Freeze N Dried

Starburst Candy: A Delectable Journey Through Time

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Den

On June 24, 2023

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Go behind the iconic Starburst candy to discover the captivating history of a global confectionary powerhouse. From this short-lived US candy bar to the candy we know and love, the story of the Starburst is one to bite into.

The Birth of Starburst Candy

Origin and Naming

Starburst candies first appeared in the United Kingdom in 1960, manufactured by Mars Incorporated. Originally called Opal Fruits, the sweets launched with the slogan ‘Made to make your mouth water’ — a claim they still make.

Initial Launch and Reception

In the first stage, Starbursts were just four flavours – strawberry, lemon, orange and lime. The public loved them and Starburst is famous ever since.

Starburst Candy's Evolution

Product Expansion: More Flavors, More Fun

As time went on, Starburst candy was changed and expanded: four new flavours – cherry, tropical punch, lemon, and grape – joined the original four. It became less of a bar and more of an adventure: each pull on clear plastic wrapping might burst your taste buds with a shock of juicy flavours.

Starburst Candy Canes: A Holiday Twist

Starburst introduced a candy cane for the holidays. The candy makers turned a favourite Christmas treat candy into a Starburst condensed flavour sensation.

The Tale of the Blue Starburst Candy

To some extent this is a testament to what a great candy Starburst truly is. But I suspect that it also keeps the Starburst saga alive for fans, who have conjured a semi-official myth about their elusive blue hue.

Ingredients That Make Up the Starburst Magic

The Core Components

What makes Starburst candies taste and feel so different than other candies is their ingredients. The Starburst recipe consists of sugar, corn syrup, fruit juice concentrates, food colouring and other ingredients.

The Secret to Starburst's Distinct Chewiness

What makes these sweets different from, say Starburst chews is the texture. The chews are relatively soft and chewy, rich and chewable. They use gelatin and also modified corn starch to create a satisfying chew!

The Popularity of Starburst Candies

Marketing Successes and Cultural Impact

Till date, Starburst’s marketing campaigns have been clever and fun. Slogans like ‘Unexplainably Juicy’ not only highlighted the features of the product, but they have resonated in popular culture through the years as well. Today, Starburst candies are ingrained a part of pop culture enjoyed by kids and adults alike across the globe.

Starbursts in the Global Candy Landscape

The candy is now present in every corner of the globe: Starburst first expanded from the UK into the United States and Canada, and eventually exploded on the global confectionery world. The candy became a staple due to its consistent flavour, texture and colour.

Starburst Hard Candy: A Crunchy Variation

The Launch of Hard Starburst Candy

The company had a years-long history of creating innovative flavours and textures, subsequently releasing the hard Starburst candy to appeal to those who anticipated the texture and crunch of popcorn or MM’s. Hard Starburst gave consumers a new way of consuming their favourite flavours.

Comparing Soft and Hard Candy Starbursts

Although they share the same flavor as the original variety, the texture of the hard candy completely changes the tasting experience. While some people might love its chewy texture, others would enjoy the hard candy with its satisfying crunch. It’s all a matter of preferences.

Conclusion: The Sweet Legacy of Starburst Candy

From its first adventurous emergence as Opal Fruits through to its global success as Starburst today, it’s easy to see that the brand name represents the continuous innovation that has stood the test of time, as has its commitment to simplicity for the purpose of really tasty candies.