Baby Ruth

Baby Ruth Cleveland

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Wrigley Baby Ruth

Baby Ruth

Baby Ruth is a popular American confectionery bar made of peanuts, caramel, and chocolate-flavored nougat covered in compound chocolate. First introduced in 1921 by the Curtiss Candy Company, it has become an iconic brand in the United States. The bar was named after Ruth Cleveland, the daughter of President Grover Cleveland, although its naming has often been associated with the famous baseball player Babe Ruth.

History

The Baby Ruth bar was created in 1921 by the Curtiss Candy Company, which was located on the same street as Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The company claimed that the candy bar was named after Ruth Cleveland, the daughter of former President Grover Cleveland, supposedly to avoid paying royalties to Babe Ruth. However, the timing of the product's name and its association with the baseball star has led to widespread speculation that the candy bar was indeed named after Babe Ruth, especially considering Ruth Cleveland had died in 1904, seventeen years before the candy bar was introduced.

In 1990, the Curtiss Candy Company was acquired by Nabisco, which later merged with Kraft Foods. Today, Baby Ruth is manufactured by Ferrero SpA, an Italian confectionery and branded goods company, following their acquisition of Nestlé's U.S. confectionery brands in 2018.

Ingredients and Nutrition

A typical Baby Ruth bar contains peanuts, caramel, and chocolate-flavored nougat, covered in a compound chocolate. The bar is known for its rich, satisfying taste and is often marketed as a filling snack. Nutritionally, Baby Ruth bars contain sugar, fat, protein, and a small amount of dietary fiber, making them a high-energy snack suitable for occasional consumption.

Cultural Impact

The Baby Ruth candy bar has had a significant impact on American culture, often appearing in movies, literature, and popular culture. Its ambiguous naming story has also been a subject of interest and speculation, adding to its mystique and popularity.

Legal Issues

The naming and marketing of the Baby Ruth bar have led to several legal battles, most notably with Babe Ruth and the Major League Baseball. The Curtiss Candy Company maintained that the bar was named after Ruth Cleveland, thus avoiding the need to pay royalties to Babe Ruth. This claim has been disputed, but the company successfully defended its trademark without having to change the candy bar's name or pay royalties.

See Also

• Candy bar
• Snickers
• Mars bar
• List of confectionery brands