If you consider yourself an older millennial, it’s likely that memories of indulging in Fruit Stripe gum, alongside its whimsical zebra mascot and vibrant sticks of gum with bold fruit flavours, evoke a sense of nostalgia. These sticks of gum, with flavours that endured almost as long as it takes to read this sentence, hold a special place in the hearts of many. However, surprising news has emerged from Ferrara Candy, the gum’s manufacturer, as they’ve officially announced the discontinuation of Fruit Stripe gum. This revelation may catch some off guard, especially those who may not have realized its fate since the days of “Hannah Montana.”

In an official statement, a representative from Ferrara Candy shared, “We have made the challenging decision to sunset Fruit Stripe Gum, though consumers may still find the product at select retailers nationwide.” This decision, made after carefully considering various factors, including consumer preferences and purchasing patterns, was not taken lightly.
Devoted Fruit Stripe enthusiasts had already noticed a decline in the gum’s availability at stores. Expressing frustration, one individual shared on the r/Candy subreddit, “When I go to the store, I’ll look for the gum to no avail; the only place I can find [it] is online. RIP Fruit Stripe gum.” OldTimeCandy.com made the first public announcement of its discontinuation, stating, “We are saddened to announce that the manufacturer has discontinued Fruit Stripe Gum. We share in the disappointment as well.”
For those unfamiliar with its history, Fruit Stripe, created in the late 1960s by James Parker, underwent several ownership changes – from Beech-Nut Confection Division to Nabisco, Hershey, and Farley’s & Sathers Candy Company. It eventually merged with Ferrara Pan Candy to form the Ferrara Candy Company. Despite reporting a 4.5% increase in sales in late 2021, Greg Guidotti, General Manager of the Sugar Portfolio at Ferrara Candy Company, confirmed the discontinuation. Intriguingly, the company had also introduced Fruit Stripe gummy candies, which appear to have met a similar fate.
The iconic zebra mascot, Yipes, and the catchy slogan “Yipes! Stripes!” became ingrained in the memories of those who grew up with Saturday morning cartoons. In 2016, Yipes even made an appearance in a Jeopardy! question, challenging contestants to identify the kind of animal he was.
As Fruit Stripe gum takes its final bow, one can’t help but hope that Yipes, the beloved mascot, is enjoying retirement in some exclusive haven for discontinued spokes-cartoons, untouched by the fate of being “sunsetted.” For those who hold a special place in their hearts for Fruit Stripe gum, there is still a glimmer of hope, as the product may be found at select retailers nationwide, offering a chance to savour the beloved childhood treat one last time.