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When you hear the phrase "Life Savers," what comes to mind? For most, it's the sweet, refreshing hard candy with the hole in the middle. It's a candy that has withstood the test of time, bringing joy to generations with its various flavors and forms. But how did this iconic candy come to be? In this article, we'll dive into the history of Life Savers Candy, exploring its origins, evolution, and the ingredients that make it so delightful.
The Inception of Life Savers Candy
Crane's Peppermint Life Savers
Our story begins in 1912, when a man named Clarence Crane created the original Crane's Peppermint Life Savers in Garrettsville, Ohio. Crane sought to create a candy that wouldn't melt in the summer heat like chocolate, and his solution was the minty, hard candy we now know as Life Savers.
The Noble Era
In 1913, Edward Noble bought the Life Savers formula and renamed it to Pep-O-Mint Life Savers. Noble started the Mint Products Company in New York City and strategically promoted the candy at cash registers of saloons, cigar stores, drug stores, barber shops, and restaurants for a five-cent price.
The Evolution of Flavors and Styles
Early Flavor Developments
By 1919, six additional flavors (Wint-O-Green, Cl-O-Ve, Lic-O-Rice, Cinn-O-Mon, Vi-O-Let, and Choc-O-Late) had been developed. However, the introduction of a new flavor called Malt-O-Milk in 1920 was not well-received and was discontinued after a few years.
The Fruit Drops Revolution
In 1921, the company began to produce solid fruit drops, which were introduced as the "fruit drop with the hole." These new flavors quickly became popular with the public, and by 1931, the company had introduced pineapple and cherry Life Savers Candy.
FAQs
- When Life Savers Candy was invented? Life Savers Candy was invented by Clarence Crane in 1912.
Why are they called Life Savers? They were named Life Savers due to their resemblance to life preservers used in water rescues.
What flavors does Life Savers Candy come in? Life Savers Candy comes in a variety of flavors, including the original five flavors (pineapple, lime, orange, cherry, and lemon), as well as popular mint flavors like Wint-O-Green. Other flavors have been introduced over the years, some of which have been discontinued.
Where are Life Savers Candies made? As of 2002, Life Savers Candies are made in Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Are Life Savers Candies vegan? While Life Savers hard candies do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, they are not certified vegan. Some vegans choose to avoid them due to the presence of artificial colors, which are tested on animals, and because the sugar may be processed using bone char. Always check the ingredients and reach out to the manufacturer if you have specific dietary requirements.