The 1950s was a decade of technological advancements, cultural revolutions, and culinary delights. Thanks to the Baby Boomer generation, there was a sudden surge in demand for sugary confections, and candy makers responded by introducing an array of new treats that pushed the boundaries of food science. (Links to products included)

Chocolate & Candy of the 50s

Here are the top candies from the 1950s that are sure to bring back some sweet memories:

1. Peeps (U.S.A: 1953-Present)

Peeps, the marshmallow treats that have become synonymous with Easter, have been a beloved part of North American candy culture for decades. Originally introduced in the early 1950s by the Rodda Candy Company, Peeps were actually made by hand until the smaller Rodda Company was acquired by the Pennsylvania based Just Born company in 1953. Just Born would make them the popular treat that we know and love today. (Click Here to Find: Peeps)

 

2. Pixy Stix (U.S.A: 1959-Present)

Pixy Stix, the colorful and tangy powdered candy, has been a favorite among children and adults for decades. Introduced in the 1959 by the Sweetheart Company, Pixy Stix quickly became a staple in candy aisles and lunchboxes across the country. The candy's unique packaging, a straw-like container filled with sweet powder, added to its appeal and made it easy to enjoy on-the-go. (Click Here to Find: Pixy Stix)

 

3. Cadbury Picnic (U.K: 1958-Present)

The Cadbury Picnic bar is a chocolate bar that contains peanuts, caramel, wafer and rice crisps. It was first released in Australia in 1958 by MacRobertson Chocolates, a local confectionery manufacturer founded in 1880. In 1967, Cadbury acquired MacRobertson Chocolates and continued to produce the Picnic bar under its own brand. (Click Here to Find: Cadbury Picnic)

4. Hot Tamales (U.S.A: 1950-Present)

 

Hot Tamales, the sweet & spicy cinnamon candy, have been a favorite among candy lovers for decades. Originally introduced in 1950 by the Just Born candy company, Hot Tamales have become a staple for cinnamon lovers. Hot Tamales unique combination of spicy cinnamon and chewy jelly-bean-like texture, leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tries them. (Click Here to Find: Hot Tamales)

5. PEZ (Austria: 1927-Present, Introduced to the US in 1952)

 

Originally produced in Vienna, Austria in 1927 as a smoking alternative. The name PEZ coming from the German word for peppermint, "Pfefferminz". In 1949 the first dispensers, shaped like cigarette lighters, were also introduced. In 1952, PEZ candies were introduced in the United States where in 1955, the dispensers were later redesigned to feature various pop culture characters, such as Disney characters and superheroes. Today, PEZ dispensers and candies continue to be popular, with many people collecting them as a hobby. (Click Here to Find: PEZ)

 

6. Certs (U.S.A: 1956-2018)

 

Another popular mint similar to PEZ are a candy produced originally by the company in 1956. Interestingly, in 1999 Certs went to court over tariffs that classified it as a breath mint rather than what Cadbury-Schweppes argued as an oral hygiene product. The court ruled that Certs could not be an oral hygiene product as it contained no antibacterial ingredients. Unfortunately, as of the writing of this post they were discontinued in 2018.

 

7. Atomic Fireballs (U.S.A: 1954-Present)

Atomic fireballs are a type of spicy cinnamon hard candy that were invented by Nello Ferrara in 1954. He was the son of Salvatore Ferrara, who founded the Ferrara Candy Company in Chicago. Nello used a hot pan method to create layers of hot flavor around a candy core. The name “atomic fireball” was inspired by the Cold War era and the fear of nuclear war. The candy became popular among children and adults who enjoyed the challenge of enduring the intense heat. Today, atomic fireballs are still produced by the Ferrara Candy Company and sold worldwide. (Click Here to Find: Atomic Fireballs)

8. Candy Necklaces (U.S.A: 1959-Present)

Candy necklaces are wearable, edible accessories that consist of small, colorful candies strung on a thread or elastic. They are popular among children who can wear them and snack on them at the same time. The origin of candy necklaces is unclear, but some sources suggest that they were invented in Northern Europe by Leaf Con and introduced to the United States in the late 1950s. Today, candy necklaces are produced by the Smarties Candy Co. and distributed by various candy makers. (Click Here to Find: Candy Necklaces)

9. Rocky Road (U.S.A: 1950-Present)

Uncommon to find outside of the United States, the Rocky Road candy bar was first created in 1950 by Russian immigrant Sam Altshuler. Sam started the Annabelle Candy Company in San Francisco, California and began manufacturing this sweet and creamy confection due to the popularity of the post-war dessert. The candy bar is made by wrapping marshmallow with creamy chocolate and roasted cashews, resulting in a combination of crunchy, sweet, and salty flavours. (Click Here to Find: Annabelle's Rocky Road Bar)

10. Flying Saucers (U.K: 1952-Present)

Flying saucers candy are small, round wafers filled with tiny sour beads or powder. They were first produced in the early 1950s by a Belgian company called Belgica, which used to make communion wafers. Flying saucers candy are made by shaping crisp, edible rice paper or foamed corn starch into a disc-like form. The hollow inside of the disc is filled with a small amount of sherbet candy powder that has a tart but sweet taste. Some people love them for their nostalgic value and unique taste, while others find them bland or chalky. (Click Here to Find: Flying Saucers)

11. Peanut M&Ms (U.S.A: 1954-Present)

Peanut M&Ms consist of a single peanut covered with chocolate and a colorful candy shell. They were first introduced in 1954 only coming in one colour: tan However, in 1960, the company added three more colours: red, yellow, and green. Since then, peanut M&Ms have become one of the most popular varieties of M&Ms, along with plain, peanut butter, and crispy.