Bubbles of Bursting Fun: The Timeless Joy of Bubblegum!
  |   BY NEAL ROTHSTEIN
When I was a kid, my brothers and I would always have contests, with each of us trying to blow a bigger bubble than the other. Bubblegum was the ultimate experience candy because it was sweet, tasted delicious and you could try to one-up your friends blowing some insanely huge bubbles. Bubblegum isn't just a treat, it's a source of endless fun and nostalgia that spans multiple generations. But what is it about bubblegum that makes it such a beloved treat for retro candy enthusiasts?
The History of Bubblegum
Chewing gum has been around for at least 3,000 years. The ancient Greeks used to chew on the resin from mastic trees which flourished on the Greek island of Chios. Mastic is still used today, chewed like gum to clean teeth and help people freshen their breath. This natural resin provided a rudimentary yet effective form of gum, laying the foundation for the chewy delights we enjoy today.
Fast forward to the early 20th century, where a series of happy accidents from some innovative minds would set the stage for the current world of bubble gum. In 1928, a junior accountant from the Fleer Chewing Gum Company in Philadelphia named Walter Diemer, found himself in an unexpected role at work one day. He was asked to "watch the pot" in the laboratory next door where experiments with new gum recipes were taking place. This serendipitous task sparked Diemer's curiosity, leading him to tinker with different gum recipes at home in his spare time.
At this time, blowing bubbles with gum was a sticky affair. Previous gum recipes would cling to everything when the bubble popped, and the only way to remove the mess was with turpentine. Determined to overcome this sticky challenge, Diemer experimented tirelessly at home. After numerous trials and errors, he finally stumbled upon a unique formula that allowed the gum to be stretched and blown into bubbles without sticking to everything in sight. The result was the creation of bubblegum as we know it today.
When the first large batch of this new bubblegum was ready, Diemer and his team faced a few small hiccups: the main one being that the gum's grayish color was far from appetizing. As luck would have it, the only food coloring available in sufficient quantity at the factory that day was pink. Diemer instructed the workers to add pink to the mixture, giving the bubblegum its characteristic hue. This happy accident singlehandedly explains why “bubblegum pink” has been an instantly iconic and fashionable color for decades.
In 1928, the first commercially successful bubblegum, Dubble Bubble, hit the market. Its vibrant pink color and sweet, fruity flavor made it an instant hit. The first hundred pieces were sold at a local store for a penny a piece. This penny candy instantly sold out the first day! Children and adults alike were captivated by this new treat, and the art of blowing bubbles became a popular pastime.
DUBBLE BUBBLE 1928 NOSTALGIC THEATER BOX
Dubble Bubble's success cemented bubblegum's place in candy history and kickstarted a new era of fun and playful confections. Once this cat was out of the bag, people began experimenting with the art of blowing bubbles and kids all across America were popping fun with their new favorite treat, bubblegum!
The Art of Blowing the Perfect Bubble
Blowing bubbles isn't just about chewing gum or enjoying a sweet treat. To many, it's an art form. The perfect bubble requires patience, practice, the right technique, and a little bit of finesse. Start with a piece of gum that's been chewed just enough to become pliable. Flatten it against the roof of your mouth, then push your tongue through the gum to create a small pocket of air. Slowly blow into the pocket and watch as your bubble grows! The thrill of achieving the biggest bubble and the inevitable pop is what makes bubblegum so much fun.
The Guinness Book of World Records states that the largest bubblegum bubble was blown by Chad Fell of Alabama, in April of 2004. The world record bubble measured at 50.8 centimeters, (20 inches) and was made using 3 pieces of Dubble Bubble bubblegum. The secret behind his technique was to chew the gum until all the sugar had dissolved, then just blow slowly and steadily. With a little bit of practice, you could be blowing bubbles bigger than your head in no time!
Why Does Bubblegum Taste So Good?
Bubblegum tastes so good because of its unique blend of sweet and fruity candy flavors, often combining hints of strawberry, banana, and cherry with a touch of vanilla. This nostalgic gum flavor is designed to be universally appealing as it brings back fond memories of childhood for many.
The distinct bubblegum flavor isn't just reserved for chewing gum, as it can also be found in other fun treats like bubblegum-flavored candy cigarettes, bubblegum cotton candy, and delicious bubblegum mints. The playful and vibrant taste of bubblegum continues to delight both kids and adults alike, making it a timeless favorite.
