Of course, one of the biggest icons every Fourth of July is the Bomb Pop. Just like the American flag, the flavor-packed popsicle has three colors—red, white and blue—and has been a fixture for 70 years. (Depending on where you grew up, you might know it as a Firecracker instead.)
The limited-time Extra Strength shot packs 230mg of caffeine—about as much as a premium 12-ounce cup of coffee. It's got zero sugar—but tons of flavor—and B-vitamins and nutrients to help you stay energized from the morning parade with the kids to an afternoon at the beach and all the way through the big barbecue and firework party at night.
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The Bomb Pop Origin Story
Just like Saved by the Bell's Zack and Kelly, the Bomb Pop is an American institution!Photo by William Nation on Getty Images
In 1955, two employees from Merritt Foods—a Kansas City-based ice cream novelty company—were driving from Memphis back home to Kansas City and brainstorming ideas for a new kind of ice pop. D.S. "Doc" Abernethy and James S. Merritt wanted something eye-catching, multi-flavored and unmistakably American. By the time they arrived home, they had it: a red, white and blue rocket-shaped popsicle with six fins, three stacked layers of flavor and a name that perfectly captured the moment. And on July 30, 1955, the Bomb Pop was officially born.
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The Bomb Pop vs. Firecracker Drama, Explained
For over 30 years, the Bomb Pop dominated freezer aisles and ice cream truck windows across the country. But the lore truly begins when American patriotism surged again as the Berlin Wall began to fall—signaling the end of the Cold War and a major win for the U.S.
That's when Popsicle—a much bigger and more widely distributed brand—launched its own three-layered, rocket-shaped treat: the Firecracker. Same cherry, lime and blue raspberry combo. Same exact vibe, except packaged under a different name and a slightly different shape.
Bomb Pop or Firecracker? Even the ice cream man can't always tell at first glance!Photo by Ronda Churchill on Getty Images
In 2014, Unilever—the maker of the Firecracker—filed a complaint against Wells, the creator of the Bomb Pop. Their argument was that the Bomb Pop's packaging was "confusingly similar" to the Firecracker's. Wells fired back with a counterclaim, arguing that Unilever was falsely advertising the Firecracker as "The Original"—when it really wasn't. In a win for the underdogs, the court ultimately sided with Wells.
So to settle the debate once and for all: The Bomb Pop is the original, invented in 1955. The Firecracker came along 34 years later, in 1989. But because Popsicle's distribution is so massive, the Firecracker name took over in many parts of the country.
Who Makes Bomb Pops Today?
The Summer I Turned Pretty's Gavin Casalegno celebrates National Bomb Pop Day in 2023.Photo by John Lamparski on Getty Images
And under Wells' ownership, the original three-layered treat has multiplied into a full lineup. There are now nine main Bomb Pop flavors—plus four extra-intense "Extremes" varieties for kids who like a challenge. The current lineup includes Watermelon, Banana Fudge, Hawaiian Punch, Nerds, Crush, Berry Burst, Candy Clash and—of course—the original Cherry, Lime and Blue Raspberry that started it all. There have even been collaborations along the way, including a Buzz Lightyear version released by Disney in 2003.
In 2005, Wells made it official by establishing National Bomb Pop Day. It's celebrated every year on the last Thursday of June, so mark your calendar!
5-hour ENERGY's New Firework Freeze Flavor is a Bomb Pop Lover's Dream
5-hour ENERGY's newest flavor—Firework Freeze—packs the perfect punch of 4th of July parade nostalgia.That's exactly where Firework Freeze comes in. The brand-new 5-hour ENERGY flavor is a love letter to the classic Bomb Pop, reimagined as a 1.93 fl oz shot. Every sip delivers that same nostalgic three-flavor experience: bold, juicy cherry that gives way to a citrusy lime, then finishes with a crisp blue raspberry tang. Since it's sugar-free, you can save those calories for ribs and hot dogs. And the best part? Its compact size makes it perfect to bring on the go—and it won't ever melt in your purse or make your hands feel sticky.
I tried it myself and it tastes just like the Bomb Pops I grew up with. It's the kind of flavor that immediately transports you back to your childhood summers—except this time, you're an adult with responsibilities and a to-do list. Thankfully, this new flavor will help you tackle it all.
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