Candy History, Nostalgic Candy Favorites

Bit-O-Honey – A Nostalgic Taffy History

January 31, 2014 by

retro-bit-o-honey-candy-wrapperBit-O-History

There’s something great about the sweet stick-to-your teeth Bit-O-Honey that everybody knows and loves. It’s a nostalgic treat that’s been around for what feels like an eternity. But did you know all the chewy details of its past?

Bit-O-Honey first took the stage in 1924. In that year, Schutter-Johnson Company, based in Chicago, Illinois, created a new kind of candy bar. A bar made of almond bits in a honey-flavored taffy; Bit-O-Honey was a far cry from popular chocolate bars at the time.

Made with egg white for extra chew, the six pieces of taffy wrapped in wax paper were a huge success. People were craving that taffy from the minute it was on the market!

bit-o-honey-unwrapped-taffyBit-O-Change

Then in 1969, Schutter-Johnson Company merged with NYC’s Ward Company, the makers of Chunky, Oh Henry! and Raisinets. It was during the time of this merger that a chocolate version of the treat, aptly named, Bit-O-Chocolate was made. However, something about the chocolate variety didn’t catch on, and the product was later discontinued.

Other flavors like Bit-O-Licorice and Bit-O-Peanut Butter were also made, but, once again, failed to find wide approval. Clearly, when it comes to Bit-O-Honey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!Watch Full Movie Online Streaming Online and Download

Bit-O-Bee

Although the different flavors didn’t work out so well, there was an addition from the late 70’s that did manage to stick around. Can you guess what it is? The Bit-O-Honey bumblebee, of course!

This guy has been adorning Bit-O-Honey wrappers for over 30 years! And, just like the original flavor, he doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.

bit-o-honey-modern-wrapperBit-O-Quality

Nestle bought the Bit-O-Honey brand in 1984, and just last year, Pearson’s Candy Company purchased Bit-O-Honey from Nestle. But while this classic treat has been shuffled around quite a bit in its day, you can bet that the Bit-O-Honey you bite into now is just as good as the original.

Text Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bit-O-Honey
http://www.candyblog.net/blog/item/bit_o_honey
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/01/ct-pearson-bitohoney-idUSnPNNY04841+1e0+PRN20130501

Bit-O-Honey

Image Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bit-O-Honey
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bit-O-Honey-Bar.jpg
http://tgm123.com/bit-o-honey-singles-10x36x1-7oz/

You Might Also Like

8 Comments

  • Reply anne July 10, 2015 at 3:34 pm

    We are trying to find out who named the bit o honey candy.

  • Reply Barbara T Singer March 15, 2020 at 8:14 am

    During 2018 – 2019, a chocolate version bit-o-honey was on the market. It appeared to have sold very well. Is it still available? If so, where may it be found?

  • Reply Laura February 28, 2021 at 11:51 pm

    Has there ever been a chocolate bit Oh Honey candy bar? I remember eating one when I was very young. Bit O honey candy bar is about the only sweet I would eat.

  • Reply DiscoverNet | The Untold Truth Of Bit-O-Honey December 31, 2021 at 12:01 am

    […] CandyFavorites.com recalls, Bit-O-Chocolate, Bit-O-Peanut Butter, and Bit-O-Licorice were all eventually discontinued […]

  • Reply Sandy Billardello January 20, 2023 at 11:20 pm

    Why does the candy bar taste different than the individual prices that are made now?

    • Reply Jonah Half February 15, 2023 at 2:24 pm

      In time, formulas and taste buds change. To our knowledge, the formula of Bit O honey has remained consistent over the years. We actually address this on our website and it might be worth reading the link : https://www.candyfavorites.com/candy-flavor-memories

  • Reply Mark Mahaney May 21, 2023 at 2:02 pm

    I have been eating Bit of Honey all my life.Still buy them all the time until recently.They changed them Not the same.Why do they change a candy that is good.Do not like the ones I bought in the last few months.Will not buy them anymore.Stop changing stuff that is good already.

  • Reply Floy Ann Borgman September 17, 2023 at 2:26 pm

    Bit of honey is different now than when I was a child. It has fewer almond bits, if any. I still eat it but it is not as good as it used to be.

  • Leave a Reply