Can you buy Fruit Stripe Gum? What is the Fruit Stripe mascot?

If you are a fan of fruity chewing gum, you might have heard of Fruit Stripe Gum, the colorful candy that came with temporary tattoos of a zebra. But did you know that this gum has been discontinued after 54 years of production?

Fruit Stripe Gum was invented by James Parker and first sold in 1960 by the Beech-Nut company, which also produced other gums and candies. The gum had five flavors: wet ‘n wild melon, cherry, lemon, orange, and peach smash. Each flavor had a matching color stripe on the gum, hence the name Fruit Stripe.

The gum also had a mascot, Yipes the Zebra, who appeared on the wrappers and as temporary tattoos. Yipes was often shown playing sports or doing adventurous activities.

The gum was known for its intense but short-lived flavor, which many people joked about. Some said it lasted only three seconds, while others said it was more of a letdown than chewing Fruit Stripe Gum.

The gum was acquired by Ferrara Candy Company in 2012, which decided to discontinue it in 2024 due to declining consumer preferences and purchasing patterns. The company said it was a difficult decision and thanked the fans for their loyalty.

Fruit Stripe Gum was a nostalgic treat for many people who grew up with it. It was a fun and colorful way to enjoy chewing gum, even if the flavor didn’t last long.