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!
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...
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....
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 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...
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...
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...
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 If you’re a fan of Mars candy, then you may well know the famed history of the...
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...
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....
“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 “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...
“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. Red, Green and silver Hershey's Kisses are a Yuletide favorite! Oh what fun it is to imagine red and white...
“Candy is childhood, the best and bright moments you wish could have lasted forever.” --Dylan Lauren The sun teases me as I sit in my fourth grade classroom. I’d squirm at my desk and anxiously wait for that 3:30 dismissal bell to ring. 3:25, 3:26, 3:27. Come on bell. Gees! Can’t that minute hand move any faster? Oh man, I hope Mrs. Daugherty doesn’t give us math homework today. Doesn’t she know it’s a beautiful spring day? Doesn’t she know children need to get outside and play after school? You know, jump rope. Play dodge ball. Roller skate up and...
“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” Anais Nin First of all, let me tell you that I am honored to be a blogger. My name is Mary Lynn Davidek Alpino. When I broke the news to my 20 year old daughter, Ashley, she was pleasantly surprised that her mom even had an inkling of an idea just what a blogger is and my 25 year old son, Ryan said quite simply, “That’s cool mom!” And since this is a blog for CandyFavorites, it is my intention “to taste life twice.” Did you know...
Heads Up, Candy Lovers! Candy Flavored Coffee and Hot Chocolate Is Coming To You When you think of CandyFavorites, we’re willing to bet that you probably think of us as straight up candy people. And, it makes sense. After all, we were founded on the principle of great, accessible candy. However, nothing maintains greatness like innovation. So, it should come as no surprise that, in this new year, we’ve got a few new tricks up our sleeves. One such development involves candy flavored coffee and hot chocolate! You read that correctly. We’re excited to announce that we now carry a...
When Thanksgiving comes around, there’s bound to be plenty of discussion about food. Especially if you’re the one tasked with hosting the event, we’re willing to bet that you are already up to your ears with ingredient lists and potential food ideas that will please the many varied taste buds that you’ll be welcoming around the dinner table. While most people tend to stop their checklists at dessert, we feel that isn’t quite fair to the most important food group: candy, of course. Sure, pumpkin pie and turkey are Thanksgiving staples, but has anyone ever complained about a little bit...
Nothing says “it’s time to eat candy” quite like Halloween. While we tend to think that any time of year is a good time for a sweet treat, the celebration of Halloween practically requires it! After all, the night would just not be as fun if it didn’t end with a sugar high! But before you can even begin the trick-or-treating, you’ll have to decide on a costume, right? That is definitely the most important part. And, as a result, there’s a chance you may be at a loss for what to do. Around here, when we have a question...
It’s that time of year again. The days are getting shorter and cooler, the leaves are beginning to fall, and football season is back! And if there’s one thing that goes hand-in-hand with football season, it’s tailgating. From a food perspective, some of the greatest tailgating took place in the 80's, when sloppy joes and pasta salad reigned supreme. But, of course, no sports-watching experience would be complete without a sweet treat to finish things off. Luckily, the 80's were full of great candy debuts that we still love today! So while Waldorf Salad and dips in bread bowls may...
By Susan Amerikaner We recently celebrated our 35th Wedding Anniversary. We are not big entertainers: not party-goers or party-givers. But my husband felt we ought to somehow mark this milestone in style. And thanks to CandyFavorites—and my own planning--our party was a wild success. People have been asking me how I did it. So I decided to write and share. This was a decidedly adult affair, but you can easily adapt for children’s birthdays. We used candy, creativity and the film Casablanca. For children, you could easily use a film such as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory! (I prefer...
Snap From The Past Black licorice. Some people love it. Some people hate it. But no matter where you stand on the licorice spectrum, wouldn’t licorice be better if it was coated in something sweet? Like candy? We think so, and apparently we’re not alone. You see, the good people at the American Licorice Company are one step ahead of you, and have been for quite a few decades. An Instant Classic The American Licorice Company started in 1914 in Chicago, Illinois. Back then, their very first candy was licorice twists. Next came licorice cigarettes and cigars, during the Great...
A Peach Blossom A Day Peach Blossoms are a candy that tastes as sweet as it sounds. A truly American treat, they also happen to be made by an American company with a history that stretches far longer than you may have expected. It all started back in 1847. It was in this fateful year that a man by the name of Oliver Chase invented the lozenge cutter. Chase was a pharmacist, so he wasn’t necessarily in the candy-making business. But, as it turns out, the creation of this machine, which allowed long ropes of sugar to be cut into...
The Early Days of a Retro Candy Bar The history of the Abba-Zaba bar goes way back, all the way to 1922, to be exact. It was a different time, then. The first radio had just arrived at the White House, Egypt received independence from Great Britain, and a little candy company called Colby and McDermott was manufacturing a new kind of candy bar in Los Angeles, California. What made this candy so special, you might ask? Well, it consisted of a white taffy exterior with a creamy peanut butter center. Known as the Abba-Zaba bar, this stick-to-your-teeth confection became...
The first Valomilk candy cup was created in Kansas by the Sifers company in 1931. The Sifers company had gotten its start by making hard penny candy and then moved on to boxed chocolates and 5-cent candy bars. Like most great inventions, the first Valomilk was the product of a happy accident (serendipity, you might say). Making a Marshmallow Mess At that time, the vanilla used to make marshmallows had a lot more alcohol in it than it does today. When a candy maker added too much vanilla, it would prevent the marshmallow from setting properly. Fortunately, when life handed...
