For a long time, candies have been more than just sugary treats; they are time capsules that offer a sweet glimpse into the past. From the playful candy cigarettes of the 1950s to the bold, in-your-face flavors of the 1990s, candies reflect the culture, trends, and tastes of their time.
Each decade has introduced confectionery wonders that not only captured the imagination of children but also defined generations. Whether it was a simple gumdrop of a fizzy, popping sensation, iconic candies are as much a part of our history as music, fashion, or technology.
If you’re looking to relive some of these sweet memories, our online candy store offers a wide selection of nostalgic treats from every era. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and savor the candies that define every decade.
1920s: The Birth of Candy Bars and Confectionary Giants
The 1920s were the golden era of candy innovation. As the world embraced the post-war boom and a roaring economy, candy manufacturers seized the opportunity to bring joy to a growing consumer market.
One of the most iconic candies of the era was the Baby Ruth bar, introduced in 1921 by the Curtiss Candy Company. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t named after the famous baseball player Babe Ruth but rather President Grover Cleveland’s daughter, Ruth. Packed with peanuts, caramel, and nougat, and coated in rich chocolate, the Baby Ruth bar provided a satisfying treat that quickly became a nationwide favorite.
Another standout candy from the 1920s was the Charleston Chew, named after the popular Charleston dance craze. This candy offered a different texture with its chewy nougat center, which set it apart from other chocolates of the time. People loved freezing it, which added another level of fun to eating it. These candies weren’t just snacks – they were part of a culture that embraced fun, innovation, and indulgence in a rapidly evolving post-war world.
For a more in-depth look at how candy bars like Baby Ruth became cultural icons, check out this Smithsonian article on candy history.
1930s: Sweet Escapes in Hard Times
The 1930s were defined by the Great Depression, but despite the tough economic climate, candy continued to thrive as an affordable luxury. For just a few cents, people could enjoy a momentary escape from their worries.
One such sweet relief was Snickers, which was first released in 1930. Created by the Mars family and named after their favorite horse, it featured a tasty combination of nougat, caramel, peanuts, and milk chocolate. It was filling and flavorful, making it a perfect treat for people looking to indulge during hard times.
Another candy that provided comfort during hard times was 3 Musketeers, introduced in 1932. Originally, the candy bar came in three pieces, each with a different flavor: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, which is how it earned its name. However, due to the high cost of ingredients during the Depression, the company eventually settled on a single chocolate flavor. Despite this change, 3 Musketeers remained a favorite, thanks to its light, fluffy nougat center and satisfying chocolate coating.
Even in a time of economic hardship, these candies offered a sense of luxury and enjoyment, helping people forget their troubles, even if only for a brief moment.
1940s: Wartime Innovation and Sweet Simplicity
Since the 1940s were dominated by World War II, candy manufacturers had to get creative due to rationing and supply shortages. This period saw the rise of innovative candies that were not only delicious but also practical for wartime conditions.
The most notable invention of the 1940s was M&M’s, developed by Forrest Mars. These tiny, colorful candies were designed with a hard candy shell to prevent the chocolate from melting, which made them ideal for soldiers to carry in their pockets during combat. These candies were so effective in boosting morale that they became a standard part of soldiers’ rations, and once the war ended, they quickly transitioned into a beloved civilian treat.
Another wartime favorite was Bazooka Bubble Gum, introduced in 1947 by the Topps Company. Wrapped in patriotic red, white, and blue packaging, this gummy candy came with comic strips featuring the character Bazooka Joe, which made it not just a candy but a funny collectible. The candy became synonymous with post-war America, representing a simpler, more carefree time as the country emerged from the hardships of the war.
In an era when materials were scarce, these candies not only brought joy but also helped boost the nation’s spirits by offering a small, affordable taste of normalcy and pleasure.
1950s: The Rise of Candy Culture and Collectibles
The 1950s saw an explosion of candy culture as the post-war economy boomed, and children were given more freedom to enjoy treats. This decade marked the rise of the collectible candy dispenser, with PEZ leading the charge. Originally invented in Austria as a breath mint for adults, PEZ entered the U.S. market in the 1950s and rebranded as a fun, fruit-flavored candy marketed to children.
What really captured the imagination, however, were the iconic dispensers, often featuring popular cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse and Popeye. These dispensers turned candy into an experience, something that wasn’t just eaten but also played with and collected. PEZ dispensers became highly sought-after, and their legacy endures today as a symbol of 1950s pop culture.
Another staple of this era was Sugar Babies, a caramel candy that first appeared in theaters as the go-to movie snack. These small, chewy bites of sweetness became synonymous with a day at the cinema, providing a long-lasting treat that was perfect for enjoying during a double feature. Sugar Babies were part of the burgeoning movie-going culture, where candy and popcorn became as much a part of the experience as the films themselves.
The 1950s was a time of fun, innocence, and vibrant culture, and the candies of this era reflect that carefree spirit, with many becoming lifelong favorites that are still enjoyed today.
1960s: A Decade of Bold Flavors and Colorful Creativity
The 1960s was the decade of vibrant, colorful candies that pushed the boundaries of flavor and design. As the counterculture movement grew, so did the appetite for bold, new experiences, and candy makers were quick to jump on this trend.
Starburst, introduced in 1960, was one such candy. These soft, chewy fruit-flavored squares were packed with intense flavors that felt refreshingly modern and exciting compared to the more traditional sweets of the past. Starburst came in bright packaging and a variety of fruity flavors, perfectly aligning with the psychedelic aesthetic of the era.
Meanwhile, in 1960s America, another import was making waves – Swedish Fish. Originally from Sweden, these gummy, fish-shaped candies became a hit in the U.S., offering a unique texture and subtle sweetness that stood out in a market dominated by chocolate and hard candies. This candy became popular among both children and adults, offering a more whimsical, playful approach to candy.
