For decades, toothpaste tubes have different colored rectangles or squares imprinted on the bottom edge. They were given several meanings but in reality, it is just a sign so that manufacturers know how long the tube should be.
Over the years, there were several interpretations were made of these squares and rectangles that are printed on all toothpaste tubes with different colors. One of the best known is the one that says that it is a hidden meaning that varies according to the brand and its composition.
Another version pointed out that these squares and rectangles were imprinted to hide something from consumers. However, those signs are there for a much simpler and less interesting reason.
The truth behind the Toothpaste Tube Color Code
According to Snopes, these colored squares are located precisely at the bottom edge of the toothpaste tube so that the machinery responsible for assembling the packaging has a sign of the length that the tube should have and this has nothing to do with the ingredients that are printed in its corresponding description.
“Oral care companies don’t mark their toothpastes with colored squares to try to trick consumers and hide ingredients from them. We’re sure you’re wondering, so why are there color blocks on toothpaste tubes then? We’re happy to report that they do, in fact, have a purpose! They actually help in the manufacturing of the toothpaste tubes by telling light sensors where the end of the tube is so that it can be cut and sealed properly. We know, it’s not as exciting as a secret code, but we think the truth is pretty cool too,” Colgate wrote.