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Candy History, Candy Memories, Candy News, Retro Candy, Valentine's Candy

Ode to the Conversation Heart

February 5, 2019 by
NECCO Conversation Hearts

For generations, Valentine’s Day has not been complete without at least one box of Conversation Hearts. You know them when you see them. Also known as Sweethearts, they’re the super sweet, heart-shaped treats with phrases like, ‘Be Mine’ and ‘Kiss Me’ emblazoned on the front. A staple of school parties and a beloved addition to candy drawers everywhere, Conversation Hearts have truly been a cornerstone of the sweetest holiday of the year for generations. 

Unfortunately, all those days spent loving (or loving to hate) Conversation Hearts will soon become just a memory. NECCO, the original manufacturer of Conversation Hearts went out of business last year, leaving fans of the candy wondering what would happen to this time-tested favorite.

NECCO conversation hearts

This news has left a bitter taste in the candy world. While the fate of this treat hangs in the balance, we are all left wondering how to get our fill of our favorite sweets this February 14th. Whether Conversation Hearts were always your first pick, or if they were the candy you ended up eating after your chocolate stash ran out, they were always there, consistently sweetening up even the dreariest February days.

Spangler Candy Company currently owns the Sweethearts brand, but, having only acquired the brand in September, the company has reported that they did not have time to produce this perennial treat in time for Valentine’s Day. Although Spangler has intentions of bringing the candy back in 2020, there’s no guarantee that we’ll get our beloved Conversation Hearts next year either.

Have any special Sweethearts memories you’d like to share? We’d love to hear! WANT TO WIN OUR LAST 1 POUND BAG OF NECCO CONVERSATION HEARTS? Simply tell us your most memorable Sweethearts moments in the comments below to enter. Keep the spirit of the Conversation Heart alive as we wait to see what next year will bring.

And while you may try to fill the void with other seasonal favorites, there is truly nothing else quite as special as a Conversation Heart.

Candy News

CandyFavorites.com Partners with Arnold’s Candies for Wholesale

December 20, 2018 by

arnold's candies gift boxHere at CandyFavorites.com, we believe that candy is better when eaten together. We also strive to support small businesses at every opportunity. We’ve kept things largely in the family here, and we know what it takes to be successful in this industry! As a result, we enjoy partnering with companies who align with our values. One such company is Arnold’s Candies.

arnold's candies peppermint puffs

For the past 65 years, Arnold’s Candies has manufactured all of their candies, by hand, in Akron, Ohio–just a stone’s throw away from our home base in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. You could say we’re practically neighbors. Before we became CandyFavorites.com, McKeesport Candy Co. was one of the first wholesalers to sell these delicious, sweet-tooth satisfying treats. Suffice it to say, we know a good candy when we see it!

arnold's candies peanut brittle

What sets Arnold’s apart is their dedication to high quality ingredients, no added preservatives, and clear love of spreading sweetness. That is why we are proud to announce that we are partnering with Arnold’s Candies to handle all of their wholesale orders. Now, you can purchase wholesale orders of your favorite Arnold’s Candies through CandyFavorites.com, and we’ll make sure you have only the freshest, most delicious treats you can find.

We hope this will make it even easier for you to enjoy Arnold’s Candies whenever you need them. So, before your next corporate event or large-scale gathering, make sure you have your guests’ sweet tooth cravings covered.

Candy News

Cotton Candy Flavors for Every Occasion

December 17, 2018 by

Cupcake Cotton CandyRemember when cotton candy was a treat reserved for carnivals and trips to the ballpark? As adults, it’s easy to see why our parents may have been less than enthusiastic about this sugary treat being more than an occasional indulgence (read: sugar rush + sugar crash), but in some ways, that made the rare cotton candy event even more fulfilling!

Bacon Cotton CandyThe good news is that as an adult, you can eat cotton candy whenever you want, and the better news is that you don’t have to wait for an annual outing to get your fix. So to help you with your cotton candy consumption, we want to make sure you know that we have all of your cotton candy cravings covered.

If you’re anything like us, then you probably grew up with relatively average cotton candy flavors. The taste was nothing out-of-the-ordinary, but it was great for satisfying a sugar tooth craving. Well, gone are the days of boring cotton candy! Now you can not only get your sugar fix, but you can have it in almost any flavor you like.

