Life Savers

Life Savers History

Life Savers candy is a well-known and beloved confectionery brand that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for over a century. With its distinctive ring shape and a variety of flavors, Life Savers has become a staple in the candy industry. Let's explore the fascinating history of Life Savers candy.

Life Savers was first created in 1912 by Clarence Crane, a chocolate maker from Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Crane sought to develop a candy that could withstand summer heat without melting, unlike chocolate. He wanted to offer a refreshing treat that could be enjoyed year-round.

Inspired by the shape of round life preservers, Crane came up with the idea of making a hard candy with a hole in the center. This unique design not only made it easier to handle but also gave the candy its distinctive name, Life Savers. The name alluded to the candy's resemblance to the flotation devices used to save lives in water.

The original Life Savers candy came in peppermint flavor and was packaged in a tin to keep the candies protected and portable. Crane initially marketed the candy towards people who enjoyed breath fresheners or throat soothers. However, it quickly gained popularity as a sweet treat that could be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.

In 1913, Edward Noble, a businessman and future founder of the Lifesavers Company, purchased the rights to the Life Savers brand from Clarence Crane. Under Noble's leadership, Life Savers candy expanded its flavor offerings, introducing various fruit flavors that quickly became favorites among consumers. The fruity flavors, such as cherry, orange, lemon, lime, and pineapple, added a burst of freshness to the candy lineup.

In the 1920s, the iconic Life Savers roll, featuring individually wrapped candies in a convenient package, was introduced. This innovation made Life Savers even more popular and accessible, allowing people to carry and enjoy the candy on the go.

Over the years, Life Savers candy continued to innovate and expand its product range. It introduced new flavors, including wintergreen, wild cherry, and tropical fruits, catering to changing consumer preferences. Sugar-free and breath-freshening variants were also introduced to cater to specific dietary and functional needs.

The Life Savers brand has evolved under different ownerships and is currently owned by the Mars, Incorporated company. Today, Life Savers candy is available in various formats, including rolls, bags, and individually wrapped pieces, offering a wide selection of flavors and assortments to suit different tastes.

Life Savers has become an iconic brand, symbolizing fun, flavor, and the joy of indulging in a delicious candy. The brand's rich history, commitment to quality, and diverse flavor offerings have made it a beloved choice for generations of candy lovers.

Whether enjoyed individually or shared among friends and family, Life Savers candy continues to bring smiles and a sweet touch to everyday moments, proving to be a timeless and enduring treat.

Life Savers Memories

When I was growing up, I could always look forward to getting a Life Saver 'book' in my Christmas stocking. I loved going through my stocking on Christmas morning and finding the Life Savers. I liked them because they were something that would last for weeks after Christmas. My favorite flavors were Pep-o-mint, Butter Rum, and Wild Cherry. I liked the assorted flavors, but my older sister would always look to see what Life Saver was coming up next and ask for that one. I felt torn between being nice to my sister and being selfish. Some days she got the one she wanted and some days she didn’t.

One time I asked a friend of mine to give me her red panty hose after she got a run in them. Before Christmas, I crammed the panty hose full of goodies. Then I put them under the tree for my mom on Christmas morning. It was the only time I know that my mom got a stocking on Christmas morning. I made sure there was a book of Life Savers in her stocking. And I learned just how much panty hose can stretch! Mom got several years worth of stocking stuffers that Christmas. ~ Brian from California