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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 History, Candy in Pop Culture, Easter Candy, Hard To Find Candy

Here Come Kinder Joy Eggs, Hoppin’ Down the Candy Trail

March 1, 2018 by

“A day without laughter, is a day wasted.” — Charlie Chaplin

Don’t touch that dial, errr . . . I mean that remote. “It’s time for the Family Feud. Oh wait a minute, I mean the Candy Feud! Today we are going to have some fun with an old favorite game show that was first hosted by Richard Dawson back in 1976 and since 2010 is hosted by Steve Harvey.

Ready people?  OK, here we go!

What’s the top answer to this question: Finish this phrase ________ basket.

Bread basket? Waste basket? Laundry basket? Picnic basket?

And the number one answer is . . . (at least in this blogger’s brain) . . . (drum roll please) . . . is Easter basket!

Alright, alright, I hear you! Yes, I do own a calendar and yes I do live in the present month (sometimes). And yes, it’s true that some days my thoughts are a little scrambled. Some days I honestly don’t know if I’m coming or going. But one thing I do know is that Kinder Joy Eggs arrived in the U.S. and specifically to CandyFavorites. So let’s live dangerously and put all of our eggs in one basket to see if this cult favorite in Europe is all it’s cracked up to be! (Sorry. Some days I just can’t help myself!)

Kinder Joy Eggs

The Italian company, Ferrero manufactures the Kinder Joy Egg, and this chocolate delight was invented by William Salice. The original Italian egg was called Kinder Sopresa, (sopresa meaning Italian for “surprise”). And that surprise inside is what is so unique and popular with kids and collectors about this confection.

Each Kinder Joy Egg is made up of two sides of the egg. One half consists of two creamy milk and white chocolate layers topped with two crispy wafer bites filled with cocoa cream. The other half of the egg holds the toy which varries from cars, to animals, to funny looking creatures, to Disney princesses, to Hello Kitty, to Fairies and Friends and a whole crate load of others.

kinder joy egg

Kind of like what Cracker Jack is to the U.S. but without the “candy-coated popcorn, peanuts and a prize!” Did you know Cracker Jack is over 120 years old and many of the metal toy prizes were made by TootsieToy who made the game markers for Monopoly? And during World War II the prizes were made out of paper.

And just for fun I thought I’d leave you on the “sunny side” with a little humor to go.

Why does a chicken coop only have 2 doors?
Because if it had 4 doors it would be a sedan!

What day of the week do chickens hate the most?
Fry-day!

And last but certainly not least . . .

What did Snow White call her chicken?
Egg White!

Remember you’re never fully dressed without a smile! 🙂

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

Candy Memories, Halloween Candy

It’s All About the Halloween Candy

September 22, 2017 by

“When witches go riding, and black cats are seen. The moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween.”  — 19th century postcard.

halloween ghost costumeBOOOOOO! Halloween! It’s my absolute favorite holiday. Yes, even more than Christmas! Now I know I’m no Morticia (from the Addams Family), or Endora, (from Bewitched) or even close to Glinda,(from The Wizard of Oz) but I just may have some tricks left up my sleeve this Halloween for our Trick or Treaters and a whole lot of delicious candy they’ll howl about!

You see I’m a child of the 60’s and lots of my childhood memories are tied to things that are Halloween. I grew up rooting for the good witch and booing the bad witch on the Wizard of Oz. What I would give to pop into a room like Endora or twitch my nose like Samantha Stevens did on Bewitched and my house would instantly clean itself!

I read Casper the Friendly Ghost and Wendy the Good Little Witch comic books. And let’s face it; it was always Halloween at The Munsters and the Addams Family’s houses. My brother and I were actually allowed to stay up late and watch those hilarious shows on Friday night.

I grooved to “The Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett, a number 1 hit in 1962, and  danced hundreds of times to “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. Yes those were the days my friends. You bet your candy corn!

halloween candy cornI remember my dad driving me and my younger brother to G. C. Murphy’s and picking out that year’s Halloween costume. The costume’s came in a cardboard box and I remember choosing a yellow Tweety bird costume one year and a black cat another year. My older sister Kathy would also make me costumes. One year she made a red and white striped clown costume complete with a huge ruffled white collar edged in red ric rac, a tall pointed hat with 3 red pom poms and a red yarn wig!