Discover the Best Bubblegum Candies on the Market!
At Redstone Foods, we offer a wide variety of bubblegum and bubblegum-flavored candies that capture the essence of this timeless treat. Here are some great options you can purchase wholesale from our website:
Bubblegum Kids
BUBBLEGUM KIDS S/F ORIGINAL BLEND 55PC TRAVEL JAR
Bubblegum Kids is a new standout in the world of bubblegum, offering a range of high-quality, sugarless gum that prioritize both taste and health consciousness. Co-founded by NHL player and award-winning children's book author Zack Hyman, Bubblegum Kids has quickly risen to fame since its inception in 2021, becoming the fastest-growing gum brand on Amazon. Each pack of their Original Blend contains 55 pieces, conveniently stored in a travel jar, making it perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.
Their unique and fun flavors include:
- Original Blend: The classic bubblegum flavor that brings back nostalgic memories with every chew.
- Barry's Scary Berry: A delightful blueberry flavor featuring Barry, a fun-loving character who adds a twist of excitement.
- Theo's Wacky Watermelon: A refreshing watermelon flavor brought to life by Theo, a quirky character with a wacky sense of humor.
- Daisy's Strawberry Field: A sweet and juicy strawberry flavor represented by Daisy, a character who embodies the joy of summer.
- Hannah's Frozen Banana: A unique and cool banana flavor featuring Hannah, a character who brings a frosty fun element to the mix.
Bazooka Original Bubble Gum
BAZOOKA BUBBLE GUM THEATER BOX
Bazooka Bubble Gum has been a household favorite since its debut in 1947. Originally created by Topps to complement their popular baseball cards, it quickly became a beloved treat for sports fans. Known for its iconic Bazooka Joe comic strips, which were replaced by brain-teasing puzzles in 2012, Bazooka continues to delight with its classic bubblegum flavor!
Dubble Bubble
Dubble Bubble gum is undeniably America's favorite bubble gum. It has been celebrated for nearly a century for its classic taste and superior bubble-blowing qualities. Each individually wrapped piece is perfect for satisfying your bubble-blowing cravings. Enjoy the timeless flavor and fun that has made Dubble Bubble a beloved treat for generations!
Big League Chew
BIG LEAGUE CHEW BASEBALL W/ GUMBALLS & STICKERS & TATTOO
Big League Chew has been a home run favorite since it first hit the market in 1980. Created by Portland Mavericks' left-handed pitcher Rob Nelson and batboy Todd Field, the idea came about as a healthier alternative to chewing tobacco, a prevalent habit in baseball at the time. With its iconic shredded bubblegum packed in a baseball-style pouch, Big League Chew quickly became a beloved treat for kids and adults alike, reminiscent of their favorite baseball heroes.
Big League Chew pouches are available in a variety of flavors: grape, sour apple, strawberry, watermelon and cotton candy. We’re excited to feature the "Outta Here Original Baseball" pack, which includes old fashioned gum balls and a sticker sheet encased in a baseball, perfect for sports fans and collectors alike! Whether you're watching a game, playing in the backyard, or just enjoying a sunny day, Big League Chew brings a bit of the ballpark magic to every long-lasting chew!
Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape
HUBBA BUBBA BUBBLE TAPE IN DISPLAY - ORIGINAL
Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape is renowned for its ability to create mega bubbles and comes in a classic bubblegum and sour blue raspberry flavors. Each roll of classic Hubba Bubba gum is packaged in a fun tape dispenser, allowing you to pull out as much or as little as you want to satisfy your craving. It's perfect for sharing with friends and enjoying together, six feet at a time!
Bubble Yum
Bubble Yum, an American staple, has been delighting kids since it was introduced in 1975 by Life Savers. Bubble Yum really stood out at the time as the first truly soft bubble gum on the market, offering a unique and pleasurable chewing experience. The Hershey Company eventually acquired the brand and they even featured a young Leonardo DiCaprio in a memorable television advertisement from the late 1980’s:
Whether you're reliving childhood memories or creating new ones, bubblegum and bubblegum-flavored candies are sure to bring joy and excitement to holidays, birthday parties, and just about any occasion! Explore our selection of bubblegum products and discover why bubblegum continues to be a beloved treat across generations. Visit Redstone Foods today and experience the timeless joy of all your favorite kinds of bubblegum!
Sign up for an account online or give us a call today. You’ll find out why Redstone Foods is America’s favorite candy distributor!