The untold stories behind iconic candy logos
What if I told you that behind every candy logo lies a story as intriguing as the treat itself? From the mysterious origins of the Hershey’s Kisses emblem to the playful quirkiness of M&M’s characters, candy logos aren’t just eye-candy; they are narratives infused with creativity, marketing genius, and often, a pinch of serendipity. Let’s unwrap the fascinating tales of some iconic candy logos and discover the hidden elements we often overlook when reaching for a sugar fix.
Take, for example, the beloved Hershey’s Kisses, known for its simple yet alluring foil wrap. While the logo appears straightforward, its story is rather interesting. The logo is hidden in plain sight within the wordmark—the 'Kisses' logo incorporates a sideways kissing chocolate between the letters 'K' and 'I'. This element, reportedly devised as a clever marketing strategy, not only adds an element of surprise but hints subtly at the shape and appeal of the smooth, iconic chocolate.
Then, there’s the unmistakable circular 'M' on each M&M. An immediate identifier, the 'M' logo underwent several design alterations before it reached candy-coated perfection. Initially stamped with black vegetable dye in 1950, it wasn’t until 1954 that the 'M' appeared in its current form, printed in white. This change was not merely a stylistic choice but a strategic move in the branding rivalry during the post-war era, aiming to set their brand apart from imitators in an increasingly competitive candy market.
Next in line is the playful imagery of the PEZ logo, which stems from its German origins. Contrary to what many may think, PEZ isn't just a whimsical name created to match the brand's fun image. Originating from the German word for peppermint, ‘Pfefferminz’, the brand began as a simple mint in Austria before transforming into the character-shaped dispensers we know today. The logo geniusly adapted to the cultural love for collectible items, enabling the brand to grow beyond its original identity as a breath mint into a beloved collector's item.
Shifting to the playful side, the iconic and perhaps somewhat nostalgic packaging of Bazooka Joe Gum, featuring the cheeky comic-strip character Joe, is truly a case study in cultural adaptation. Born from a post-war cultural wave, the character was initially developed with the hope of capitalizing on Americana fever. The mischievous eye-patched boy accompanied by his gang gave the candy a narrative dimension, fostering a sense of adventure and club-like exclusivity among its young consumers, cleverly making a simple piece of gum a memorable brand.
Finally, behold the Tootsie Roll’s lettering and the enticing fairy tale it subtly spins. Although the Tootsie Roll's logo isn't flamboyant, the typography and color choice – reminiscent of a scroll or old manuscript – call to mind the candy's long, rich history dating back to 1896. This conscious choice reflects the brand's ethos of nostalgia and its dedication to a simpler, bygone era of confectionary delight.
In delving into these logos, we see not mere elements of branding but stories that breathe life into the brands, that whisper history, evolution, and creativity. Next time you unwrap a candy, take a moment to appreciate the artistry behind these everyday treats. These logs, much like the candy itself, contain numerous layers waiting to be discovered.
Take, for example, the beloved Hershey’s Kisses, known for its simple yet alluring foil wrap. While the logo appears straightforward, its story is rather interesting. The logo is hidden in plain sight within the wordmark—the 'Kisses' logo incorporates a sideways kissing chocolate between the letters 'K' and 'I'. This element, reportedly devised as a clever marketing strategy, not only adds an element of surprise but hints subtly at the shape and appeal of the smooth, iconic chocolate.
Then, there’s the unmistakable circular 'M' on each M&M. An immediate identifier, the 'M' logo underwent several design alterations before it reached candy-coated perfection. Initially stamped with black vegetable dye in 1950, it wasn’t until 1954 that the 'M' appeared in its current form, printed in white. This change was not merely a stylistic choice but a strategic move in the branding rivalry during the post-war era, aiming to set their brand apart from imitators in an increasingly competitive candy market.
Next in line is the playful imagery of the PEZ logo, which stems from its German origins. Contrary to what many may think, PEZ isn't just a whimsical name created to match the brand's fun image. Originating from the German word for peppermint, ‘Pfefferminz’, the brand began as a simple mint in Austria before transforming into the character-shaped dispensers we know today. The logo geniusly adapted to the cultural love for collectible items, enabling the brand to grow beyond its original identity as a breath mint into a beloved collector's item.
Shifting to the playful side, the iconic and perhaps somewhat nostalgic packaging of Bazooka Joe Gum, featuring the cheeky comic-strip character Joe, is truly a case study in cultural adaptation. Born from a post-war cultural wave, the character was initially developed with the hope of capitalizing on Americana fever. The mischievous eye-patched boy accompanied by his gang gave the candy a narrative dimension, fostering a sense of adventure and club-like exclusivity among its young consumers, cleverly making a simple piece of gum a memorable brand.
Finally, behold the Tootsie Roll’s lettering and the enticing fairy tale it subtly spins. Although the Tootsie Roll's logo isn't flamboyant, the typography and color choice – reminiscent of a scroll or old manuscript – call to mind the candy's long, rich history dating back to 1896. This conscious choice reflects the brand's ethos of nostalgia and its dedication to a simpler, bygone era of confectionary delight.
In delving into these logos, we see not mere elements of branding but stories that breathe life into the brands, that whisper history, evolution, and creativity. Next time you unwrap a candy, take a moment to appreciate the artistry behind these everyday treats. These logs, much like the candy itself, contain numerous layers waiting to be discovered.