We’d go to a local farm and pick out our pumpkins and Indian corn. We’d bring the pumpkins home and spread newspaper on the kitchen floor. My dad would cut the top off and we’d scoop out the seeds with an ice cream scoop. Then we’d carve them into a funny or scary Jack O’ Lantern.

halloween butterfingersBut the very best part of Halloween was going trick or treating through our neighborhood. When we were younger my older sister would take me and my brother out as soon as it got dark. We’d grab a shopping bag or an orange plastic Halloween bag to help us collect all our treats. We’d walk up to the people’s front doors, ring their doorbells and yell “Trick or Treat!!” Then the neighbors would try and guess who we were as chocolate Hershey bars, Clark bars, popcorn balls, Milky Ways, 3 Musketeers, Pay Days, Oh Henrys, Snickers, Butterfingers, and Good n Plenty, were plopped into our bags.

halloween haribo sour vampire bats

When our bags got too heavy to carry, we’d head home to count our treasures. Then my brother and I would separate our candy into piles on our living room carpet and trade each other for the ones we liked the best!

Halloween is creeping around the corner, and it’s time to stock up on some of the long-standing favorites and try some of the new candies from Candy Favorites just out for Halloween.

There’s Twizzlers Caramel Apple Filled Twists, Wonka Halloween Fright Tins, Haribo Vampire Bats, Candy Fangs, RM Palmer Creepy Peepers Mix, and even Box of Boogers, but the kids in your neighborhood will wonder who filled their bags and pillow cases with all these wickedly good treats.

So dress up, throw a spooky party, decorate your yard, and be ready with bags of delicious candy when those costumed kids ring your doorbell and yell “Trick or Treat. Smell my feet. Give me something good to eat!”

I’ve shared some of my favorite Halloween candy memories, and I’d love to hang around for a spell, but now it’s your turn at bat. At the end of my blog, tell me your best Halloween candy memory and I will award my favorite a $50 Sweet Certificate to CandyFavorites.com.  Happy Haunting!

Candy in Pop Culture, Candy Memories, Candy News, Gummi Candy, Retro Candy

Lights, Camera . . . Candy!

July 21, 2017 by

“There’s an electrical thing about movies.”  — Oliver Stone

Grab your tub of buttered popcorn and your ice cold pop because we’re going to see what candy debuted in some famous movies and TV shows. So “Here’s looking at you kid,” as you find your seat, sit back and relax as the curtain opens to some blockbuster candy treats that made their name on the silver as well as the small screen.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Reese's Pieces“E.T. phone home” for some delicious Reese’s Pieces. You all remember the scene when Elliott lures E.T. with this orange, brown and yellow coated peanut butter candy. But did you know that Steven Spielberg originally approached Mars Inc. to use M&Ms in the movie? Unfortunately Mars Inc. declined and that’s when Hershey stepped in and Reese’s Pieces were chosen to star in this block-buster film. Sales of Reese’s Pieces rose 65% after the film was released in 1982. Another interesting fact: Foley Artist John Roesch said he used a wet T-shirt crammed with jello to simulate the noise of E.T.’s waddling walk.

Laffy Taffy Bulk CandyWreck-It Ralph

When Wreck-It Ralph came to the big screen in 2012, candy was seen in an entirely different light. The candy world, Sugar Rush, featured in the movie, was an island completely made of candy and had everything from Mentos stalactites to Diet Cola Mountain, to Laffy Taffy vines, to peppermint racing wheels and candy cane forests.

Early Films

Hershey's Chocolate Bar

  • In the 1927 film, Wings, there was a plug for Hershey’s chocolate.
  • Fritz Lang’s1931 film, M had a banner ad for Wrigley’s Chewing Gum.
  • In the Marx Brothers 1932 film, Horse Feathers, Thelma Todd’s character falls out of a canoe and yells for a “life saver.” Groucho Marx responds by tossing her a Life Savers candy.

gummi bears

Friends

One of my favorite episodes is when Jon Lovitz guest stars as Steve, a food critic and while waiting for Monica’s tartlets to be done, grabs a bag of Gummi Bears and hides them in his jacket. Monica grabs them and they fall into her soup. “Bears overboard, quick grab onto these Sugar O’s!” Steve yells.

