What is Starburst? A brand of chewy fruit-flavored candies produced by Mars, Incorporated.

Overview and Definition

Starburst is a well-known brand of chewy fruit-flavored candies that have been popular around the world for over six decades. The name „Starburst“ was introduced in 1968 as a marketing rebranding Starburst effort to revive sales of a previously unsuccessful candy called Opal Fruits, which was launched by Mars in the UK in 1960.

History and Development

The story behind Starburst begins with the creation of Opal Fruits by Mars‘ UK subsidiary. Initially, the candies were available only in orange flavor but quickly expanded to include other flavors such as lemon, lime, and cherry. In an effort to revamp their image and increase sales, Mars decided to rebrand Opal Fruits as Starburst. The name was chosen for its connection to fireworks, suggesting excitement, energy, and fun.

Product Characteristics

Starburst candies are known for their chewy texture and variety of fruit flavors. They come in a range of colors corresponding to specific flavor profiles:

• Orange: orange-flavored
• Red: cherry or strawberry flavored (color may vary depending on the region)
• Yellow: lemon-flavored
• Green: lime-flavored

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process for Starburst involves several steps. Firstly, sugar is mixed with water and other ingredients such as corn syrup to create a syrup-like consistency. This mixture is then heated to dissolve the sugars. Fruits flavorings and artificial coloring are added to achieve the desired taste and visual effects.

Next, starch is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent lumps from forming during production. The flavored syrup is then coated onto starch granules using specialized machines called pug mills or starch coating systems. This step not only adds a pleasant texture but also helps with sugar absorption in the mouth during consumption.

Variations and Expansions

Over the years, Starburst has undergone several variations to keep its product line fresh and exciting for consumers:

• Starburst Fruit Chews : These were larger, chewier candies introduced as an alternative to traditional gummies.
• Starburst Duos : Launched in the late 1990s, these consisted of two separate fruit-flavored chews with contrasting colors on one stick.