Starburst
It's from 1976, before you were born.
- Maker
- Mars (Mars Wrigley)
- Type
- Fruit chews
- Debuted
- 1960 (UK); 1976 (US)
- Note
- "unexplainably juicy"
As an Amazon Associate, OlderThan earns from qualifying purchases.
About
As of 2026, it's 50 years old.
Starburst describes itself as 'unexplainably juicy,' which is marketing's way of admitting it can't legally explain how a solid block of taffy is leaking flavor. The individually wrapped fruit chews arrived in the US in 1976 and immediately started ruining friendships over who gets the pink ones.
Soft, square, and brightly wrapped, they're the currency of the movie theater and the bottom of every Halloween bag, traded with the seriousness of a tiny stock exchange.
Chewy, fruity, and faintly jaw-fatiguing, Starburst remains the candy most likely to provoke the phrase 'I'll trade you two yellows for one pink.'
Starburst through the years
Debuts in the UK as Opal Fruits
Arrives in the US as Starburst
Individually wrapped fruit chews known for being 'unexplainably juicy.'