Aside from his favorite sandwich, Joey likes Hershey Chocolate bars. Hey it’s Joey, He loves eating period.

Mike and Molly

“Nielsen called a scene in an episode of CBS’ Mike & Molly of Mike eating M&M’s in Carl’s apartment 2013’s best branded and opinion-shifting product integration in a scripted show.”

Seinfeld

junior mintIn season four, there was an episode called The Junior Mints. Jerry and Kramer witnessed the surgery of Elaine’s friend Roy. Jerry wouldn’t take Junior Mints from Kramer and somehow Kramer dropped them into the patient. The chocolate covered mints were also included in many conversations between the main characters. Kramer says “Who’s gonna turn down a Junior Mint? It’s chocolate, it’s peppermint: it’s delicious!”

So don’t be a Slo Poke, or Snicker as I Take 5 and go looking for Mr. Goodbar. Whether you’ll be sitting in front of the big screen or chillin’ as a coach potato, I wish you a Whopper of a good time and Zero days without candy!

“Life is short, make it sweet!”

Candy Memories, Candy News, Christmas Candy, Retro Candy

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like . . . Christmas (Candy)!!

July 6, 2017 by

“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”  –Roy L. Smith

Oh you better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout I’m telling you why -Christmas candy is coming to town in July. Ok, ok, don’t get your mistletoe in a twist! I haven’t lost all my marbles yet, but with Christmas just 6 months away I thought it would be jolly to think about the season in this sweltering heat.

chrsitmas in july hershey kiss

Red, Green and silver Hershey’s Kisses are a Yuletide favorite!

Oh what fun it is to imagine red and white striped candy canes on your tree, or white, green and red Hershey kisses in a bowl on your coffee table. Or how about them stuck in the middle of those Peanut Butter Blossom cookies? Mmmmmmmm . . . I can almost smell them coming out of my oven and plopping them into my mouth!

Here’s an idea: why not surprise your kids and have a Christmas in July day? Surprise them and hang up their stockings on July 24, then fill them with some special candy treats? Leave one little present by their bedroom door with a note that says “Only 153 days until Christmas, so be good for goodness sake!”

Whenever I think of Christmas candy I remember one Christmas in junior high, I made a gum drop wreath using multi colored gum drops. I bought a white foam ring and some double pointed tooth picks and filled the wreath with gum drops. Then I looped red ribbon around it and tied a big bow at the top. It always hung on a mirror on my dad’s big meat cooler every Christmas until New Years. I think I ate every 10th gum drop that came out of that big bag during that fun project! For another festive creation try all green gum drops with a few red ones for the berries. Decorating with candy is as endless as your imagination.

Christmas Gummi Bears in July?

Christmas Gummi Bears in July?

Candy Favorites has a sleigh full of Christmas candy for you to choose from. There are Gummi Christmas bears, trees and snowmen, Christmas Jelly Wreaths, Marshmallow Santas, Brach’s Peppermint and Spearmint Star Brite Mints and even Candy Cane Peppermint Tootsie Pops! I don’t know if I can wait till Christmas to sample them all!

But I think the candy most associated with Christmas has to be the candy cane. Did you know that candy canes go back about 350 years when candy makers were creating hard sugar sticks? Then in 1670, a choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, bent the all white sugar sticks to resemble a shepherd’s staff during the long nativity services for the children.

christmas in july candy cane

It’s all about Candy Canes!

“The first historical reference to the candy cane in America was in 1847, when a German immigrant called August Imgard decorated the Christmas tree in his Wooster, Ohio home with candy canes. About fifty years later, the first red-and-white striped candy canes appeared. No one knows who exactly invented the stripes and Christmas cards prior to the year 1900 showed only all-white candy canes.” (The History of Candy Canes by Mary Bellis)

So Ho, Ho, Ho! Whatever your Christmas candy pleasures are, July is a great time to think about them . . . and order them . . .  and enjoy them early! Don’t forget to include them as you make out your Christmas list. They’re the sweetest addition to your holiday treats, decorating and gift giving.

