Making History Come Alive Newsletter Offers You The Baby Ruth candy bar is a popular confectionery product in the United States

Known for its combination of nougat, caramel, and peanuts, all coated in chocolate. Its history is rich and intertwined with American culture, featuring themes of marketing, competition, and branding. Below is a detailed exploration of the history of the Baby Ruth candy bar.

Origins of the Baby Ruth Candy Bar

1. Creation and Early Years:
- The Baby Ruth candy bar was created in 1920 by the Curtiss Candy Company, which was founded by Otto Schnering in 1916 in Chicago, Illinois.
- The original recipe combined a rich nougat base, sweet caramel, and crunchy peanuts, all enveloped in a layer of chocolate, which quickly became a favorite among consumers.

2. Naming Controversy:
- The name "Baby Ruth" has been the subject of much debate. While many assume it was named after the famous baseball player Babe Ruth, the Curtiss Candy Company claimed the candy bar was named after President Grover Cleveland's daughter, Ruth Cleveland.
- The timing of the candy bar's launch coincided with Babe Ruth's rising fame in the 1920s, and the marketing strategy linked the product to the baseball star, which significantly boosted its popularity. The assertion that it was named after Ruth Cleveland was often seen as a marketing ploy.

Marketing and Popularity

3. Aggressive Marketing Strategies:
- The Curtiss Candy Company utilized innovative marketing strategies to promote the Baby Ruth bar. This included catchy slogans and advertisements that emphasized the bar's unique combination of flavors and textures.
- The candy bar was heavily marketed as a nutritious snack, appealing to health-conscious consumers and sports enthusiasts.

4. Celebrity Endorsements:
- The association with Babe Ruth brought significant attention to the candy bar. In the 1920s, the candy bar was marketed as "the candy bar for athletes," further linking it with the idea of energy and performance.
- The Curtiss Candy Company also engaged in celebrity endorsements and sponsorships, which helped to solidify the brand’s place in American culture.

Competition and Changes

5. Market Competition:
- Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the Baby Ruth candy bar faced competition from other popular candy bars, such as Snickers and Milky Way. To maintain its market share, the Curtiss Candy Company continued to innovate and adapt its marketing strategies.