Why Does My Candy Taste Different?

Sometimes, your favorite candy tastes or looks different than your childhood recollection. Yes, it can be frustrating, but it doesn’t mean your product is defective or old. Let us explain.

Many candies, especially old-school varieties that have survived the test of time, may have changed over the years. However, nothing is static, which surely applies to the candy industry, where corporate consolidation has become the norm. 

Certain brands, such as Brachs, have been sold multiple times. Brach’s Cherry Cordials is an excellent example of a product that is "new and improved," and a product that was discontinued without notice.

Long a mainstay at Christmas and Valentines, this beloved chocolate enrobed cherry features a slightly chewy fondant center and not the liquid center of yesteryear when the product was known as Villa Cherries.

Old-time holiday favorites such as Peppermint Straws or Filled Candies are another example of an enduring but slightly different holiday favorite changed by time, if only because they have been around for over 100 years! 

Beemans, BlackJack, and Clove Gum disappeared only to return a few years later with a new formula made in different manufacturing facilities.   

The product will still bring joy to yet another generation – after all, we are talking about some of the oldest chewing gum brands in history – but, yes, it does taste slightly different. Call it progress or a sign of the times.

Candies such as Angel Mints, Marshmallow Peeps, Peppermint Puffs or Satellite Wafers, or any candy with a thin outer shell such as M&M's or a Chiclets type chewing gum may taste different due to changes in the environment.

In humidity, they might be softer, and they will undoubtedly be harder when exposed to cold temperatures. It is the nature of their ingredients.

Other products, such as Atomic Fireballs,  remained true to their original formula, but their size decreased. Still the same great spicy product, just a little bit smaller.  

Frequently, an assortment or mix will have unequal distribution of flavors. This is because the manufacturer premixes all varieties and the distribution of colors or flavors is dictated more by chance than design.

We all enjoy childhood memories of sweet treats, but with age comes change. 

Over time, our sense of smell and taste changes, and that can cause an edible product to taste different. However, it doesn’t necessarily detract from good memories; it just makes them slightly different. 

We store all products in a temperature-controlled warehouse and inspect them before shipping.

As we are not a manufacturer, we rely on their information, such as expiration dates and formula listings, to ensure your candy is in perfect condition when it begins a journey to your home.

Due to health and insurance, we do not sell products that are outdated or made from old formulations. However, as sad as it may be, products change, and we should be grateful that many of the tried and true classics are still available,  if only slightly different than what we may recall.