The 1960s marked a shift toward more experimental, exciting treats that mirrored the decade’s sense of freedom, creativity, and fun. These candies didn’t just satisfy cravings – they created memorable, multisensory experiences.
1970s: A Time of Fun, Fizz, and Uniqueness
The 1970s was the decade that brought some of the most fun and unique candy innovations, that were perfect for a generation ready for novelty and excitement. One of the most iconic candies of the decade was Pop Rocks, the fizzy, crackling candy that took the world by storm.
Introduced in 1975, Pop Rocks was an instant sensation, offering an experience unlike any other. It would literally pop and fizz in your mouth, creating a sensory explosion that fascinated children and even stirred urban legends (remember the one about Pop Rocks and soda?).
Alongside the excitement of Pop Rocks came the sweet and stretchy Laffy Taffy, known for its endless variety of flavors and the corny jokes printed on its wrappers. Introduced by the Willy Wonka Candy Company, Laffy Taffy was chewy, fun, and interactive – kids loved reading the jokes, and the candy’s vibrant colors and flavors made it a hit at parties and on playgrounds.
The 1970s also saw the rise of candy that appealed to both the eyes and the mouth, with a focus on novel textures and exciting experiences. Whether you were popping, cracking, or chewing, the candy of the 70s was all about fun and adventure.
1980s: Bright Colors, Bold Flavors, and Playful Designs
In the 1980s, candy got bigger, bolder, and more playful. This was the era when marketing and candy design went hand in hand to create products that were as much about fun as they were about flavor. Skittles, with its “Taste the Rainbow” campaign, became an instant hit when it was introduced in the U.S. in 1979. These small, colorful candies allowed people to indulge in a variety of fruity flavors in every handful. Skittles quickly became a symbol of the bright, vibrant 1980s, and its slogan helped solidify its place in pop culture.
Another candy that dominated the decade was Big League Chew, a unique bubble gum that came shredded in pouches, mimicking the look of chewing tobacco. Created by former baseball players, Big League Chew gave kids the chance to feel like they were part of the big leagues without the harmful effects of tobacco. It was a huge hit among baseball fans and kids who loved the idea of a candy that let them “chew like the pros.”
The 1980s were all about big, bold ideas, and the candy reflected this larger-than-life attitude. From rainbow-colored sweets to sports-inspired gum, this was a decade that celebrated creativity and playful indulgence. If you’re curious about candies that were a little too bold for their time and eventually banned, check out our article on Banned American Candy.
1990s: Extreme Flavors and Cool, Edgy Snacks
The 1990s was a decade defined by extremes—extreme sports, extreme fashion, and yes, extreme flavors. Candy makers jumped on this trend, creating sour, intense, and even gimmicky sweets that became staples of childhood. Warheads, the sour candy that dared you to keep it in your mouth, defined this era. Introduced in the early ’90s, Warheads came with a warning—only the bravest could withstand their sour punch. Kids would challenge each other to see who could handle the extreme tartness, making Warheads not just candy but a social experience that played into the 1990s culture of thrill-seeking.
Another 1990s favorite was the Ring Pop, a candy that combined fashion and fun. Ring Pops were lollipops attached to a plastic ring, allowing kids to wear their candy like a piece of jewelry. It wasn’t just a tasty treat; it was an accessory, and the fun, playful nature of Ring Pops made them an iconic part of the ’90s candy scene.
This was a decade where candy was as much about the experience and the challenge as it was about the flavor. Whether you were surviving a sour Warhead or showing off your Ring Pop, the 1990s were all about pushing boundaries and having fun.
For those fascinated by weird and unusual candy experiences, you might enjoy reading about some of the most bizarre candies in the world, which push the boundaries of what’s considered a sweet treat.
2000s: Nostalgia and Innovation Collide
As the new millennium arrived, candy manufacturers began looking both forward and backward. The 2000s were defined by a sense of nostalgia, with many beloved treats from earlier decades making a comeback, but there was also a focus on innovation and novelty.
One of the most popular candies of this era was Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, inspired by the Harry Potter franchise. These jelly beans, produced by Jelly Belly, weren’t just sweet – they were an adventure. With flavors ranging from delicious (like cherry or watermelon) to disgusting (like vomit or dirt), these beans played off the popularity of the Harry Potter books and films, becoming a must-have for fans eager to taste the magical world of Hogwarts.
Another popular candy of the 2000s was Sour Patch Kids. Although it was introduced in the 1980s, these sour-then-sweet candies became a global phenomenon in the 2000s. Their fun, mischievous branding and intense flavor appealed to both children and adults, making them one of the best-selling candies of the decade.
The 2000s was a decade where candy embraced both nostalgia and novelty, offering something for every generation. Whether you were indulging in a magical Harry Potter treat or satisfying a craving for something sour, the candies of this era captured the fun and creativity of the new millennium.
Conclusion: A Sweet Journey Through Time
From the earliest candy bars of the 1920s to the novelty treats of the 2000s, the history of candy is a reflection of our changing tastes, values, and culture. Each decade brought with it iconic confections that captured the imagination and taste buds of the people. Whether it was the joy of discovering a new flavor, the excitement of a collectible dispenser, or the thrill of trying something extreme, candies have always been more than just a treat—they are memories, experiences, and a shared connection across generations.
As we continue to innovate and create new sweets, one thing is certain: candy will always hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of simpler times and sweet moments shared with family and friends. The next time you unwrap a candy bar or pop a jelly bean into your mouth, take a moment to savor the history behind that sweet indulgence. After all, candy is more than just sugar—it’s a timeless tradition that connects us all.
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