The Snickers bar is one of the most iconic candy bars in the world today. But did you know it had a different name before it became the Snickers we know and love? In this article, we’ll explore the origins of this famous candy bar, its name evolution, and how it became the global sensation it is today.
The History of the Snicker Bar
To understand how the Snicker name evolved, let’s look at Mars, Incorporated, the company behind the brand. Mars, Inc. was founded by Franklin Clarence Mars in 1911 and is responsible for popular products like M&M’s, Milky Way, Twix, and, of course, Snickers.
Mars, Inc. first found success with the Milky Way bar, introduced in 1923. The Milky Way’s creamy nougat and caramel filling were a hit, enabling the company to expand its candy lineup. In 1930, the company introduced Snickers, named after a beloved horse owned by the Mars family.
The Original Name: Marathon Bar
Before Snickers became the worldwide name, the bar was known as the Marathon Bar in markets like the United Kingdom and Ireland. The name Marathon was meant to convey a sense of energy and endurance, suggesting that the bar could provide a quick energy boost. The Marathon brand was popular and resonated with consumers in these regions for decades.
The Name Change: From Marathon to Snickers
In the United States, the candy bar was always called Snickers. However, in 1990, Mars, Inc. decided to standardize the name across all markets. The Marathon bar was rebranded as Snickers in the UK and Ireland to create a unified global brand. Although some consumers were resistant to the change at first, the new name eventually caught on, and Snickers became a beloved treat worldwide.
Why the Change?
The decision to change the name was part of Mars, Inc.’s strategy to streamline its branding and marketing. A single, globally recognized name would help reduce confusion and strengthen the brand’s identity across different markets. Over time, this approach proved successful, and Snickers became a household name in many countries.
The Evolution of Snickers
Since its creation in 1930, Snickers has undergone several transformations, introducing new varieties and flavors to keep consumers interested. Here are some of the most notable developments:
1. Snickers Variations:
Mars has introduced different versions of Snickers over the years to appeal to a broader audience. Some popular variations include:
- Snicker Almond: Replaces peanuts with almonds for a different flavor.
- Snicker Peanut Butter: Adds a layer of peanut butter for extra creaminess.
- Snicker Dark: Swaps the milk chocolate for dark chocolate.
- Snicker Ice Cream Bar: Combines ice cream with the classic Snickers ingredients for a cool twist.
2. Limited-Edition Flavors:
Mars has also released numerous limited-edition Snickers flavors, such as:
- Snicker Hazelnut
- Snicker Maple
- Snicker Espresso
- Snicker Fiery
These limited-edition varieties are often seasonal or promotional, allowing consumers to experience Snickers in new and exciting ways.
3. Snickers Minis:
For those looking for smaller portions, Mars introduced Snicker Minis, bite-sized versions of the classic bar.
Global Popularity of Snickers
Today, Snickers is one of the best-selling candy bars globally, thanks to its combination of chocolate, caramel, nougat, and peanuts. It also owes part of its success to clever marketing campaigns, such as the memorable “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” ads, which featured celebrities like Betty White and Joe Pesci. These campaigns emphasized Snickers’ ability to satisfy hunger and helped solidify its position as a go-to snack.
FAQs
1. What was Snickers called before it became Snicker?
In the UK and Ireland, Snicker was known as the Marathon bar. The name changed to Snickers in 1990 for a unified global brand.
2. Why was it called Marathon in the UK?
The name Marathon was chosen because it conveyed energy and endurance, qualities that appealed to British consumers at the time.
3. When did Snicker officially become the name worldwide?
Mars, Inc. changed the name to Snicker globally in 1990.
4. What other popular candy bars does Mars make?
Mars, Inc. also produces popular bars like Milky Way, Twix, and 3 Musketeers.
Conclusion
Before becoming Snicker worldwide, this beloved candy bar was called Marathon in the UK and Ireland. However, in 1990, Mars, Inc. decided to unify the brand name globally. Today, Snicker remains one of the most popular and widely consumed candy bars in the world, with a variety of flavors and versions that keep it fresh for new generations of consumers.
For more candy-related content, check out these posts from our site:
- The History of Mars Bars: Explore the fascinating story behind another popular candy bar from Mars, Inc.
- Twix vs. Snickers: A Candy Showdown: Dive into the ultimate comparison between Twix and Snicker to see which candy reigns supreme.
Additionally, for more delicious dessert ideas, take a look at our No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake and Homemade Peanut Butter Cups for a tasty treat.
For more information about the history of Snicker and Mars products, check out the following resources:
- Learn more about the history of Mars, Inc. and its products on their official website.
- Read about the Snicker brand and its global reach on Wikipedia.
- Find out more about the evolution of candy bar names and marketing on History.com.