Now if you’ll excuse me I need find my sunscreen, pop in my Christmas CDs, grab my iced tea, put on my Santa hat and soak up the sun on my deck as I sing my own version of the Twelve Days of Christmas . . . “On the fifth day of Christmas in July my true love gave to me, 5 Fort Knox Milk Chocolate Gold Coins, 4 Lindor Dark Chocolate Balls, 3 Reese’s Peanut Butter Christmas Trees, 2 Naughty or Nice Charms Sweet and Sour Pops and a 7 ounce chocolate Hershey Kiss!

(No worries about me quitting my day job! Haha!)

So have yourself a merry little, delicious, candy Christmas in July! It’s the (second) most wonderful time of the year!

Candy Memories, Candy News

But There Is a Sweet Candy Cure for the Summertime Blues

June 27, 2017 by

“Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is about.”   –John Mayer

“I’m melting, melting, melting . . .” No it’s not the bad witch from the Wizard of Oz. It’s we chocolate bars! Come summer everyone is ready to ditch us because we melt in the heat. Hey, we get it! We do get gooey, lose our shape, stick to your fingers and aren’t too much fun when you find us flattened in your pocket or squished at the bottom of your purse.

We’re not happily packed in your beach bag, included on your summer picnic table, or thrown in your kid’s bat bag for a sweet tasty treat. No, we’re long forgotten. Or maybe if we’re really lucky, just chilled in your refrigerator. But it’s all good because we’re here to offer you some other alternative sweet treats for the Summertime Blues.

So let’s roll out “Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer” and enjoy candies like SweeTarts, which were created by Joseph Fish Smith, owner of Sunline Inc. in 1963 in response to parents wanting a less messy version of the well-liked Pixy Stix and Lik-M-Aid treats for their kids. The sweet and sour flavors were cherry, grape, lemon, lime and orange.

charms blow popsIf you’re hooked on some “Hot Fun in the Summertime” without the chocolate mess, try packing Smarties Lollies, or Charms Blow Pops as a treat for your kids. My dad always had a huge plastic container of Smarties Lollies on top of the meat counter at our neighborhood store. Kids came in after school and bought them for a nickel a piece.     (I’d bet a lot of lunch money went toward those purchases!) The Charms Blow Pops were made popular by The Charms Company and were the company’s best-selling product of all time. This first bubble gum filled lollipop was developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s by Ross Cameron, Walter Reid, and Vince Ciccone.

LemonHeadsWe’re into summer now so if you’re “Walkin on Sunshine” and looking for another melt-less confection, try sunny yellow, sweet and sour Lemonhead candy. Mmmmmm . . . I’d always buy a box of them at the matinee show at the Manos Theater when I was growing up. They were first introduced in 1962 by the Ferrara Candy Company.  Salvatore Ferrara’s grandson was a forceps baby and he thought his grandson’s head looked lemon-shaped. Hence his inspiration for their candy name. Whenever I see a yellow and blue box I remember how they made my mouth pucker with their delicious bursts of flavor.

atomic fireballsIf you want to put a hot blast in those “Summer Nights,” have the courage to try some Atomic FireBalls, another candy produced by the Ferrara Candy Company back in 1954. In 1963 the following quote from a grocer appeared in a newspaper article:  “They’re somewhat like jawbreakers . . . only hotter than &-$%!!”  The heat comes from the capsaicin (a chili pepper extract) added to the candy, not the cinnamon.

So what are you waiting for? “Summer’s here and the time is right for Dancin’ in the Street.”

All we need is candy  . . . sweet candy . . .


(Did you know the artists of the summertime songs throughout my article?)

Here they are:

“Summertime Blues,” 1958 by Eddie Cochran, then in 1967 by The Who.

“Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy, Days of Summer,” 1963 by Nat King Cole.

“Hot Fun in the Summertime,” 1969 by Sly and the Family Stone.

“Walkin on Sunshine,” 1985 by Katrina and the Waves.

“Summer Nights,” from Grease 1978 by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

“Dancin’ in the Street,” 1964 by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, then David Bowie and Mick Jagger in 1985.

ROCK (Candy Swizzle Sticks) ON!

