Ferrara Candy Company has announced it will discontinue Fruit Stripe Gum, a chewable icon that has delighted Americans since 1969 with its colorful stripes and temporary tattoos. The news has evoked a wave of nostalgia and a sprinkle of humor from fans mourning the loss of a childhood staple.
“We have made the difficult decision to sunset Fruit Stripe Gum,” a Ferrara representative stated to TODAY.com. The choice to cease production of the vibrant gum is not one Ferrara has made on a whim; it reflects a careful consideration of consumer preferences, purchasing patterns, and the overall brand trends of the product.
Despite its fanfare and unique appeal, including the added bonus of tattoos featuring Yipes the Zebra, the gum was also infamous for its fleeting flavor. Online jokes and laments have highlighted this characteristic, with sentiments like “a moment of silence for the moment of flavor” and quips about the gum’s “wildest three-second ride that your tastebuds ever knew.”
The gum was initially introduced by James Parker and sold by Beech-Nut, then journeyed through several ownerships before arriving at Ferrara Candy Company. Now, with its discontinuation, Fruit Stripe Gum joins the echelons of memorable but extinct products.
Ferrara assured customers that while Fruit Stripe may be leaving shelves, the company remains committed to producing many other treasured brands. “We are delighted to continue offering many of our other beloved brands,” including classics such as Fun Dip, Gobstopper, Jujyfruits, Atomic Fireballs, and Pixy Stix. The company also owns the Nerds brand, which, unlike Fruit Stripe, is enjoying a growing popularity to the extent of earning its first Super Bowl commercial.
Even as Fruit Stripe Gum fades into memory, the company encourages fans to check select retailers for any remaining stock. This provides a last chance for enthusiasts to revisit their childhood joy one final time before Fruit Stripe’s vibrant colors and fruity flavors become a thing of the past.
Relevant articles:
– Fruit Stripe gum has been discontinued after 54 years
– Fruit Stripe gum to be discontinued
– Fruit Stripe Gum discontinued after more than 50 years
– Fruit Stripe gum discontinued after more than 50 years: ‘Difficult decision’