A Flavor for Every Fan  

Whether you lean sweet or savory, prefer a classic or run towards the wild side, our cotton candy is here for you. Fans of a sweet cotton candy profile will love:

Birthday Cake Cotton Candy

  • Birthday Cake
  • Cupcake
  • Pancakes and Maple Syrup
  • Peanut Butter and Jelly

 

Those who find themselves counting down to happy hour should head straight for:

Margarita Cotton Candy

  • Rosé Wine
  • Margarita
  • Champagne
  • Beer

Trump Hair Cotton Candy

Morning birds will love both the Coffee and Bacon flavors, while heat seekers will meet their match with Jalapeno. And then there is Trump Hair. Yep, it’s a flavor. And regardless of where you stand politically, we think it’s worth a try!

No matter which flavor you choose, you can rest assured that it’s been hand-packed for freshness, and, if sealed properly, will have a decent shelf life, so you can enjoy at your leisure, or eat it all in one go. No judgment from us, either way.

Convinced yet? We thought so. Don’t wait around to get your hands on this treat. We have a hunch that this sugary, sticky sensation won’t stick around for very long.

Candy Contests, Candy News

Popular Pickle Flavored Treats + A Pickle-Inspired Contest

December 3, 2018 by

Pickle Cotton Candy When you think of fun and interesting candy flavors, you know, the kind you love and can’t seem to resist, which flavors come to mind? Maybe it’s chocolate, or something more exotic and fruity? While we don’t know exactly what you thought of, we’re willing to guess it wasn’t pickle!

Pickle Candy Canes

For most of us at least, pickles are a briny, crunchy, not-at-all-remotely-related-to-candy item, best enjoyed in a moment of savory snacking. But what if pickle flavors could transcend the sweet versus savory binary, to become something more wonderful, more delicious than you ever thought possible?

The truth is, it can! And it has. Our pickle flavored candy category is already a wild success. And if you haven’t had a chance to give it a try, now is your opportunity! We have a range of pickle-flavored items available, so you can satisfy your savory tooth in fun, new and interesting ways.

Pickle Candy for Every Occasion

Pickle Mints

For an after-dinner refresher, you might consider our Dill Pickle Mints. Or for the upcoming holiday season, perhaps some Pickle Candy Canes? Planning a movie night? Our Dill Pickle Cotton Candy could be the perfect addition. And the best part is, pickle lovers, that this is just the beginning.

We get it. Pickle-flavored candy may sound a little strange, but we have a feeling that once you give it a try, you’ll be suspiciously hooked on this unexpected flavor delight! At least, we know we were. And in the spirit of all things pickle-inspired, we’re hosting a contest!

 Enjoying Your Pickle Candy? Enter to Win!

Simply share your opinion on our pickle flavored candy by leaving a review of the product. Everyone who leaves a review on a pickle flavored candy will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 gift certificate, so you can keep your snack drawer filled to the brim with your pickle-flavored favorites.

So what are you waiting for? Get tasting and typing–you could just be that lucky winner.

Contest entries will be accepted until December 31, 2018.

Candy News

Smith Brothers Cough Drops Are Back!

September 17, 2018 by

Smith Brothers Cough Drops

Your favorite childhood cough drops are back!

We all know how comforting it can be to soothe a sore throat with a cough drop. But, did you know the history of everyone’s favorite sick day remedy?

A Humble Beginning

Legend has it that the first cough drop in America came from a small-batch, family-owned candy store in 1847 and continued to comfort sore throats and coughs with a classic, soothing relief, for generations to come. As you probably guessed, the family name was Smith and the store was owned by two brothers hence how Smith Brothers Cough Drops got their name and came into being!

smith brothers honey lemonCreated from a traveling peddler’s formula for cough abatement, Smith Brothers cough drops birthed more than a delicious remedy; they changed how people would care for sore throats and colds for more than a century. Without the candy-making expertise of James Smith and his sons, Sly Hawkins’ secret recipe could have been lost forever.

smith brothers wild cherry

A Commitment to Tradition

In 2016, Lanes Brands—another family business—acquired The Smith Brothers. Today, the company is proud to continue its legacy of quality and historical significance with America’s first cough drop!