Candy Memories, Nostalgic Candy Favorites

Claeys Old Fashioned Hard Candies, Nostalgic at it’s Finest

June 2, 2017 by

claeys cinnamon There are some times when you come across a candy that has been pleasing sweet tooth cravings for generations, and you have to pause for a moment to realize just how amazing it is that you are enjoying the same candy that people have enjoyed for decades and decades before you were born. At CandyFavorites.com, we love this feeling. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons we are so passionate about retro candies!

Having access to the same treats that our grandparents had is a small way of staying connected to the past and honoring the traditions that came before us. It’s nice to know that by eating a certain brand of candy, you are keeping the tradition alive for the next generation.

Claeys. Generations of Delicious.

This is the way we feel when we think about Claeys Candy. Founded in 1919 by Jerome C. Claeys, the company’s original name was J.C. Claeys Candy. It was in South Bend, Indiana that Claeys had its start, operating out of a garage until a larger building was acquired.

claeys horehound Interestingly enough, the company’s first candy was the Etabar. This was a caramel nut bar covered in icing. The cost? A whopping 5 cents. Boy, times have changed, huh? Since then, the company added a line of hard candies, which we’re proud to have on our shelves today!

Whether you’re craving Horehound, Lemon, Cinnamon, Cherry, or Root Beer, we have the Claeys hard candy that is sure to please. There’s a little bit of something for everyone, especially since these are fat free, gluten free, and made in the USA.

As a family-owned company, we are also glad to see that the current president of Claeys is the grandson of the original owner. Just another reason to enjoy these great treats, right? So what are you waiting for?

Around here, we love learning these little bits of history about the candies we stock. It makes the eating process so much more interesting when you can throw in a few fun facts, too. So, if you’re in the mood for a variety of sweet tooth satisfying hard candies, look no further than Claeys. After all, if they’ve been around from 1919, we’re willing to bet that there’s a pretty good reason! But don’t just take our word for it, go ahead and find out for yourself.

Candy Memories, Candy News

LifeSavers – “A Hole Lot of Fun”

May 19, 2017 by

 “Sometimes memories sneak out of my eyes and roll down my cheeks.”

Did you ever wish you could have just one special day back from your childhood? A day where you could be in a certain place, with a specific person, at a particular time? A day you could freeze and thaw anytime you wanted? I think memories work like that.

I have many ”wish days” but there’s one that I’d love to relive. That certain place would be at our family store, Davidek’s Market, the specific person would be my dad, and that particular time would be after school.

When I was in junior high, the bus left me off 2 blocks from our little neighborhood store.  I’d walk there after school. Wednesdays were one of my favorite days to come through that swinging glass front door. I knew my dad would be waiting for me. In his crisp white starched apron, standing behind the wooden meat block cutting pork chops, probably for our next door neighbor’s dinner. I see him smile and hear him say, “There she is,” as I dropped my books near the black metal, manual adding machine.

Wednesday. It was the day our candy order was delivered. My dad knew to leave it for me to stock. It’s the day I got to open orange boxes of Clark Bars; brown and green boxes of Milky Ways; red, white and blue boxes of 3 Musketeers and cellophane wrapped boxes of Wrigley’s, Juicy Fruit, Double Mint and Teaberry gum. But my favorite candy treasure to open was the little packs of Life Savers.

Did you know LifeSavers were first made in 1912 by chocolate maker Clarence Crane because he wanted a sweet treat that wouldn’t melt in the summer heat? They got their name because they looked like life preservers.

Right in the middle of my dad’s long, white, porcelain meat counter sat a long metal LifeSavers holder. That holder held that same spot for as long as I could remember. I loved filling in each spot with the different colored rolls. I’d unwrap my favorite flavor first –Wild Cherry, which always seemed to be the first ones to go (hmmm . . . I think I had something to do with that). Then the multi-colored 5 Flavor rolls. The green Wint-O-Green. Next the blue Pep-O-Mint. Each little roll fitting snuggly in their designated spot.

Then when I was all through with my candy duties, I’d grab my roll of Wild Cherry LifeSavers, pull that little green string through the foil and plop one in my mouth. Just like it was yesterday, a burst of that sweet cherry delight swirling across my taste buds can bring it all back to me.

Memories of that one special day sneaking into my eyes. Just me and my dad, in the store after school, laughing and talking behind that white porcelain meat counter. With a roll of cherry LifeSavers in my pocket as I catch a tear rolling down my cheeks.