Teaberry Gum

Teaberry Gum History Teaberry gum is a distinctive chewing gum known for its unique flavor, reminiscent of wintergreen and spicy notes. Here's a brief history of Teaberry gum:Origins: Teaberry gum was first introduced in the late 19th century by the D.L. Clark Company, a confe...

Teaberry Gum History

Teaberry gum is a distinctive chewing gum known for its unique flavor, reminiscent of wintergreen and spicy notes. Here's a brief history of Teaberry gum:

Origins: Teaberry gum was first introduced in the late 19th century by the D.L. Clark Company, a confectionery manufacturer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was named after the teaberry plant (Gaultheria procumbens), which grows in North America and has leaves with a wintergreen-like flavor.

Wintergreen Flavor: Teaberry gum is known for its distinct wintergreen flavor, which is derived from the oil extracted from the teaberry plant. The flavor profile is often described as a combination of minty, spicy, and slightly fruity notes. This unique flavor has set Teaberry gum apart from other chewing gums.

Popularity and Nostalgia: Teaberry gum quickly gained popularity, becoming a favorite among gum enthusiasts. Its distinctive flavor and nostalgic appeal made it a popular choice for many. Teaberry gum has often been associated with memories of childhood and simpler times.

Ownership Changes: Over the years, the ownership and production of Teaberry gum changed hands. The D.L. Clark Company was acquired by the Beatrice Foods Company in the 1950s, which later sold the brand to the Leaf Candy Company in the 1980s. The Leaf Candy Company was then acquired by the Hershey Company in 1996.

Limited Availability: In recent years, Teaberry gum has become less widely available compared to its earlier heyday. It is often considered a regional or specialty gum and can be found in select stores, nostalgic candy shops, and online retailers that specialize in nostalgic treats.

Nostalgic Appeal and Fan Base: Despite its limited availability, Teaberry gum continues to have a dedicated fan base. Many people seek it out for its unique flavor and the memories it evokes. Teaberry gum remains a nostalgic favorite for those who remember chewing it during their childhood or have a fondness for classic gum flavors.

Teaberry gum's distinctive wintergreen flavor and nostalgic charm have made it a beloved and sought-after chewing gum. Although it may not be as widely available as it once was, its unique taste continues to resonate with those who appreciate its nostalgic appeal and distinct flavor profile.

Teaberry Gum's popularity peaked in the 1960s with a series of commercials using Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass who performed the song "The Teaberry Shuffle" (originally a Tijuana Brass tune titled "Mexican Shuffle"). Scroll down to see the original TV commercial.

Teaberry Gum Memories

My fondest memory of Teaberry Gum was watching TV one day and viewing a funny commercial with this street cop and others doing a very funny dance to a very catchy jingle. Several days later I heard the same song on my AM transistor radio and the DJ announced that it was the "Mexican Shuffle" by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. In the commercial, it was dubbed the "Teaberry Shuffle" and afterwards, I was hooked on Teaberry Gum AND Herb Alpert. The memory is as fresh today as it was 40 years ago. ~ Tony from Tennessee