This Sunday, Mad Men is coming back for season six. Whether you’re gathering with friends for the big show or snuggling up solo to view your guilty pleasure, there are preparations to be made. You’ve acquired a snazzy vest and equally dapper fedora. You’ve printed out all of the appropriate cocktail or mocktail recipes. You’ve listened to some Billy Page, Dusty Springfield, or Nancy Sinatra. And you’ve got the candy. You did get all the right 1960’s retro candy, didn’t you? Well, if you have not yet set yourself up with yummy, relevant, retro candy, then we have some treats...
Shopping by DECADES is a NEW way to shop for Old Fashioned Retro Candy and our Confectionary Timeline is a great place to learn about the history of candy! There's something about old fashioned candy that immediately transports everyone with a demanding sweet tooth back to the days of picking out their favorite treat at the corner store. CandyFavorites.com specializes in reviving sweet memories with the internet’s largest selection of retro candy. In fact, browsing through our site is much like taking a quick lesson in the history of candy. Most candy connoisseurs have a definite product in mind...
Black Taffy Is the Black Jack Throwback Sharability: 9 Denture Danger: 10 Convenience: 10 Novelty: 9 Overall: 9 Primrose Candy Company’s Black Taffy is not what you might expect. For starters, the candy itself has only an accent of black color. This is a salt water taffy type candy, but every pieces holds the unmistakable flavor of black licorice. The candy itself is aesthetically pleasing, a peach colored ring around a black center and dash of red coloring on the side. Some might see this black taffy and think, “Oh, Black Jack! I remember that classic candy!” The original Black...
The Zero Bar is a candy with a long history as it was first introduced in the 1930's by Hollywood Candy Company but it now owned by Hershey Foods. This wrapper , circa early 1930's, is very rare as it shows a Polar Bear! The Zero Bar is not your average candy bar as it is a candy with a history spanning over 70 years! It was first introduced in the 1920's by the now defunct Hollywood Brands Candy Company and is now owned by Hershey Foods although this transition took place over many years and included many owners in...
This is a paper cut out advertisement for Mary Janes and one of the oldest candy advertisements in our collection! Sharability: 10 Denture Danger: 10 Convenience: 10 Novelty: 10 Overall: 9 I'm in love with Mary Jane. She's my main thing. She makes me feel alright. She makes my heart sing. This Mary Jane I am referring to could be Spiderman’s woman or a certain plant, but instead it is NECCO’s classic peanut buttery, molasses flavored, chewy rectangle. It all began with Charles H. Miller and his three sons. The Millers started a small candy manufacturing business in Boston in...
Squirell Nut Zippers occupy a unique place in candy history as they are one of the older candies still available Sharability: 9 Denture Danger: 8 Convenience: 10 Novelty: 9 Overall: 7 Squirrel Brands Salted Nut Company began in 1899. It changed hands and it changed locations, but the squirreliness never diminished. The company supplied chewy candies and salted and roasted peanuts to not only the general public of candy lovers, but also to the armed forces. In 2004 the Squirrel Nut Company took it’s last ownership change as it fell into the hands of NECCO. The Squirrel Nut Caramel Candy...
A vintage Bonomo's Turkish Taffy Wrapper Sharability: 7 Denture Danger: 10 Convenience: 8 Novelty: 10 Overall: 10 Once upon a time in the land of Turkey lived a man named Albert J. Bonomo. Al emigrated to Coney Island, New York and founded the Bonomo candy company in 1897. This candy company made hard candies, but specialized in its saltwater taffy. As delicious as Al’s saltwater taffies must have been, it was not Al, but the son of Al who introduced the masterpiece of the Turkish Taffy that we have all known and loved since we learned to say the word...
While surfing through the McKeesport Candy Co. website I found the Retro Candy Gift Pack, all of which comes straight and direct from the hazy days of my childhood. The late 80s and early 90s were, for this twenty-something, the pinnacle of sugary achievement. This pack includes it all, but I'm going to focus on a few particular items which deserve attention all on their own. 1. Candy Jewelry Is there a single girl out there who didn't love wearing candy jewelry? Heck, I'll still wear a candy necklace from time to time with a T-shirt, just as a fun...
For those of you who like licorice, there’s a great brand called Licorice Allsorts. Not only does it boast the same great taste you licorice-lovers come to expect and crave, its unique appearance adds to the fun of eating. One bag contains licorice shaped in pink, orange, blue and white cubes and sprinkled spheres. My very first experience with licorice was a bad one. I tried a string of black licorice when I was in kindergarten and it seemed as if I would never be able to wash that strong taste out of my mouth. That day, my teacher had...
Bought satellite wafers. These are one of my favorites. I can always find what I’m looking for. They have the greatest selection. If that don’t have it it doesn’t exist, Fast check out and delivery. The prices are reasonable. I would recommend Candyfactory for all your candy needs.
My family was so surprised when I reordered orange and red slices.
My family was so surprised when I reordered orange and red slices. Made the whole family happy.
Hi there! Thank you for your review. We are thrilled to hear that our orange and red slices brought happiness to your family. Nothing is better than knowing our candy is enjoyed by all. Happy snacking, and thank you for choosing CandyFavorites.com!
Great flavor, but the shipping and packaging could have been done better. 3 large boxes of candle shipped with 1 small foam icepack to Louisiana in August... Unless you take more care in getting the candy to me in better shape, I will not order again.
We are sorry the candy did not arrive in the expected condition. All packages are inspected before release to ensure the candy is in perfect condition, and we do our best to provide the proper amount of ice packs to prevent damage. However, too many ice packs can create excessive humidity or moisture. With that said, we offer a package protection option at checkout that provides full coverage in the event your candy is not in perfect condition. We hope this explanation sheds light, and we would not want to lose a valued customer like yourself. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of ervice or offer personal guidance on how to best hip your package! Sincerely, Jon H.PRINCE / President
