It was first sold by Life Savers in test markets in the Western U.S. in 1974.

[2][3] In 1977, rumors began to spread that the gum's soft, chewable secret was the addition of spider eggs.

[4] The Life Savers Company addressed the issue with an official full-page rebuttal printed in prominent U.S. newspapers (including The New York Times), to dispel the rumor and restore public confidence.

[4] Sales of the gum soon surpassed sales of Life Savers candy, and it became the most popular bubble gum brand.

[5] Nabisco bought Life Savers in 1981, and The Hershey Company acquired the Bubble Yum brand in 2000.