What Was the Old Name for a Snickers Bar Before It Changed?
Snickers is one of the most popular candy bars in the world, but many people are unaware of the old name for Snickers bar. Known for its unique combination of nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate, this iconic treat was once called Marathon in the UK. This article explores the history of the Snickers brand, the reasons behind the name change, and why it became the global favorite it is today.
The Birth of Snickers: A Beloved Horse
The Snickers bar was introduced by Frank Mars and his wife Ethel Mars in 1930. At the time, the couple had already found success with another popular chocolate bar: Milky Way. As they were preparing to launch a new product—a candy bar that combined nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate—the family suffered a loss. Their beloved horse, Snickers, passed away(The Daily Meal).
In honor of their horse, Frank and Ethel decided to name their new creation Snickers. The candy bar quickly became a hit in the U.S., and its popularity soared. But when the Mars company began exporting the bar to the UK, things didn’t go quite as smoothly.
What Was the Old Name for Snickers Bar in the UK?
When Snickers was introduced in the UK in 1967, the brand faced a marketing challenge. The old name for Snickers bar in the UK was Marathon because “Snickers” sounded too much like “knickers,” a British term for women’s underwear. To avoid potential negative associations, the Mars company opted for the name Marathon(The Daily Meal).
The History Behind the Marathon Bar Name Change
By 1990, Mars Incorporated decided that the time had come to standardize its branding across the globe. The company wanted a consistent name for its products in every market, and so Marathon bars in the UK were officially rebranded as Snickers. This move was part of a larger marketing strategy aimed at consolidating Mars’ flagship brands under unified global names.
You can learn more about this decision from the Mars candy company history. It’s also interesting to note that the global rebranding allowed Mars to leverage the Snickers name more effectively in worldwide advertising campaigns. For example, in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics, Snickers was a major sponsor, and a unified brand name made marketing efforts much smoother(Wikipedia).
Public Reaction to the Name Change
The name change wasn’t universally welcomed in the UK. Many British consumers had grown up with Marathon bars, and the sudden switch to Snickers was met with mixed reactions. Some people even expressed disappointment over the loss of a beloved brand name that had been a part of British culture for over two decades. However, as time passed, most consumers adjusted to the new name, and today, Snickers is as popular in the UK as it is in the U.S.
Why Branding Matters
The decision to rebrand Marathon to Snickers highlights the importance of brand consistency. In today’s globalized world, having a unified brand name makes it easier for companies to advertise and sell their products across multiple markets. In the case of Snickers, the move to consolidate its name globally helped cement its place as one of the world’s most popular candy bars.
Having a consistent brand name also allows companies to create stronger emotional connections with their consumers. For Mars Inc., unifying the Snickers brand allowed them to run larger, more effective marketing campaigns. The famous “You’re not you when you’re hungry” campaign is a prime example of how a unified brand can create memorable, impactful advertising that resonates with consumers across the globe.
Snickers Through the Ages: A Consistent Classic
Although the name may have changed in the UK, the Snickers bar itself has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 1930. The original combination of nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate is still the core of what makes Snickers such a satisfying treat. Over the years, the company has introduced limited-edition flavors and variations, such as Snickers Almond and Snickers Peanut Butter, but the classic version remains the most popular.
One fun fact is that in 2020, Mars Inc. made the largest Snickers bar ever, which weighed over two tons! It briefly held the Guinness World Record for the largest chocolate nut bar before it was surpassed by a giant Reese’s candy.
FAQs About the Snickers Bar
What was Snickers’ old name in the UK?
In the UK, Snickers was known as Marathon from 1967 until 1990.
Why did Mars change Marathon to Snickers?
The company wanted to standardize its brand name across all markets for consistency in global advertising.
What was the reason for the original name Marathon?
The name Marathon was chosen to avoid the potential negative connotations of the word Snickers, which rhymed with “knickers” in British English.
Has Marathon ever returned to stores?
Yes, Mars has occasionally reintroduced Marathon bars in the UK as part of limited-edition nostalgic campaigns.
Snickers and Its Place in Popular Culture
Snickers has not only become a staple of the candy aisle but also a significant part of pop culture. The brand’s famous slogans, such as “You’re not you when you’re hungry,” have become widely recognized. Additionally, Snickers has featured prominently in sporting events, particularly in connection with the Olympics and the NFL.
The brand’s ability to evolve with the times while keeping its core product consistent has allowed it to remain relevant. Whether it’s the classic Snickers bar or one of its limited-edition flavors, the brand continues to satisfy consumers worldwide.
Conclusion
Although the Snickers bar has always been the same product, its name has varied across different markets. The decision to rename the Marathon bar in the UK to Snickers helped solidify the candy bar’s global brand identity, making it easier to market and advertise around the world. Today, Snickers remains one of the top-selling candy bars globally, beloved for its irresistible mix of nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate.
To explore more exciting Snickers recipes, check out the Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe or learn about the new Snickers Butterscotch Scoop flavor on MarlynRecipes.com.
