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Candy History, Candy in Pop Culture, Candy Memories, Candy News, Hard To Find Candy, Retro Candy

CandyFavorites Feature Interview on Alison Stewart’s Award-Winning Podcast, “All of It,” on WNYC!

August 15, 2022 by
Click above to listen to the interview with Alison Stewarts, an award-winning podcast, “All of It.”

Jon H.Prince, President of CandyFavorites.com, was honored to be interviewed by Alison Stewart on WNYC, New York’s Public Radio Station, on her award-winning podcast “All of It.”

He enjoyed a scintillating conversation and discussed the reported demise of the beloved Choco Taco and how sweets are embedded in our memory of times past!

Click on the picture above to enjoy our discussion!

Candy News, Retro Candy

Meet the newest members of our CandyFavorites Bag Candy family

June 9, 2021 by

First launched in the 1950s, our private label bag candy program has become a staple at many of the best candy stores in the nation.

These new items are a perfect way to expand your offerings with a decidedly retro twist.

Andes Creme De Menthe Mints have been around since the 1950s and were amongst the first chocolate items that we offered.   In one of those odd twists of fates, we stopped bagging them in the 1980s, and it wasn’t until doing a little research that we realized that these were one of the best-selling items of yesteryear. 

If only as a nod to the past and the hopes of increased sales for our retailers, we reintroduced them in June.  Yes, they sell better than ever, and why they were temporarily discontinued remains a mystery.  

Mallo Cups are a Western Pennsylvania favorite as they are made in a small town called Altoona, located outside Pittsburgh, PA.  We have been selling them for over 85 years, and while they don’t offer the “rewards card” anymore, they still taste as good as ever.  

Here’s a piece of candy trivia – Did you know that Mallo Cups were the first cup-styled candy ever produced? Learn more about their fabled history by clicking HERE.

Last but certainly not least are Fruit Jelly Beans. Amongst the first items we ever offered and generally reserved for Easter, we have received so many requests for a classic jelly bean that we are now offering them year-round. Some candies need no introduction.

Whatever your candy needs may be, our CandyFavorites Private Label Bag Candy is the perfect way to expand your candy section with minimal effort.

Candy News, Retro Candy, Wholesale Candy News

Teaberry, the Original “Easy Chewing” Gum is making its debut!

February 10, 2021 by
A Teaberry Gum Ad from the 1950s

Usually, when people reminisce on the D.L. Clark Company (created back in the late 1800s), they associate the Clark Bar’s name and good ol’ Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (our home field ). But there is another star that has to share the spotlight with the sought after candy bar, Teaberry Gum. Think of a refreshing mint gum that isn’t too harsh on the taste buds, and that is what you get with Clark’s Teaberry Gum, or, at least, that is what you got before it disappeared from well-stocked retro candy counters a few years ago.  So, lucky for vintage candy fans, Teaberry Gum is set to return this year.

But how did this special chewing gum come to be? The D.L. Clark Company had so many different types of candy that they had to create smaller companies to focus on their products. And voila! The Clark Gum Company was born. 

This spin-off company took over all the gum products from the D.L. Clark company, and in 1900 debuted Teaberry Gum. This gum hit the scene soon after; the company acquired the patent for “easy chewing gum.” The flavor had its origins in Teaberry Leaves that Mr.Clark enjoyed as a child before chewing gum was readily available.  In case you are wondering, Teaberry is a berry that has a minty, wintergreen flavor (don’t be embarrassed I didn’t know what it was either). Sounds refreshing, I suppose? 

Teaberry Advertisement from the 1940s

Teaberry Gum took off in the 1960s after Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass Band performed the “Teaberry Shuffle.” Originally a Tijuana Brass Tune, the song was named “The Mexican Shuffle.” Still, for the commercial’s purposes, “The Teaberry Shuffle” came alive as the famous commercial showed people chewing Teaberry Gum, performing an everyday task, and suddenly busting out a few dance moves before returning to their job. The memorable campaign was accompanied by the slogan, “Have a little fun,” which only made people more excited to chew on a refreshing piece of Teaberry Gum. 

So, now that a new manufacturer is giving new life to Teaberry Gum, why not indulge and have a little fun with your gum?  Sign up here and be the first of your peers to take a trip down memory road….

Brachs Candy, Candy History, Candy Memories, Easter Candy, Retro Candy

About the Goose that laid the Golden (Brach’s Marshmallow Easter Hunt) Egg

March 15, 2019 by

It may not be laid by a mythical Golden Goose, but Brach’s Marshmallow Easter Hunt Eggs are pretty much the proverbial “golden egg” when it comes to Easter candy even if they only come in soft pastel shades. They are also among the hardest to find.  So, why are these eggs so special?

brach's marshmallow hunt eggs
Brach’s Marshmallow Hunt Eggs have longer been a must in any well stocked basket.

For over 50 years, our wholesale division has been selling these colorful oversized sugar laden eggs, and they have changed little over the years.   The size has gotten smaller – name us a candy which hasn’t – but the colors and taste have remained consistent with the hard candy outer shell covering soft marshmallow. Flavors combinations don’t often get better.  

