Black Jack, Beemans and Clove Gum Set to Return This Fall
The lifespan of a candy is never known. What seems like a classic could be gone in an instant, leaving candy lovers wondering how to satisfy their sweet tooth cravings, and feeling that the candy world will never be the same again.
However, for some candies, there is a miraculous comeback story, a happy redemption that reminds us all just how unexpected and beautiful the industry can be. Today, we are glad to report that, long-time favorites Black Jack, Beemans and Clove Chewing Gum will be back on the market this fall.
Gerrit J. Verburg Co. signed the final contracts to take ownership of the three retro chewing gums this summer, a huge step forward in reviving a long-loved trio of gums that have been part of American candy fabric since the late 1800’s.
Three Gums, Three Stories
Black Jack was the first flavored gum in the United States, and the first to be sold in sticks. The gum’s creator, Thomas Adams, purchased chicle in the hopes of turning it into rubber. When that plan failed, he pursued gum instead, and in 1871 Black Jack was born.
Beeman’s was originally marketed as an aid to digestion, due to the fact that the original formula contained pepsin and chicle. It became part of the American Chicle Company in 1898. Known as the lucky gum of pilots, the gum grew in popularity due to its ability to settle stomach acid in flight.
The youngest of the three gums, Clove was invented by the Thomas Adams company in 1914. Rumor has it that the strong-smelling gum may have been prized during prohibition for its ability to hide the smell of alcohol.
We Make Candy History Personal
Each of these gums has a long and storied past, but perhaps the most interesting candy history is the one you bring to the table. Did you enjoy Black Jack, Beemans and Clove in your youth? What do you remember most about the gums? Share your memories of these iconic candies with us, and be sure to sign up so you’ll be notified when all three are re-launched this fall.
24 Comments
My favorite memory with the clove gum is being a little girl sitting on my grandpas lap and he would give me a piece. Since now my grandpa is gone I would love to have this gum again just to be able to have that memory of him again doing that when I was little.
I remember the clove gum back in the day growing up in the 70’s. My dad would buy this and let us have a half of a stick. Brings back memories of when I was a kid.
How do I win the gun?
I want to win the GUM. Darn autocorrect.
The first time I had these gums I was on deployment in 2008 while I was in the Marine Corps. I was craving gum but I didn’t know what kind of flavor I wanted. One of my brothers, William Sim came to me and he said hey man have you ever had these gums before and he showed me Beeman’s and clove flavored gum packs. I told him no and he let me try both of them. They were absolutely the best gums I’ve ever had and I was immediately hooked.
I genuinely hope these gums are coming back. I absolutely love them all.
I can’t wait to try these gums for the first time in years!
They’re back in stock now!!
Where can we get them in Georgia?
Hard to say as distribution is very limited. The gum just returned to the market in late December. The good news is that you can purchase them on CandyFavorites.com and they will be shipped directly to your door.
I love the clove him and always have. The flavor stays.
Hard to say as distribution is very limited. The gum just returned to the market in late December. The good news is that you can purchase them on CandyFavorites.com and they will be shipped directly to your door.
Will these gum be produced all the time or is it limited time?
We are not certain but we are certain that demand has been VERY high. We sold out of our first shipment in days. I might suggest you order a few extra boxes to hold you over.
I see you all have revived Clove, Blackjack, and Beeman’s gum. I’m writing to implore that you look at reviving Teaberry. I’m sure you’ve all had it, being a retro candy distributor, and know how uniquely delicious and historic a gum it is. If you would do that, I’d probably wind up singlehandedly keeping you afloat with my purchases
Do they have the ORIGINAL formula and ingredients, or have they been adulterated with chemicals?
Good question! They are made with similar ingredients but, like anything over time, the taste has changed. As per being “adulterated by chemicals,” that is being a bit drastic as the ingredients are the same used in almost any chewing gum with the exception of one made with organic materials. We have a blog page relating to this specific issue – https://www.candyfavorites.com/beemans-blackjack-clove-new-formula as well as https://www.candyfavorites.com/candy-flavor-memories
This is not abt.. gum. Is there a chance to buy the old favorite Sen Sens?
I bought all the three flavors and the recipes have changed from the original. The new clove hurts my stomach. Won’t buy anymore when this order is used.
BlackJack and Clove gum were a staple of my childhood. I had depression era parents. They didn’t have a lot of luxuries in their childhood and my stepmom worked in a hosiery factory for the war efforts. I love the taste of licorice so BlackJack was my favorite. I have had a young co-worker come into the school office with BlackJack gum and asked me if I ever heard of it! I laughed – I said I’m surprised you have it! What’s old is new again! Great product!
All three guns are a special memory of my Grandparents. When I was a little girl, I used to go to Ben Franklin with them. After looking around and picking out a hair accessory or a craft they would buy me a gun pack of my choice up at the counter.
Just received a pack of each on Christmas Eve. I am 75 and my daughter is 52. We both tried all three and thought they didn’t taste the same as we had remembered. Artificial sweetener???
Funny story…my farmer grandpa, who had no teeth, would put a whole pack of Beemans in his mouth at one time.
I love Beemans gum. It also brings back such great memories.
We were given 1/2 piece of gum by mom. When I was a little girl. Now I am 78 years old and buy it at the Licorice store. Only gum I ever buy. I still enjoy the 1/2 piece. It is a special treat for me.
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