For many candy lovers, the debate between Opal Fruits and Starburst is one filled with nostalgia. Opal Fruits, the original chewy fruit-flavored sweets, were rebranded as Starburst in the UK in 1998, aligning with the global name. Despite this, the Opal Fruits name continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who remember it. In this article, we’ll explore the history, flavors, and legacy of this iconic candy.
The History of Opal Fruits and Starburst
The Birth of Opal Fruits
- Introduced in 1960 in the UK by the Mars Company after a competition to name the new candy.
- The winning name, Opal Fruits, was suggested by a competition entrant.
- The original flavors included lemon, lime, orange, and strawberry.
The Global Rebranding to Starburst
- In 1967, Opal Fruits were introduced in the U.S. market as Starburst.
- By 1998, Mars rebranded Opal Fruits to Starburst in the UK to maintain a global identity.
- The change was met with mixed reactions, with many nostalgic consumers preferring the original name.
Opal Fruits vs. Starburst: What’s the Difference?
Despite the name change, the recipe and flavors have largely remained the same, though some slight differences have been noted by candy enthusiasts.
FeatureOpal Fruits (Pre-1998)Starburst (Current)FlavorsLemon, Lime, Orange, StrawberryLemon, Blackcurrant, Orange, StrawberryTextureSlightly softerChewier, longer-lastingPackagingClassic green-yellow wrapperBold modern branding- The biggest difference is the removal of lime and the addition of blackcurrant, which is popular in the UK.
- Some fans argue that the original Opal Fruits were softer and juicier than today’s Starburst.
The Return of Opal Fruits
Due to popular demand, Mars has occasionally brought back Opal Fruits in limited-edition releases:
- In 2008, Opal Fruits made a brief comeback in the UK.
- In 2020, Mars released Opal Fruits for a limited time in supermarkets and online.
- The 2021 re-release saw fans rushing to grab a taste of their childhood.
Despite these brief returns, Starburst remains the official brand name for the candy worldwide.
Why Do People Love Opal Fruits?
Nostalgia Factor
- People who grew up in the 1960s–1990s associate Opal Fruits with childhood memories.
- The name change still sparks debates among candy lovers.
Unique Original Flavors
- Many people prefer the lime flavor over blackcurrant, which was part of the original Opal Fruits lineup.
Simplicity and Authenticity
- Some claim that Opal Fruits had a simpler, juicier taste compared to today’s Starburst.
Fun Facts About Opal Fruits and Starburst
- Opal Fruits were first sold for just 3 pence when launched in 1960.Starburst in the U.S. had different flavor varieties, including Tropical, FaveReds, and Sour flavors.The “Unexplainably Juicy” slogan became a famous Starburst tagline.Celebrities like Eric Bana and LeBron James have featured in Starburst ads.Starburst wrappers are often used for DIY origami and crafts!
Conclusion
Whether you call them Opal Fruits or Starburst, these fruity chews remain one of the most beloved candies worldwide. While the name change may still be a hot topic for some, the flavors and experience of enjoying these sweets remain timeless. With occasional limited releases of Opal Fruits, fans can still relive the taste of their childhood.
FAQs
1. Why did Opal Fruits change to Starburst?
Mars rebranded Opal Fruits to Starburst in 1998 to maintain a consistent global brand name.
2. Are Opal Fruits and Starburst the same?
Yes, they are essentially the same candy, though some people feel the texture and flavors have slightly changed.
3. Can I still buy Opal Fruits?
Opal Fruits are occasionally brought back in limited editions but are not permanently available.
4. What were the original Opal Fruits flavors?
The original Opal Fruits flavors were lemon, lime, orange, and strawberry.
5. When was the last Opal Fruits re-release?
Opal Fruits were last re-released in 2021 as a limited-edition product.