National Tic Tac Day

Young man holding a pocket-sized container of Tic Tacs, wearing a retro shirt, 80s style, colorful arcade background.. — National tic tac day illustration

Welcome to National Tic Tac Day! Get ready for a day filled with minty freshness and tiny pieces of sugary fun. On this special occasion, we celebrate the joy of those little breath-freshening mints that have been a lifesaver in many social situations. So grab a box of Tic Tacs, pop one in your mouth, and let's dive into the fascinating history behind National Tic Tac Day!

When is Tic Tac Day?

It's national tic tac day on the 10th October.

The Origins of National Tic Tac Day

Did you ever wonder how National Tic Tac Day came to be? Well, it all started when a group of passionate mint enthusiasts decided that these little mints deserved a day of recognition. After countless online petitions and social media campaigns, their dream became a reality, and National Tic Tac Day was officially established.

This annual celebration aims to spread awareness about the refreshing power of Tic Tacs while giving everyone a reason to brighten their day with a burst of minty flavor.

Tic Tacs: A Brief History

While National Tic Tac Day may have a short history, Tic Tacs themselves have been around for much longer. These iconic breath mints were first introduced in 1969 by the Italian confectionery company, Ferrero.

Initially, Tic Tacs were only available in two flavors: orange and mint. However, over the years, the Tic Tac family has expanded to include a delightful array of flavors, including strawberry, cherry, green apple, and even tropical paradise.

Their unique shape and convenient packaging have made Tic Tacs a popular choice for freshening breath on-the-go. Whether you're stepping into an important meeting or going on a date, these little mints have your back.

How to Celebrate National Tic Tac Day

Now that you know the basics, it's time to join in on the National Tic Tac Day festivities! Here are a few fun ways you can celebrate:

Share a Tic Tac with a Loved One: Tic Tacs are meant to be enjoyed, so why not share the minty goodness with someone special? It's a sweet way to show your affection.
Organize a Tic Tac Tasting Party: Gather your friends and family for a Tic Tac tasting party. Everyone can bring their favorite flavors, and you can rate them based on freshness and flavor intensity. It's a deliciously minty bonding experience!
Create Tic Tac Sports Challenges: Test your hand-eye coordination by seeing how far you can flick a Tic Tac into a cup. Set up different challenges and see who can be the ultimate Tic Tac champion. Just make sure to use a clean cup!
Become a Tic Tac Historian: Dive into the fascinating world of Tic Tac history. Learn about the different flavor releases over the years, packaging changes, and any quirky Tic Tac facts. Impress your friends with your Tic Tac expertise!

Did You Know?

In a marvelous display of coordination and balance, the largest pyramid of Tic Tac boxes was created in Italy in 2018. It consisted of a staggering 4,250 boxes stacked delicately on top of each other. Talk about minty engineering!

History behind the term 'Tic Tac'

1969

Invention of Tic Tacs

In 1969, a brand-new breath mint was introduced to the market by the Italian confectionery company Ferrero. These small, rectangular candies were named Tic Tacs, derived from the rattling sound they made when shaken in their plastic container. The mints were initially marketed as "The 1-1/2 Calorie Breath Mint" and gained popularity due to their unique packaging and refreshing flavors.

1970

Expansion to the United States

Just a year after their introduction, Tic Tacs made their way to the United States. Ferrero established the American branch of the company, Ferrero U.S.A., Inc., in 1970 to distribute their confectionery products, which included the beloved Tic Tacs. The candies quickly caught the attention of American consumers, becoming a staple breath freshener and a popular pocket companion.

1971

New Variety: Orange Tic Tacs

In 1971, Tic Tacs expanded their flavor offerings by introducing Orange Tic Tacs. The tangy and citrusy flavor became an instant hit, adding a burst of freshness and zesty taste to the lineup. Orange Tic Tacs soon became one of the most popular flavors, alongside the original mint flavor.

1980

Mint and Fruit Flavors

Throughout the 1980s, Ferrero continued to innovate, introducing a range of new Tic Tac flavors. They expanded their mint variations, offering spearmint and cinnamon flavors, and introduced fruit flavors like strawberry, cherry, and passion fruit. These additional flavors provided consumers with various options to suit their tastes and cravings.

1990

Big Pack Tic Tacs

In 1990, Ferrero introduced the "Big Pack" packaging for Tic Tacs, offering a larger quantity of the addictively refreshing mints. This larger pack size became popular among frequent consumers and ensured they wouldn't run out of their favorite breath mints. The iconic click-top container remained the same, charmingly associated with the Tic Tac experience.

2009

Shift to Sugar-Free

Tic Tacs underwent a significant change in 2009 when Ferrero made the decision to reformulate the candies as sugar-free. This shift aimed to cater to health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions. The sugar-free Tic Tacs maintained their distinctive flavors while offering a guilt-free freshness option to even more people.