First Flavor of Life Savers Candy: A Refreshing History

Life Savers, a renowned American brand of ring-shaped hard and soft candies, has a rich history marked by the creation of various flavors. Among these, the first flavor holds a significant place in the brand’s journey. This article delves into the history of Life Savers candy, the invention of the first flavor, its description, popularity, and impact, as well as the evolution of Life Savers flavors.

History of Life Savers Candy

Life Savers candy was invented in 1912 by Clarence Crane, a candy maker from Garrettsville, Ohio. Crane sought to create a “summer candy” that could withstand heat better than chocolate. Inspired by a pill-making machine he saw in a drug store, Crane adapted it to produce round, flat mints with a hole in the center, resembling traditional life preservers. The name “Life Savers” was thus derived from the candy’s shape.

Invention of the First Flavor

The first flavor of Life Savers candy was Pep-O-Mint, a refreshing peppermint flavor. Crane’s motivation behind creating this flavor was to provide a cool and minty treat that could alleviate bad breath, as suggested by the slogan “For that Stormy Breath.”

Description of the First Flavor

Pep-O-Mint Life Savers were characterized by their distinct white color and intense peppermint flavor. The mints were round and flat, with a small hole in the center. Their taste was minty and refreshing, leaving a lingering cool sensation in the mouth.

Popularity and Impact

The first flavor of Life Savers candy, Pep-O-Mint, was an instant success. Its refreshing taste and unique shape appealed to consumers, quickly making it a popular treat. The candy’s popularity was further boosted by Edward Noble, who purchased the Life Savers company in 1913. Noble’s innovative marketing strategies, such as placing Life Savers displays near cash registers and encouraging store owners to give customers a nickel in their change to promote sales, contributed to the candy’s widespread success.

Evolution of Life Savers Flavors

Following the success of Pep-O-Mint, Life Savers introduced a variety of other flavors to cater to different tastes. In 1919, six additional flavors were added: Wint-O-Green, Cl-O-Ve, Lic-O-Rice, Cinn-O-Mon, Vi-O-Let, and Choc-O-Late. In 1925, the company introduced solid fruit drops, and in 1935, the classic “Five Flavor” rolls were introduced, featuring pineapple, lime, orange, cherry, and lemon flavors. Over the years, Life Savers has continued to expand its flavor offerings, introducing new and innovative flavors to keep up with changing consumer preferences.

Conclusion

The first flavor of Life Savers candy, Pep-O-Mint, played a pivotal role in the brand’s success. Its refreshing taste, unique shape, and effective marketing strategies made it a popular treat among consumers. The subsequent introduction of various other flavors further solidified Life Savers’ position as a leading candy brand. Today, Life Savers continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages, serving as a reminder of its rich history and enduring appeal.

References

1. “The History of Life Savers Candy.” ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/history-of-life-savers-candy-4076664.
2. “Life Savers.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Jan. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_Savers.
3. “Gouverneur’s LifeSavers.” Gouverneur Museum, www.gouverneurmuseum.com/lifesavers.

FAQs

What was the first flavor of Life Savers candy?

The first flavor of Life Savers candy was Pep-O-Mint, a refreshing peppermint flavor.

Who invented Life Savers candy?

Life Savers candy was invented by Clarence Crane, a candy maker from Garrettsville, Ohio, in 1912.

Why was the first flavor of Life Savers candy called Pep-O-Mint?

The first flavor of Life Savers candy was called Pep-O-Mint because it was intended to be a cool and minty treat that could alleviate bad breath, as suggested by the slogan “For that Stormy Breath.”

What was the inspiration behind the creation of Life Savers candy?

Clarence Crane was inspired to create Life Savers candy after seeing a pill-making machine in a drug store. He adapted the machine to produce round, flat mints with a hole in the center, resembling traditional life preservers.

When was the first flavor of Life Savers candy introduced?

The first flavor of Life Savers candy, Pep-O-Mint, was introduced in 1912.

How did the first flavor of Life Savers candy become popular?

The first flavor of Life Savers candy, Pep-O-Mint, became popular due to its refreshing taste, unique shape, and effective marketing strategies, such as placing Life Savers displays near cash registers and encouraging store owners to give customers a nickel in their change to promote sales.

What are some other popular flavors of Life Savers candy?

Some other popular flavors of Life Savers candy include Wint-O-Green, Cl-O-Ve, Lic-O-Rice, Cinn-O-Mon, Vi-O-Let, Choc-O-Late, pineapple, lime, orange, cherry, and lemon.