Now, the cough drops you know and love are back with three amazing flavors: Warm Apple Pie, Wild Cherry, and Honey Lemon! So whether you grew up on The Smith Brothers or are just discovering this American classic, you won’t want to miss out.

smith brothers warm apple pie

Tell Us Your Story

We know that part of what makes a timeless candy so delicious are the memories you create while enjoying them with friends and family. Share your best memories with us and you’ll be entered to win a free case of Smith Brothers Cough Drops!

You may not look forward to a sick day, but at least you’ll know you can always rely on Smith Brothers.

Candy History, Candy Memories, Candy News, Retro Candy

Black Jack, Beemans and Clove Gum: A Story of Revival

August 29, 2018 by

Black Jack, Beemans and Clove Gum Set to Return This Fall

The lifespan of a candy is never known. What seems like a classic could be gone in an instant, leaving candy lovers wondering how to satisfy their sweet tooth cravings, and feeling that the candy world will never be the same again.

However, for some candies, there is a miraculous comeback story, a happy redemption that reminds us all just how unexpected and beautiful the industry can be. Today, we are glad to report that, long-time favorites Black Jack, Beemans and Clove Chewing Gum will be back on the market this fall.

Gerrit J. Verburg Co. signed the final contracts to take ownership of the three retro chewing gums this summer, a huge step forward in reviving a long-loved trio of gums that have been part of American candy fabric since the late 1800’s.

Three Gums, Three Stories

black jack gumBlack Jack was the first flavored gum in the United States, and the first to be sold in sticks. The gum’s creator, Thomas Adams, purchased chicle in the hopes of turning it into rubber. When that plan failed, he pursued gum instead, and in 1871 Black Jack was born.

beemans gum

Beeman’s was originally marketed as an aid to digestion, due to the fact that the original formula contained pepsin and chicle. It became part of the American Chicle Company in 1898. Known as the lucky gum of pilots, the gum grew in popularity due to its ability to settle stomach acid in flight.

clove gum

The youngest of the three gums, Clove was invented by the Thomas Adams company in 1914. Rumor has it that the strong-smelling gum may have been prized during prohibition for its ability to hide the smell of alcohol.

We Make Candy History Personal 

Each of these gums has a long and storied past, but perhaps the most interesting candy history is the one you bring to the table. Did you enjoy Black Jack, Beemans and Clove in your youth? What do you remember most about the gums? Share your memories of these iconic candies with us, and be sure to sign up so you’ll be notified when all three are re-launched this fall.

When you share a memory about Black Jack, Beemans and Clove gum, you will automatically be entered to win one box each of these iconic gum flavors when they become available.  Contest entries accepted until September 16th, 2018 and a winner will be contacted on September 21st, 2018.  Happy Sharing!

Candy Contests, Candy History, Candy News, Licorice

Giveaway: Enter to Win Our Last Bag of Licorice Snaps!

June 15, 2018 by

Black licorice. When it comes to candy, this may be one of the most polarizing topics out there. Licorice haters may always hate, but licorice lovers are some of the most die-hard fans we know. So if you love licorice, then you already know that Licorice Snaps were a household name for generations.

Licorice Snaps: The Holy Grail of Licorice

Licorice Snaps

In 1914, Martin Kretchmer founded the American Licorice Company in Chicago, Illinois. Back then, Black Licorice Twists were the focus, and when those caught on, the company began to expand their offerings. It wasn’t until the 1930’s, however, when The Original Snaps Chewy Classic Candy came onto the scene. This treat, with its chewy licorice center and pastel-colored candy coating, soon became a cult favorite amongst licorice lovers, nationwide.

Through the years, The Original Snaps Chewy Classic Candy offered countless moments of joy to candy lovers young and old alike. But, in recent years, the candy was discontinued, leaving many a licorice connoisseur to get their fix elsewhere. We are always sorry to see the end of a retro candy, especially one as iconic as The Original Snaps.

But then, we stumbled across something wonderful in our midst: one bag of The Original Snaps Chewy Classic Candy.