Like many “cult” candies, they can be divisive.  Some claim that they taste better when they are soft to the touch while others claim “Hunt eggs” are better when slightly hard. This argument applies to another marshmallow based Easter candy, Peeps.  There may not be an answer to this esoteric question, but there is no doubt that they are one, if not the, most sought after Easter candy that we offer.  (for the record, we prefer them slightly crunchy)

Brach's logo
Did you know that we are one of the oldest Brach’s Candy distributors in the nation!

Since Day One, whenever that may have been, each bag contained a rainbow of colors and flavors.  In 2019, the color assortment features Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, and White with delightful tastes such as Grape, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Raspberry, Strawberry, and Vanilla.  Each piece is individually wrapped making them perfect for Easter Egg Hunts hence their name.   

We have a customer who dropped them out of a helicopter, another who tossed them from the top of a Ferris Wheel and one who scattered them over a nine-hole golf course!   Of course, you don’t have to go to lengths to enjoy them. They taste just as good when included in an Easter Basket or put in a colleagues candy jar or retrieved from your briefcase or purse or found a few months later in a desk drawer.

Although increasingly hard to find, these delightful Easter Candy have brought joy to many generations, and we hope this continues as Easter wouldn’t be the same without a colorful Brach’s Marshmallow Egg.  Let’s hope we don’t lose the Goose who laid them!

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 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 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 History, Candy Memories, Candy News, Retro Candy

Talking Candy History On the Airways

March 20, 2018 by

These days, the candy industry is a noisy place to be. With new products competing against perennial favorites, cult classics making a comeback and old favorites getting the final cut, it can be a challenge to separate fact from fiction and trust that you are getting your candy insights from a trusted source. At CandyFavorites, we’re proud to stand out from the noise, providing our customers with high quality candy from yesterday and today, while also offering an experienced perspective on the pulse of the industry. Since 1927, we have led the way with our customer service, attention to detail and deliciously sweet treats. It is always an honor to share our knowledge of and passion for candy with the wider world, and we hope you’ll always feel free to reach out to us with any questions. We’re here to serve you.

Please enjoy this recent interview with our President, Jon Prince on Let’s Dine Out with Allen Borgen on NPR’s Food Talk Radio Show.

Candy Memories, Candy News, Retro Candy

Love ’em or Hate ’em: America’s Controversial Candies

January 22, 2018 by

What comes to mind when you think of the most controversial candies? Do you think of Circus Peanuts, Mary Janes, or Candy Corn? After much research, I have learned that the top three most controversial candies in America are those three. People think of circus peanuts as confections, not even candy, candy corn is one of those candies that you either love or hate, and as for Mary Janes, people say that peanut butter shouldn’t be chewy. But I think there are some really great aspects of these candies that consumers should stop overlooking, so let’s take a deeper look.

Candy cornCandy Corn is a small triangular candy split into 3 different colors: yellow, orange, and white. These bite size pieces really pack a flavor punch though. With their slightly bitter butter flavor, one is normally very intrigued by the sharpness or completely disgusted. It is claimed that a Pennsylvania candy company worker in the 1880s named George Renninger was the creator of the most debated candy in America. He must’ve been very proud of himself. These little nuggets of sweetness are the perfect Halloween treat, but can be eaten year round, and can be used to make some mean art projects.

  • Share-ability: 10
  • Denture Danger: 6
  • Convenience: 5
  • Novelty: 3
  • Overall: 7

Circus peanuts can be described a lot of ways. I’ve heard people say that it is like a hardened banana cotton candy, a puffed air taffy, and a taffy made of foam. These odd little marshmallows are banana flavored and very easily chewed. Circus peanuts started off in the 1800s as penny candies and the inventor is unknown. Although you’d think that because the candies are orange in color, they would be orange in flavor too- the candies are actually that sweet artificial banana flavor that I have always loved. These marshmallow treats are quick dissolving and fast to eat. They are also fat free and don’t leave you with a nasty aftertaste. With all that in mind, just remember that these strange little candies will always give you a lot to talk about.

  • Share-ability: 8
  • Denture Danger: 2
  • Convenience: 7
  • Novelty: 8
  • Overall: 6

Mary JaneMary Jane’s are small tan rectangles that are meant to be chewy, but are actually very difficult to eat. They have a peanut butter and molasses taste which is very evident once they eventually become soft. These little candies were created in 1914 by the Charles Miller company and they were named after the creator’s aunt. After trying these candies, I have really learned to appreciate them. At first I had a hard time getting used to the amount of work that it took to eat them, but after that, I found the flavor to be quite enjoyable. I have always been a peanut butter fan and on the inside there is a bit of the gooey food for consumers to love as well. These are now one of my favorite candies because they are very tasty and have a texture that doesn’t really exist within any other candies.

  • Share-ability: 7
  • Denture Danger: 10
  • Convenience: 8
  • Novelty: 9
  • Overall: 9

So now that you know a little more about these unique, controversial kinds of candies, I hope that you have found a new appreciation for them. Next time you look at Candy Corn, Mary Janes, or Circus Peanuts sitting on a shelf at a store, maybe you’ll pick up a bag and delve into some flavorful adventures. Or you can buy them right here at CandyFavorites.com