SWEET CLASSICS
Let's Explore The Top 10 Most Popular Candies
Published on April 24, 2024
Credit: Denny Müller
What was your favorite candy when you were a kid? Has it changed over time, or does it still hold a special place in your heart (or, should we say, your taste buds)? Trying a sweet treat is a universal joy, and some candies have stood the test of time , delighting different generations of Americans with their irresistible flavors.
If you have a sweet tooth, read on. Today, we're diving into the delicious world of the 10 most popular candies. But be warned: this might just send you running to the store!
Snickers
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Just the thought of its name is enough to make our mouths water! Considered one of the best-selling candies in the world, the famous Snickers bar boasts an unbeatable combination: sweet nougat with the crunch of peanuts , all wrapped in a delicious chocolate coating.
Although the name of this delicious bar might make you think of shoes, it's actually named after a horse , the favorite of the Mars family, who created the candy in 1930.
Kit Kat
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If you are one of those who can't resist a good crunch, chances are you've already tried the Kit Kat bar.
A true classic in the world of treats, this bar not only has what we all want - yes, chocolate - but also combines it with several layers of crunchy wafer.
Legend has it that the Kit Kat bar, created in 1935 , was specially designed with its iconic square shape so that it could easily fit into any worker's lunchbox . Plus, each packet comes with four fingers of deliciousness that you can snap off and save for later (although we prefer to eat them all at once!).
Twix
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Originating in the UK in 1967 and introduced to the United States in 1979 , Twix , the famous chocolate and caramel bar, is one of the most popular candies to this day.
With its tasty mix of milk chocolate, caramel, and cookie, Twix offers a crunchy delight that has won over fans far and wide. But that's not the only successful blend; its catchy name is actually a combination****of "twin sticks." Pretty smart, right?
Credit: Dan Cristian Pădureț
Jolly Ranchers
If candy bars aren't your thing, don't worry! Maybe a fruity alternative can be the right option for your taste buds.
Originating in Colorado during the 1950s, Jolly Ranchers have been a beloved choice for candy enthusiasts for many years. With a range of fruity flavors from sweet to sour, there's something for everyone. If you're unsure where to start, rumor has it that the red flavors are the most popular!
Best known for their iconic hard candies, Jolly Rancher doesn't stop there; they also offer gummies and lollipops , ensuring there's a treat to suit everybody.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Credit: Evan-Amos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are an American classic, raking in over $2 billion in sales each year!
It is not just the delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter that makes these Cups so irresistible; it's also their creamy texture that melts in your mouth like a gift from heaven. Okay, you got us; they are our favorites. But we're not alone; even the famous Ryan Gosling (yes, Ken!) is reported to be a fan of these delicious candies.
With their iconic orange packaging, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups were originally known as "penny cups" due to their price in the 1930s when they first went on sale.
M&M's
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Once you start, you just can't stop until the whole bag is gone! Of course, we're talking about the irresistible M&M's.
For the sweet-toothed, there's the classic M&M's , featuring a semi-sweet chocolate covered in a colorful candy shell. And for those craving something less sweet, there's the peanut version , a tasty twist on the original.
Created in the United States in 1941 for the U.S. Army during World War II, you can enjoy these treats in any weather, hot or cold, thanks to the protective coating. Hence their famous slogan, "the milk chocolate that melts in your mouth, not in your hand."
Hershey's Kisses
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If you're the type who can't resist finishing an entire bag of candy in one go, Hershey's Kisses may be a solution for you. These filled chocolate teardrops are not only delicious but also the perfect size to satisfy your sweet craving without going overboard.
But there is no breaking news here, as the Hershey Company has been producing these treats since 1907 . Yes, they've been around for over a century!
In addition to their unique shape, Hershey's Kisses are also known for their distinctive packaging. Did you know that strip of paper that sticks out from the top is called a "Plume" ?
Skittles
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If you've had enough chocolate, why not turn to the rainbow? Skittles can be the perfect antidote in this situation.
Also featuring a colorful candy coating, Skittles may resemble M&M's at first glance, but they're a different sweet adventure. Instead of chocolate, you'll find a mix of corn syrup, sugar, fruit juice, and other tasty ingredients inside them.
But where does this peculiar name come from? Well, the candy's round shape resembles the "ball" used in an old European game also called Skittles, similar to modern bowling .
And here's another fun fact: Skittles have been vegan-friendly since 2009!
Starbursts
Credit: Evan-Amos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Remember those days as a kid when you stuffed your mouth with so much candy that you couldn't even chew and ended up drooling? Well, even though we're all grown up now, just the sight of the colorful Starbursts can bring back the urge to do that again.
Originally known as Opal Fruits , they were later rebranded as Starbursts, a name that refers to the burst of flavor in every bite. If you ask us, that name is spot on.
But if you don't trust our taste in candy, perhaps you'll be persuaded by football quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who proudly declares himself a huge fan of these candies . In case you are curious, his favorite is the red flavor.
Candy corn
Credit: Mary Jane Duford
It's time to talk about a candy that divides opinions. Loved by some and passionately hated by others, there's no denying that Candy Corn is one of the most popular Halloween treats out there.
Believe it or not, Candy Corn has been around since the late 19th century! Back then, America was already sweetening up life with little treats.
Despite its name and appearance, Candy Corn isn't made from corn at all. Instead, it is composed of gelatin, which gives it that waxy texture. If you are looking for a low-calorie candy option, look no further, as each piece of Candy Corn contains only about 7 calories!