How this single gem escaped us before, we aren’t certain. But, we’ve decided to host a giveaway for our last remaining bag of Snaps. After all, it could be the last bag left in the country, so it only seems right to send it off with a bang.

original formula licorice snaps bagHere’s How to Enter

To enter the giveaway, make a strong case for yourself in the comments section below: why should we give you our final bag of Snaps? You could include a nostalgic memory, a funny event–anything that shows us not just how much you love and appreciate this special licorice treat, but why you’re deserving of the very last bite.

So, time to flex your creative muscle! We can’t wait to read your responses. 

Snaps Giveaway responses will be accepted until July 2nd, 2018. The winner will be chosen and notified via email on July 5th, 2018.

Candy News

The Wall Street Journal Speaks to CandyFavorites on the Possible End of NECCO

April 9, 2018 by

There are few things in life that gain enough attention to warrant a place on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. While politics, business, stocks and the economy are frequent flyers, changes in the candy world are not. That is, not unless it’s NECCO Wafer. That’s right. This morning, the NECCO Wafer and CandyFavorites are featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal.

necco

Jon Prince of CandyFavorites.com fielded hundreds of hectic calls over a recent weekend, with some buyers pleading to purchase his entire inventory of NECCO wafers.

CandyFavorites: A NECCO Authority

The article, which details the possible end of the NECCO Wafer and the public’s response, speaks directly with our President, Jon Prince, to get his perspective on the sudden surge in NECCO interest. As he explains in the article, fans of the long-time candy are “shocked and scared,” with some even attempting to buy out his entire NECCO Wafer inventory. And, as it turns out, he’s not alone in fielding frantic customer calls.

In fact, across the U.S., candy sellers have all been experiencing this high level of candy hysteria. And while this may be surprising, considering the notoriously chalky taste of the candy manufacturer’s signature sweet, if anything, it does go to show just how passionately people feel about their nostalgic, childhood treats.

After all, NECCO Wafers and their fellow NECCO products have had world-wide acclaim, showing up everywhere from military provisions (in the Civil War and World War II), to the upper reaches of the Arctic, and, of course, Valentine’s Day school parties. (What is Valentine’s Day without Sweethearts, after all?) Simply put, since 1847, this is one candy company that has truly earned its international appeal.

NECCO Sales Continue to Rise

And now, as customers and NECCO fans fear the worst, they’re buying up boxes of their beloved candies like never before. At CandyFavorites, we’ve increased the limit to four boxes per customer. And yet, for some, that still doesn’t feel like enough. Some estimates suggest that since fans heard of their impending loss, sales have risen 50%, indicating that if Necco does end up closing its doors, it will certainly do so with a bang.

If you haven’t already, you’ll want to check out the full article to really get a sense for the sugar-inspired chaos sweeping the nation. Then, of course, don’t forget to stock up on your favorite NECCO treats, while you still can and share with us your feelings about NECCO below.

Candy Bar Reviews, Candy Memories, Candy News, Hard To Find Candy, Nostalgic Candy Favorites, Retro Candy

Mars Bar and Forever Yours: Perennial Favorites Making A Comeback

March 28, 2018 by

Have you ever heard someone lament the fact that life just “isn’t like it used to be?” We know we’ve heard it many times before, but when it comes to candy, this sentiment seems to be especially true! It’s a common practice for candy manufacturers to change formulas over the years. So, even if a treat has been around for decades, it may not taste exactly the way it did when it first hit shelves.

Mars Bar — Back And Better Than Ever

mars barIf you’re a fan of Mars candy, then you may well know the famed history of the Mars Bar. A popular treat across the pond, the Mars Bar that debuted in America was slightly different from the one available elsewhere. Nevertheless, that “honest to goodness” chocolate nougat covered in milk chocolate and topped with a layer of caramel was hard to resist. In fact, it had quite the following until is suddenly disappeared from American shelves in 2002. Devastation set in, as Mars Bars fans had to find their sweet tooth fix elsewhere.

But, 16 years later, Mars Bars fans are in luck! Ethel M Chocolates, a subsidiary of Mars Inc. is bringing the original formula Mars Bars back. You read that right. Not only are you getting your favorite retro treat–albeit decked out in a new and improved wrapper–you’re getting the original formula, in a classic retro wrapper, beloved by Mars Bars fans around the world.

