There are two things I am deeply passionate about: sugar and history and if you are at all like me, you have asked yourself when some of the amazing sugary goodness we enjoy today was created. I have answers that will add to your candy knowledge.
1900’s: Hershey’s Kisses
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In 1907, Hershey’s Kisses were manufactured for the first time. At that time, they each used to be individually hand-wrapped in foil. They might not be personally wrapped today, but they’re personally unwrapped by me all the time.
1910’s: Life Savers
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When they were made in 1912, Clarence Crane, a chocolate maker, created a candy he intended to use to battle summer weather. More than a hundred years later, Pep O’ Mint is always in my mom’s purse, no matter the weather.
1920’s: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
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A former Hershey employer named H.B. Reese was trying to make his own candy company out of his basement. In 1928, he succeeded, creating the ever glorious Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. That one product made him prosperous, and gave us so many new recipes.
1930’s: Tootsie Pops
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They were created in 1931 and even though its been 85 years, no one knows how many licks it takes to reach the center.
1940’s: M&M’s
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Created in 1941, M&M’s are the highlight of my meals at my dining hall, since they’re on tap next to the soft serve ice cream. To celebrate its 75th year of sweet immortal existence, you should listen to this song by Zedd and Aloe Blacc that was made especially for this lovely candy.
1960’s: Lemonheads
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Personally, I love the combination of anything sweet and sour, so I know I would have been Lemonhead’s top customer in 1962.
1970s: Skittles
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Skittles were first introduced to the U.S. in 1979, and I am so grateful. I cannot imagine my childhood cinema experience without a packet of Skittles that I still refuse to share.
1980’s: Airheads
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Usually I think of the 80s and I think of The Breakfast Club, but in 1986 Airheads were introduced to the world. I think that is a beautiful thing to remember the 80s by, sorry John Hughes.
1990’s: Baby Bottle Pop
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Created in 1998, Baby Bottle Pop is literally the candy of my childhood. Three-year-old me loved this candy and renting out movies from Blockbuster. So vintage, so 90s.
Now, excuse me while I go add all of this candy to my Amazon Wish List.