Why Do Life Savers Have Holes?

Life Saver candies were named for their resemblance to a ship's life preservers.

In 1912, chocolate maker Clarence Crane was looking for a summertime alternative to his chocolates that would not melt in the heat. He invented the Life Saver hard candy.

Hole in the Center

In order to differentiate his candies from the square mints imported from Europe, Crane used a round pill-making machine to create them. Punching a hole in the center made them even more unique. The new candy so resembled a life preserver that Crane named them Life Savers. The first flavor was named Pep-O-Mint and it was followed, in 1918, by Wint-O-Green.

A New Owner

In 1919, Crane sold the rights to the Life Saver candy to Edward Noble--later the founder of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC)--for a mere $2,900. In 1935, the first five-flavor roll packs were sold.

Changes to Life Savers

In 2000, Kraft Foods acquired Life Savers. Today, they come in a variety of flavors, including the original Pep-O-Mint and Wint-O-Green, as well as gummy and crème versions. The one thing that has not changed is the shape of the candy. Today's Life Savers still have the distinctive hole in the center.

References

• Sugarstand: Life Savers Candy
• Wrigley: Life Savers