Oren Young, General Manager of Ethel M Chocolates explained, “The Mars Bar is a favorite among chocolate lovers everywhere…That’s why we wanted to bring back this nostalgic treat in its original form, by using the unique, hand-crafted touch that only Ethel M can offer.”

The relaunch of this international favorite took place in Las Vegas on September 7, 2017.  Young felt the location was the ideal place for the candy’s relaunch, saying, “This was the original Vegas Strip, and while it has a modern look, it still has that iconic feel, which is what we want to accomplish with the relaunch of the Mars Bar under the Ethel M brand.”

Forever Yours Can Be Yours Once More

forever yours barAs for fans of Forever Yours, Mars hasn’t forgotten about you, either! Way back in 1923, the Vanilla Milky Way first debuted, featuring vanilla nougat and dark chocolate–instead of the milk chocolate found in the traditional Milky Way. In 1936, the Vanilla Milky Way was renamed Forever Yours, capturing the hearts and taste buds of many for 43 years until it mysteriously disappeared from grocery stores and candy shelves in 1979.

Discontent over the discontinuation of the beloved Forever Yours inspired Mars to give it a comeback in 2017.   Now, with a new name and wrapper and the same beloved formula of yesteryear, Forever Yours is back on shelves. So if you’ve been craving that dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel combo, look no further.

We’ve Got Your Hard-To-Find Retro Treats

At CandyFavorites, we are proud to offer the original formula Mars Bars and the new and improved Forever Yours (AKA Milky Way Midnight) to our customers. After all, what could be better than getting your hands on a cult classic, in its original, delicious form? So whether you’ve been a long-time lover of Mars candies or are just now giving them a try, you are in luck. We’ve got exactly what you need, and more.

How are you feeling about the relaunch of Mars Bar and Forever Yours? Do these treats bring up any favorite memories from years gone by? Feel free to let us know in the comments.

Candy News

Is It Really Goodbye? NECCO May Close Its Doors

March 21, 2018 by

necco truck

If you were asked to think of a few of your favorite classic candies, what would come to mind  Well, if you are like many, then Banana Splits, Canada Mints, Candy Buttons, Conversation Hearts, Clark Bars, Coconut Crunch Peanut Butter Logs, Malted Milk Balls, Mary Janes, Mint Juleps, Peach Blossoms, Sky Bars, SlapstixNECCO Wafers and Wintergreen Lozenges may be some of your initial thoughts. But can you guess what all of these candies have in common? As it turns out, they’re all made by New England Confectionery Company, better known as NECCO.

A Company that Has Stood the Test of Time

necco wafers

The first of their products to hit the market was the NECCO Wafer. Way back in 1847,  Oliver Chase created a lozenge cutter that was to become the nation’s first candy machine–and the equipment that made the NECCO Wafer possible. Chase soon joined forces with his brothers to market their sweets across North America.

Despite two factory fires and the possibility of losing their business entirely, the brothers persisted, forming partnerships with companies local to the New England area. This dedication paid off, and in 1901, over 50 years after the first NECCO Wafer was produced, the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) was born.

Since that time, the company grew, adding in popular treats of all varieties and expanding its reach far beyond the borders of North America. In its 117 year history, NECCO has satisfied countless sweet tooth cravings, creating cult favorites  that candy lovers of all ages could not live without. Simply put, NECCO established itself not just as a candy company, but as an American Institution and household name for generations of candy lovers young and old. Few companies can boast of such a storied history or product line up!

This Candy Giant’s Future is Uncertain

retro necco ad

And yet, it seems the old saying might be true: all good things must come to an end. Recent buzz in the candy world indicates that NECCO could be going out of business, and taking its successful candies with it. Having represented so many great brands through its impressive history, the loss of NECCO would certainly be a major upset in the candy world.

After all, what would Valentine’s Day be without Conversation Hearts? And what could possibly replace the goodness and convenient variety of a Sky Bar? If the rumors are true, then fans of the company’s sweet treats may just have to find out.

We never like to be the bearers of bad news and know that this update may hit close to home. So as we consider the potential end of an era, will you join us in “keeping your fingers crossed” and reflecting on your favorite NECCO memories? Which candies have you cherished, and how has the company made your life a little sweeter?

Feel free to let us know in the comments below.