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The origin of LifeSavers
LifeSavers were invented in 1912 by Clarence Crane, a candy maker from Garrettsville, Ohio. Crane was looking for a candy that could withstand the summer heat without melting, and that would be easy to carry in a pocket or purse. He came up with the idea of creating a hard candy with a hole in the centre, which he called “LifeSavers”. The name was inspired by the shape of the candy, which resembled a life preserver or “lifesaver” that could be thrown to a drowning person to save their life.
Initially, LifeSavers were only available in peppermint flavour, but Crane soon began experimenting with other flavours, including wintergreen, clove and cinnamon. He also began marketing the candy as a breath freshener rather than just a treat. In 1913, Crane sold the LifeSavers company to Edward Noble, who expanded the product line and introduced new flavours, including lemon, lime and orange. Today, LifeSavers are available in a wide range of flavours, including tropical fruit, wild cherry and butter rum, and are sold in countries around the world.
The first flavours of LifeSavers
When Clarence Crane invented LifeSavers in 1912, there was only one flavour: peppermint. But it wasn’t long before Crane began experimenting with other flavours. In 1913, just a year after inventing the candy, Crane sold the LifeSavers company to Edward Noble, who expanded the product line and introduced new flavours.
One of LifeSavers’ first new flavours was Wintergreen, introduced in 1913. Wintergreen was a popular flavour at the time and quickly became a hit with LifeSavers fans. Other new flavours, including clove and cinnamon, were also introduced in the early years of the LifeSavers company.
In the 1920s, Noble introduced a new line of LifeSavers called Fruit Drops, which were made with fruit extracts and came in flavours such as Lemon, Lime and Orange. These new flavours were a huge success and helped cement LifeSavers’ place as one of America’s favourite candies.
Today, LifeSavers are available in a wide variety of flavours, from classic fruit flavours like cherry and grape to more exotic flavours like pina colada and blackberry. The candy’s wide range of flavours has helped it remain popular with candy lovers of all ages for over a century.
The meaning behind the name
The name “LifeSavers” was inspired by the shape of the candy, which resembled a life preserver or “lifesaver” that could be thrown to a drowning person to save their life. It was a clever marketing ploy by Clarence Crane, the candy maker who invented LifeSavers in 1912.
Crane was looking for a name that was memorable and catchy, and the name “LifeSavers” fit the bill perfectly. The name not only described the shape of the candy, but also suggested that the candy could provide a ‘life-saving’ burst of flavour and refreshment.
Over the years, the name “LifeSavers” has become synonymous with the candy itself, helping to make it one of the most recognisable brands in the world. The name also has a nostalgic appeal, evoking memories of childhood and simpler times. Today, LifeSavers are still enjoyed by sweet lovers of all ages and the name remains as popular and iconic as ever.
The role of lifesavers in history
LifeSavers have played an interesting role in American history. During the Second World War, LifeSavers were included in the rations of American soldiers as they provided a quick burst of energy and refreshment. They were also used as a bartering tool by soldiers who traded them for other goods and services.
In the 1950s and 1960s, LifeSavers became a symbol of American culture, appearing prominently in movies, television shows and advertising campaigns. They were often used as props in commercials where they were shown floating in glasses of soda or being shared by friends.
In the 1970s, LifeSavers became one of the first candies to be individually wrapped, making them more convenient to carry and helping to extend their shelf life. This innovation helped make LifeSavers one of the most popular candies of the 20th century and ensured they would remain a favourite with candy lovers for decades to come.
Today, LifeSavers continue to be one of the most popular candies in the world, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Their iconic shape and wide range of flavours have helped make them a beloved part of American culture, and they are sure to remain a fixture in candy aisles and vending machines for years to come.
The evolution of LifeSavers over time
Since their invention in 1912, LifeSavers have undergone many changes and innovations. One of the most significant changes came in the 1920s when Edward Noble, the owner of the LifeSavers company, introduced a new range of fruit-flavoured LifeSavers. These new flavours, including lemon, lime and orange, were a hit with consumers and helped make LifeSavers one of the most popular candies in America.
In the 1940s and 1950s, LifeSavers underwent another major change when they were redesigned to include a five-pointed star in the centre of the candy. This design change helped make LifeSavers even more recognisable and iconic, and it remains a staple of the candy’s design to this day.
In the 1970s, LifeSavers became one of the first candies to be individually wrapped, making them more convenient to carry around and helping to extend their shelf life. This innovation helped ensure that LifeSavers would remain a favourite with sweet lovers for decades to come.
In recent years, LifeSavers have continued to evolve and adapt to changing tastes and trends. They have been introduced in new flavours, including tropical fruit and sour, and marketed to new generations of sweet lovers through social media and other digital channels.
Through all these changes, however, the basic concept of LifeSavers has remained the same: a hard candy with a hole in the centre that provides a burst of flavour and refreshment. This simple yet effective idea has helped make LifeSavers one of the most popular and iconic candies in the world and is sure to continue to delight candy lovers for generations to come.
Fun facts and trivia about LifeSavers
- The five-pointed star in the centre of each LifeSavers sweet is known as the “crimp”. It helps prevent the candy from sticking to the manufacturing equipment during production.
- LifeSavers candies were originally sold in clear cellophane wrappers, which were later replaced by aluminium foil wrappers in the 1920s.
- During the Second World War, LifeSavers were included in American soldiers’ rations along with other sweets such as Tootsie Rolls and chocolate bars.
- In the 1920s, LifeSavers sponsored a radio programme called “The LifeSavers Hour”, which featured live music and entertainment.
- LifeSavers was one of the first sweets to be advertised on television, with commercials airing in the 1950s and 1960s.
- The LifeSavers slogan “Pep-O-Mint LifeSavers, for Pep and Vim” was used in advertising campaigns throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
- In the 1980s, LifeSavers introduced a range of ‘Holes’ candies, which were small, bite-sized versions of the classic LifeSavers candy.
- LifeSavers has been featured in a number of popular culture references over the years, including the film The Outsiders and the TV show Friends.
- The LifeSavers Company was acquired by Wrigley in 2005 and is now owned by Mars, Incorporated.
- In 2020, LifeSavers will celebrate its 108th anniversary, making it one of the oldest and most iconic confectionery brands in the world.
FAQs
Why are LifeSavers called lifesavers?
LifeSavers are called lifesavers because the candy’s shape resembles a life preserver or “lifesaver” that could be thrown to someone who was drowning to save their life. The name was invented by Clarence Crane, the candy maker who invented LifeSavers in 1912.
How have LifeSavers evolved over time?
LifeSavers have evolved in many ways since their invention in 1912. They have been introduced in new flavors, redesigned to include a five-pointed star in the center of the candy, and individually wrapped for greater convenience. They have also been marketed to new generations of candy lovers through social media and other digital channels.
What role did LifeSavers play in American history?
During World War II, LifeSavers were included in American soldiers’ rations, as they provided a quick burst of energy and refreshment. They were also used as a bartering tool by soldiers, who would trade them for other goods and services. In the 1950s and 1960s, LifeSavers became a symbol of American culture and were featured prominently in movies, television shows, and advertising campaigns.
What are some fun facts and trivia about LifeSavers?
Some fun facts and trivia about LifeSavers include that thefive-pointed star in the center of each candy is called the “crimp,” that LifeSavers were one of the first candies to be advertised on television, and that the company introduced a line of “Holes” candies in the 1980s. Additionally, LifeSavers were originally sold in clear cellophane wrappers, and the candy’s slogan in the 1920s and 1930s was “Pep-O-Mint LifeSavers, for Pep and Vim.”