Chiclets gum was introduced in 1906 by Frank H. Fleer and was inspired by candy-coated almonds. It was initially only available in peppermint flavor and white shells, but later expanded to include fruit flavors and different colors. Mini Chiclets gum was introduced in 1962 and is still popular today. While sales in the US have declined, it remains popular in overseas markets and can still be purchased from vintage candy websites and wholesalers.
In 1906, gum maker Frank H. Fleer introduced a candy-coated, peppermint-flavored product known as Chiclets gum. Although the Chiclets name was inspired by the natural resin called chicle, the current Chiclets rubber uses a different form of rubber base. Different flavoring oils are added to this base, then the gum is formed into a small rectangle. A special machine coats Chiclets gum with a distinctive candy shell, adding flavor and portability to the mix.
Frank H. Fleer was part of a conglomerate of gum manufacturers known as American Chicle. Other members of this conglomerate introduced other familiar gums like Wrigley’s Bubble Gum and Juicy Fruit Gum, but Fleer was looking for a way to extend the life and flavor of the bubble gum. The inspiration for Chiclets gum came in the form of almonds covered in a candy shell, a popular snack at the time. Fleer developed a method of applying a hard candy shell, with its flavor additives, to a flavored gum base.
When Chiclets gum was first introduced to the market, the only flavor was peppermint and white was the only shell color. In the 1920s, however, Chiclets gum became available in a variety of fruit flavors and individual pieces were coated in different colors. Chiclets gum has become increasingly popular in vending machines due to their long life and eye-catching colors. Chiclets gum has also become a popular after-dinner mint and smokers breath mask.
In 1962, the owners of the Chiclets brand introduced Mini Chiclets gum, which is still popular today in charity gum vending machines. Mini Chiclets gum offers the same flavors as regular Chiclets gum, but users have the option to mix different flavors together or control how much gum they chew at once.
Sales of Chiclets rubber in the United States appear to have declined in recent years, but it continues to be a strong seller in overseas markets, particularly in the Middle East region. In some parts of the world, the word chiclet is considered generic for any brand or type of chewing gum. Chiclets gum is still sold in the United States, although it can be hard to find on some store shelves. However, it can be ordered directly from vintage candy websites and wholesalers. There are similar gum products with candy shells and sustained flavor, but many purists believe the original Chiclets gum is the best.
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