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Sprangler
Dum-Dums’s history has navigated a century of changing tastes, technologies, and marketing landscapes, maintaining its core appeal to children and adults alike. From the original seven flavors to over 100 variations, Dum-Dums is a true American success story.
1924
Akron Candy Company in Bellevue, Ohio, created Dum-Dums. in 1924. I.C. Bahr, the company’s sales manager, named them, thinking “Dum Dums” was an easy phrase for kids to say. Like “Ma-Ma” and “Da-Da,” the name would easily roll off the tongue of a toddler.
Dum-Dums launched with seven flavors: lemon, lime, orange, coconut-pineapple, cherry, grape, and butterscotch.
1953
In 1953, Spangler Candy Company purchased Dum-Dums from Akron Candy and moved manufacturing to Bryan, Ohio. Sprangler produced 84 million Dum Dums in its first year, manufacturing almost 2 million lollipops daily. The brand was popular with banks and doctors’ offices, which gave Dum-Dums away for free to bored children.
1955
The “Save Wraps for Stuff” program was introduced in 1955. Kids could trade in Dum-Dums wrappers for toys and prizes. It was Dum-Dums’ most successful and long-running promotional campaign.
1958-1960
Dum-Dum: The Lollipop Song was released in 1958. It was written by John Goske and John LaLorcca and sung by Johnny Christmas with the help of the Dynamics. The jingle helped Dum-Dums reach into American culture.
And in 1960, Dum-Dum, sung by Brenda Lee, made it to number four on the rock and roll top 10.
1966
The Dum-Dum Drum Man mascot made his print debut in 1966. Created by the Howard Swink Advertising Agency. The humanoid drum was popular with kids. Advertisements used the Dum-Dum Drum Man throughout the 60s and 70s.
1967
Dum-Dums expanded its flavor options with ten new flavors, including Root Beer and Cream Soda, in 1967.
1992
Spangler introduced its “Talking Heads” TV commercial on Nickelodeon in 1992. The commercial won a 1992 Telle Award for quality advertising on cable TV.
That same year, Ernie Banks of the Chicago Cubs and baseball Hall of Fame inductee, became a celebrity spokesman for Dum-Dums.
1995
Spangler introduced the Blu Raspberry flavor in 1995. The bright blue color it left behind on children’s tongues made it a hit, and it is still a fan favorite.
Late 1990s
Dr. Irving, a Capuchin monkey, became an ambassador for the Dum-Dums brand. He was shown sucking and sharing the lollipops with hospital and nursing home residents. He even made an appearance eating Dum-Dums on the Nashville Network’s Primetime Country in the late 1990s.
1997
Sour Apple Dum-Dums made their debut in 1997.
2001
In 2001, the brand also introduced the Mystery Flavor Dum-Dum. The Mystery Flavor was a mix of two flavors.
Limited-edition flavors like Buttered Popcorn were also introduced this year.
That same year, the Save Wraps for Stuff Program returned along with a new kid-focused website at www.dumdumpops.com.
2009-2015
The Strawberry Shortcake flavor was released in 2009, the Dulce de Leche flavor in 201, and the Creamy Caramel flavor in 2012. A few odd variations were released in 2015 with the release of Pizza and Bacon flavors.
2024
Most recently, Dum-Dums celebrated its 100th anniversary with a birthday party and the “Flavorites” campaign. The new campaign centered around people’s favorite flavors. Debuting in the summer of 2024 on TikTok with a custom filter called “Flaunt Your Flavorite” which transformed users’ heads into their favorite Dum-Dums.
Today, about 12 million Dum-Dum lollipops are produced daily in Bryan, Ohio, earning the city the title “Lollipop Capital of the World.” The company produces 17 flavors and new flavors in constant rotation.
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