Starburst is a popular fruit-flavored chewy candy produced by Mars, Incorporated. The brand has been in existence since 1968 and has become one of the most widely recognized and consumed candies globally. This overview will cover various aspects of Starburst Starburst, including its history, types, ingredients, nutritional information, and cultural impact.
History of Starburst
The creation of Starburst is attributed to Robert Lightbourne, an American food scientist who worked for Mars in the 1960s. At that time, Mars was searching for a new candy product that would complement its existing line-up. Lightbourne experimented with different fruit flavors and textures until he developed the iconic chewy candy.
Initially called «Opal Fruits,» Starburst was launched in the United Kingdom in 1968 under this name due to British law requiring candies sold there to contain real opals as a decoration, although these were later dropped from packaging. Opal Fruits quickly gained popularity and soon expanded to other countries, including the United States.
In the US, Mars initially released Starburst in three flavors: orange, grapefruit, and lemon. These original flavors remain among the most popular today. In 1969, Mars changed its product’s name to «Starburst» for international markets except for the UK, where it retained the «Opal Fruits» brand until a rebranding effort in 1998.
How Starburst Works
The production process of Starburst involves several steps:
- Mixing : A mixture of sugar, corn syrup, and water is created to achieve the desired consistency.
- Color addition : Fruit flavorings are introduced to give each color its signature hue.
- Heat treatment : The mixture undergoes a heat-tempering process to create a smooth texture that melts in your mouth but still has chewiness.
- Coating and shaping : Dried cornstarch is added as an anti-caking agent, followed by coating with food-grade waxes for shine.
Types or Variations
Throughout its existence, Starburst has released numerous limited-edition varieties to expand the fan base and refresh existing enthusiasts. These variations include:
- Originals : Orange, Grapefruit (Grape), Lemon, Lime
- Sour Apple
- Fruit Punch
- Sweet Tropical Fruit