Life Savers is renowned for its iconic ring-shaped hard and soft candy. It is currently owned by Mars, Incorporated, which acquired Wrigley, the parent company of Life Savers, in 2008. The company’s operations span across the United States, where it continues to be a popular choice among candy lovers, thanks to its wide range of flavors and varieties.
Meaning and History
Life Savers was founded by Clarence Crane in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1912. Originally a chocolate manufacturer, Crane sought a sweet treat that wouldn’t melt in the summer heat, leading to the birth of the mint-flavored candy named “Life Savers” because of its resemblance to life preservers used on boats. The invention was not just a hit in terms of sales but also marked a significant development in the candy industry with the use of machinery to punch holes in the candies, a novel idea at the time.
Through the decades, Life Savers expanded its range to include a variety of flavors and candy types, becoming a staple in American pop culture. Its main achievements include the introduction of the fruit-flavored “Five Flavor” roll in 1935, which became an instant classic. Moreover, the brand played a notable role during World War II when Life Savers were included in American soldiers’ rations due to their durability and uplifting flavors.
Today, Life Savers maintains its position as a leader in the candy industry. The brand continues to innovate with new flavors and products while staying true to its heritage of providing simple, enjoyable, and refreshing candies to people of all ages. It stands as a testament to enduring brand loyalty and constant adaptation to consumer tastes.
What is Life Savers?
It’s a company that produces a variety of candies, best known for its hard candies with a hole in the center, resembling a life preserver. Life Savers offers a range of flavors and has been a beloved brand in the candy industry for over a century.
1912 – 1999
The Life Savers logo from 1912 exudes a classic and timeless appeal, capturing the early 20th-century design aesthetic. The logo features the brand name “LIFE SAVERS” in a bold, all-caps font, stretched across a rectangular red background. The white letters stand out starkly against the red, ensuring high visibility and readability. The typography is characterized by its slightly irregular, hand-drawn appearance, which adds a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to the design. The red background symbolizes the vibrant and fruity flavors of the candies, while the white text suggests purity and sweetness. This logo effectively communicates the brand’s identity and has a charming, vintage feel that resonates with the history and heritage of the Life Savers brand.
1997 – 1999
The 1997 Life Savers logo introduces a more dynamic and contemporary design while retaining the brand’s iconic elements. The logo features the brand name “LIFE SAVERS” in a bold, italicized font that suggests movement and energy. The text is outlined in a vibrant blue color, with a slight gradient that adds depth and dimension. This design choice reflects the brand’s playful and lively nature. The letters are slightly tilted, creating a sense of motion and excitement. The overall composition is clean and modern, making it easily recognizable and appealing to a wide audience. This version of the logo effectively balances the brand’s rich history with a fresh, updated look that resonates with contemporary consumers.
1999 – 2007
The 1999 Life Savers logo continues the trend of modernizing the brand’s image. This version features the brand name “LIFE SAVERS” in a bold, white font with a blue outline, set against a slightly curved, rectangular blue background. The letters are evenly spaced and arranged in a smooth arc, creating a sense of dynamism and vitality. The use of blue as the primary color conveys a sense of freshness and coolness, aligning with the brand’s various mint and fruit flavors. The font is clean and simple, ensuring readability and versatility across different mediums. This logo design effectively communicates the brand’s commitment to providing refreshing and enjoyable candies while maintaining a modern and approachable look.
2007 – 2010
The 2007 Life Savers logo introduces a sleek and contemporary design, emphasizing simplicity and clarity. The logo features the brand name “LIFE SAVERS” in a bold, white font, set against a vibrant blue background with a subtle, curved shape that suggests the iconic candy’s round form. The letters are clean and crisp, with a slight shadow effect that adds depth and dimension. The blue background creates a striking contrast with the white text, ensuring high visibility and readability. This design is modern and versatile, making it suitable for various marketing materials and product packaging. The overall look is fresh and appealing, effectively conveying the brand’s identity as a provider of fun and delicious candies.
2010 – Today
The current Life Savers logo embraces a bold and energetic design, reflecting the brand’s vibrant and playful nature. The logo features the brand name “LIFE SAVERS” in a bold, white font outlined in a striking blue color. The letters are slightly italicized, creating a sense of movement and excitement. The text is arranged in a curved arc, mimicking the shape of the iconic Life Savers candy. This design choice adds a dynamic and lively feel to the logo. The blue outline and white text create a strong contrast, ensuring high visibility and readability. The overall composition is modern and eye-catching, making it easily recognizable across various platforms. This logo effectively communicates the brand’s commitment to providing fun and flavorful candies, appealing to both new and loyal consumers.