Asking someone for a piece of
gum is like playing a game of Russian roulette. There’s a chance you luck out and get your favorite flavor, but you also run the risk of disappointment. You can end up with oddball flavors like cinnamon or bubble mint. Or worse: you could be handed a piece of Fruit Stripe (cue the ominous music).
That’s right, I’ll say it: Fruit Stripe is bad. You have a few mediocre chews of artificial fruit flavor before it fades into nothing. Since the ’60s, customers have been lured in by the vibrant, patterned pieces of gum in a variety of colors. But after only a minute or two, all we’re left with is flavorless gum and a temporary zebra tattoo as a consolation prize.
It’s a marvel that the gum has remained on the market for so long (Was it the colors? The nostalgia factor? Some secret third thing?). But just as we begin 2024, Fruit Stripe is raising its white flag.
Ferrara Candy, the gum’s manufacturer, announced that they’re pulling Fruit Stripe from the shelves after disappointing consumers for over half a decade.
“The decision to sunset this product was not taken lightly, and we considered many factors before coming to this decision, including consumer preferences, and purchasing patterns,” a Ferrara Candy representative said in a statement to Food & Wine.
If you’re one of the few people who actually enjoys Fruit Stripe, all hope is not lost. The Ferrara Candy representative said that you might be able to find the product at select retailers. You can also try your luck finding them on eBay (like some other nostalgic snacks).
Goodbye, Fruit Stripe—can’t say we’ll miss you.