Chicklets are small, colorful, square candies, created in 1906 by the American company Wrigley, famous for its chewing gum. The original Chicklets were mint-flavored gummy candies, sold in decorative metal tins. They were intended to be used as a quick breath freshener, rather than as chewing gum.
Over the years, Chicklets evolved to include other flavors, including strawberry, cherry, licorice, and cinnamon. They were also marketed in different formats, such as rolls and pocket packs.
Chicklets became very popular worldwide, particularly in Latin America, where they are often sold in grocery stores and street markets. In fact, Chicklets are so associated with Latin American popular culture that they have even inspired songs and jokes.
In summary, Chicklets were created by the Wrigley company in 1906 as mint-flavored gummy candies intended to freshen breath. Over the years, they evolved to include new flavors and different formats, and became very popular worldwide.