What Happened to Fruit Stripe?

1969–2024 Food/Snacks • United States

ℹ️ Fate: Ferrara Candy Company discontinued Fruit Stripe in January 2024 following a portfolio review.

Launched in 1969 by Beech-Nut, Fruit Stripe became a cult-favorite chewing gum known for its rainbow sticks, quick-fading fruit flavors, and temporary tattoos featuring mascot Yipes the zebra. After multiple ownership changes, Ferrara (a Ferrero company) confirmed the gum’s discontinuation in 2024.

Fruit Stripe was an American chewing gum line famous for its rainbow stripes and mascot Yipes the zebra. First introduced by Beech-Nut in 1969, it later passed through several owners before landing at Ferrara Candy Company. Packs often included temporary tattoos, and the brand’s five fruit flavors became a nostalgic touchstone—remembered lovingly for flavor that faded fast. In January 2024, Ferrara said it would sunset Fruit Stripe, ending more than five decades of a quirky pop-culture favorite.

Timeline

1969
Fruit Stripe debuts under Beech-Nut with striped sticks and fruit flavors.
1990
Yipes the zebra gains cult status; temporary tattoos become a signature pack extra.
2024
Ferrara confirms it will discontinue Fruit Stripe after a portfolio review.