Lifesavers in Mexico are called Salvavidas. The roll to the right is in my collection. There appears to be at least 15 individual flavors produced for Mexican retail.
Companies that have made and/or distributed Salvavidas include the following:
- Dulcera Lady Baltimore
- SALVAVIDAS LYAUSA
- Matre Mexico
🚧 I still have a bit of work to do on this article, because Spanish is only maybe a 3rd or 4th language for me. If you are bilingual / know English and would like to help me with this article, I would be thrilled to hear from you at Contact Us.
This TikTok from Memorabilia Cafe (apparently, a retro museum, of sorts) is fascinating.
https://www.tiktok.com/@memorabiliacafe/video/7197935189849378053 - or you can view the advertisement on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AKB4IDCTukU?si=upBjNrqIO0JiSwMo
The TikTok host mentioned the following flavors:
Sabores Surtidos or Assorted Flavors (comparable to American 5-flavor rolls) - which he noted were available in full sizes and a smaller size. This is an older example.
I have observed someone on Pinterest who indicated that these were her favorite in the '80s and '90s.
At any rate, they are available at your local Mexican Walmart.
- Veteados (Swirled), Caramelos Macizos. My sample is marked 1994.
- SABORES (flavors): FRESA-VAINILLA (strawberry vanilla), NARANJA - VAINILLA (orange vanilla), CEREZA - PLÁTANO (cherry banana).
- The production company an ingredients listed on the sample is
INGREDIENTES: AZÚCAR GLUCOSA, ÁCIDO CITRICO, SABORIZANTES Y COLORANTES ARTIFICIALES. DEX TROSA Y BIOXIDO DE TITANIO CONTENIDO NETO 22 4g (*) MARCA REGISTRADA
- Mentol Eucalipto - This was the most exciting to me, because it was the first that I realized that a Mexican cough drop-like flavor had been made. Note that it has a very bright colorful label, which looks as if it may be newer. This is in contrast with the American Life Savers Cough Drops, which appeared to have been discontinued prior to the 1950s or 1960s. Additionally, the latter product only mentions menthol, not eucalyptus.
He also included a black and white TV advertisement of a bee/ mosquito filling up a Salvavidas roll with various flavors. https://youtu.be/AKB4IDCTukU?si=Nh1fdgWmcMpayHGW
Flavors shown on other sites:
- Mantequilla Ron (Butter Rum) - CollectingCandy.com shows a label of these, about halfway through this article: http://collectingcandy.com/wordpress/?p=1655
- Frutas Tropicales (Tropical Fruits) - these were made in Venezuela, and I am not for whether they were available in Mexico. retrieved from https://images.app.goo.gl/zigqm1JfPphiGFnZA
- Here's a version of these from November 1959:
https://anunciosdemexico.blogspot.com/2010/10/dulces-salvavidas-noviembre-1959.html?m=1
- Limon (Lemon) - a label for these includes the address V. DE LAS TORRES No. 120, NAUCALPAN, MEX. PARA SALVAVIDAS LYAUSA, S. DE R. L. DE C. V. MARCAS REGISTRADAS SALVAVIDAS REG. S. S. A. NO. 26575-A
- Naranja (Orange) - Salvavidas Lyausa, c1970 per package label, https://images.app.goo.gl/pes39HY8frK7YaNw6
Further advertisements:
Magazine: https://images.app.goo.gl/2WCa79wV7YgLm8wb7
Television: https://youtu.be/Zdxmy-NL5Rg?si=nVSp7ZkH7NICWTlA
2022, March 1
Querétaro, Mexico became the Mars Wrigley's center of the Mexican, Central America and Caribbean operations. Retrieved from https://www.promexicoindustry.com/en/article/mars-wrigley-opens-its-regional-hub-will-coordinate-the-operations-of-mexico-central-america-and-the-caribbean-from-quertaro
2024, July 15
Watch out for more, Mexico, according to Mars Wrigley's Fadi Abi-Nader, vice President of One demand global emerging markets (GEM):
"Global emerging markets are where the future of snacking will be forged because they are such dynamic and vibrant markets where the opportunities for growth outstrip older markets" (Confectionery)
Mars Wrigley estimates that countries like Mexico, India, Nigeria, and Vietnam will source the consumers that will fuel 3/4 of the growth in the snacking category. These urbanized, fast growing economies will be an important focus for international firms.
Retrieved from https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2024/07/15/Mars-Wrigley-expands-into-emerging-markets
2024, August 10
At least 6 flavors are currently produced in Querétaro, Mexico, by Mars Wrigley for the US population: 5 Flavors (shown on left, w/ red wrapper; Cherry, Raspberry, Watermelon, Orange, Lemon) and Butter Rum, (shown on R, with golden wrapper) as noted on these current labels:
Note
I am personally very interested in knowing if there are any other flavors that are or were produced in Mexico.
See also
What Should have been the Article about Mexican Lifesavers
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Use of Life Savers™️ is a trademarked name, held by the current holder of the product (which has varied through the years).
All pictures are ©️ by Karen Smith-Will and may not be used without written permission.