Fruit Gushers were introduced as a Betty Crocker fruit snack in 1991. The chewy, brightly colored pieces became distinctive because a soft outer shell releases a sweet, liquid-like fruit center when bitten.
Gushers were developed and marketed as part of General Mills’ Betty Crocker fruit-snack line. Early varieties included Strawberry Splash and Gushin’ Grape. Their unusual texture and playful shape helped distinguish them from more conventional fruit leather, fruit rolls, and gummy candies.
The product is often grouped with other nostalgic 1990s snacks, but its launch date is earlier than many people remember. Fruit by the Foot, another Betty Crocker-branded General Mills snack, was also introduced in North America in 1991, which can contribute to date confusion. Gushers themselves are not a Kellogg’s or Mars product.
The recipe and packaging have changed over time, including variations in serving size, flavors, and ingredients. Despite those updates, the central product idea has remained the same: a soft fruit snack with a flavorful center designed to “gush” when chewed.