14 Product Names from the Past That Wouldn’t Pass Today’s Standards
Brand names play a big role in how products are received, but some older ones would never make it past today's approval process. Whether unintentionally offensive or simply strange, many names from the past reflect a different era with less stringent standards.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
Over time, product names have changed to reflect shifting values and social awareness. This article looks at 14 examples of names that once appeared on shelves but wouldn’t stand a chance today. From racially insensitive branding to awkward word choices, each name tells a story about how society has grown. Some of these names caused controversy even back then, while others flew under the radar. Revisiting them offers a fascinating glimpse into marketing history and how language shapes perception.
1. Ayds Diet Candy
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Ayds was a popular appetite suppressant candy in the 1970s and early 1980s. The name was harmless at first but became a major problem when the AIDS epidemic began. Sales dropped as the public made an unavoidable connection between the product and the deadly disease. The company attempted to change the name, but the damage was done. It’s a clear example of how a name can take on new meaning unexpectedly.
2. Darkie Toothpaste
Battlesnake1 on Wikimedia
This toothpaste, once sold in Asia, featured a logo of a minstrel-like character with a top hat and dark skin. It was marketed as “Darkie” for decades, claiming to represent clean, bright teeth. The brand came under fire for its racist imagery and name. Following international backlash, the name was changed to “Darlie” and the logo was updated. Even today, it remains a controversial part of branding history.
3. Fags Candy Sticks
Alf van Beem on Wikimedia
In several countries, candy cigarettes were once named “Fags,” a slang term for cigarettes. While normal in British English, the word is considered a slur in other regions, especially the United States. The product also promoted smoking habits to children. Over time, the name was changed to “Fads” to avoid offense and shift the meaning. The whole concept itself has largely faded away due to health concerns.
4. Spic and Span
Alf van Beem on Wikimedia
While this cleaning product is still around, its name would likely face more scrutiny today. The term “spic” has been used as an ethnic slur in some regions. Though the original name refers to thorough cleanliness, language sensitivity has grown. The company has kept the name, but it’s an example of branding that would be reconsidered in a modern launch. Public awareness now pushes for greater caution in word choices.
5. Coon Cheese
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An Australian cheese brand, “Coon,” was named after its creator, Edward William Coon. However, the term has long been used as a racial slur in several countries. Despite the historical origin, growing concern led to years of protest. In 2021, the name was finally changed to “Cheer Cheese.” It’s a strong case for how context and impact matter more than intent.
6. Uncle Ben’s Rice
Mars Incorporated on Wikimedia
Uncle Ben’s featured the image of an elderly Black man in servant-style attire, sparking criticism over time. The branding echoed outdated racial stereotypes from a different era. In 2020, after global conversations about racial equity, the company rebranded as “Ben’s Original.” It was part of a larger push to remove racially charged imagery from packaging. The change reflected a shift in how brands address their past.
7. Eskimo Pie
Unknown author on Wikimedia
This ice cream treat had a name that referred to Indigenous Arctic people, using a term many now find offensive. While once widely accepted, the name faced scrutiny as awareness of cultural sensitivity grew. The brand acknowledged that the word “Eskimo” was outdated and hurtful to some communities. It was rebranded as “Edy’s Pie” in 2020. The decision showed respect for people whose identities had been simplified or misrepresented.
8. Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup
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Though not changed as quickly as others, the syrup’s bottle design came under fire for its “mammy” stereotype appearance. The brand’s character was seen as a warm figure by some, but as a symbol of servitude by others. Discussions about racial imagery in branding forced the company to reevaluate. While the name stayed, the packaging underwent review. This showed how even visual cues can reflect outdated views.
9. Indian Motorcycles (Logo)
Tampa Morning Tribune on Wikimedia
The brand name still exists, but the logo and marketing materials have changed over time. Early versions showed exaggerated, stereotypical images of Native Americans. While the name remains as a nod to heritage, the company moved away from cartoonish visuals. Native groups have debated the use of such branding. Today’s standards demand more respect for cultural representation.
10. Cream of Wheat (with original mascot)
Cream of Wheat Company on Wikimedia
The longtime mascot was a smiling Black chef named Rastus, a character rooted in minstrel and plantation-era stereotypes. While the name “Cream of Wheat” wasn’t offensive, the branding relied on racist imagery that was phased out in the 2020s.
11. Red Man Chewing Tobacco
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This tobacco brand used imagery and language tied to Native American culture in a caricatured way. The name and packaging were eventually seen as disrespectful. The company rebranded as “America’s Best Chew” in 2020. The original name was part of a broader trend of incorporating Indigenous themes into advertising. Modern standards reject using identity for commercial gain without consent.
12. Aunt Jemima Syrup and Mixes
Unknown author on WIkimedia
One of the most famous branding overhauls, Aunt Jemima used a character based on racial stereotypes from minstrel shows. Over time, her image was softened, but the name remained controversial. In 2021, the brand became “Pearl Milling Company.” The change was part of a cultural shift toward acknowledging harm in everyday branding. It also started important conversations about the history of advertising.
13. Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific
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This shampoo from the 1970s had a name that sounded like a compliment but came off awkward and gimmicky. The phrasing was unusual and more suited for a pickup line than a product. Though popular for a time, it faded out as tastes changed. It’s a reminder of how casual or silly naming can age poorly. Today’s products aim for names that are clever but also professional.
14. Negro Head Oysters
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Sold in the 1800s, this canned oyster brand used a name that is now completely unacceptable. It was a clear example of racial insensitivity being used for marketing. The term is shocking by today’s standards and reflects how far society has come in recognizing dignity and respect. Products like this would not be tolerated in any modern market. It stands as a harsh reminder of past ignorance.