family Guy. These appearances reflect just how culturally recognized and popular the gum has been over the decades.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fruit Stripe Gum
When was Fruit Stripe Gum invented?
Fruit Stripe Gum was first invented in the 1960s by a man named James Parker as an extension of the then-popular Beech-Nut line of gum. It gained significant popularity around 1970 when its advertising efforts really took off.
Who makes Fruit Stripe Gum today?
Fruit Stripe Gum is currently produced by the Ferrara Candy Company. The brand was originally acquired by Farley's and Sathers Candy Company from the Hershey Company in 2003, and then in 2012 Farley's and Sathers merged with Ferrara Pan, resulting in the Ferrara Candy Company taking over production.
What is the mascot of Fruit Stripe Gum?
The primary mascot of Fruit Stripe Gum is a zebra named Yipes, who is shown as very sporty and is typically depicted on packaging playing soccer or basketball. Earlier mascots included the Fruit Stripe Gum Man and a family of animal characters called The Stripes Family Animals, which featured a tiger, zebra, elephant, and mouse, though most were eventually retired leaving Yipes as the sole mascot.
Is Fruit Stripe Gum still available to buy?
Yes, Fruit Stripe Gum is still being made and can be purchased, though it has become increasingly harder to find on store shelves. Buying it online is considered the most convenient option for most people looking to get their hands on it today.
Did Fruit Stripe Gum ever appear in movies or TV shows?
Yes, Fruit Stripe Gum has been featured in several well-known movies and television shows, including Home Alone, King of Queens, That 70's Show, and Family Guy. These appearances helped highlight just how culturally recognized and popular the gum has been over the decades.
“You ca
You can’t tickle my tongue, Zebra” ccc
When did they stop putting tattoos on the wrappers?
As a young boy in the mid ’80’s. Me and about 5 of my neighborhood friends would wait in anticipation at my mailbox every weekday during the hot summer afternoons. It didn’t matter what we were playing at the time the mailman would arrive, we were taking a break to line up at my mailbox. As the mailman pulled up our grins on our face must’ve covered our whole bodies. One by one we would greet and thank the mailman for our daily piece of Friut Stripe Gum. There were a few times when our mailman must’ve called in sick or something and we had a substitute mailman. I remember the first time that happened, he got to my house and seen all of us lined up. He handed me the mail and went to the next house. We all ran him down asking where our “Zebra Gum” was. He replied with, “If it’s not with the mail you got today, then I don’t have it yet. Maybe tomorrow it will come.” Then while chewing gum of his own, (probably Wrigley’s Spearmint) he gave us a wink and a smile and drove off leaving about 5 disappointed, heartbroken amateur wiffle ball players in his rear view mirror.