Starburst

What it is

Square, juicy fruit chews in strawberry, cherry, orange and lemon.

The story

• 1968: first made by Mars (in Britain as Opal Fruits, 1959).

Fun facts

• It started in Britain in 1959 as Opal Fruits, a name that won a £5 contest.
• In the US it was first called M&M's Fruit Chewies in 1967, then Starburst in 1968.
• Cherry replaced lime in the US in the early 1980s.

Is Starburst still made?

Yes. Starburst is still made, by Wrigley (Mars). Look for it at candy shops that stock old-fashioned candy, or search for Starburst on Amazon.

If you like Starburst

• Now and Later (1962): Hard little squares of fruit taffy that soften as you chew, wrapped in bright paper.
• Laffy Taffy (1970s): Soft, stretchy fruit taffy with a joke printed on every wrapper.
• Bonkers (mid-1980s): Chewy rectangles with a tangy fruit filling.
• Big Hunk (1950s): A long, flat bar of chewy honey nougat packed with roasted peanuts.

See every candy from the 1960s or all chewy candy and taffy.