Trying to find the font used for Fruit Stripe gum, as seen in the image here from their website:

The company started in the 1960s, I think? But this font was in popular use during the 1990s.

Hoping to find a free version digitally, but not opposed to a commercial version, or a close match alternative.

Thanks, all! Hope everyone is doing well :)

Just thought I would try one last time / give it a bump :)

Thanks, all!

It looks to me like it has been hand crafted "knocked together" from a couple of typefaces:

"Antique Olive Bold Condensed", FritSrie

"Frutiger Extra Bold Condensed", Frt

"Futura Bold Condensed Bold" lowercase u&p

Then all the glyphs have been tweaked a bit to fit the logo, stretched or clipped, not too difficult in Adobe Illustrator.
Maybe these thoughts will get something thinking in the right direction and come up with an identical font soon for you.

Wow! That is expert analysis. I see exactly what you mean.

You're an expert!

Thank you, Gecko!

Please I am no expert. An ex is a "has been" a spert is a "drip under pressure".