6 Classic Candies That Still Hit the Sweet Spot
Before gourmet chocolates and commercial gummies, classic candy was tucked into lunchboxes, traded on playgrounds, and stashed in Grandma’s candy dish. Every bite of old-school candy transports us to more innocent days, with sticky fingers and carefree afternoons. Let’s take a sentimental stroll down Sweet Street and unwrap our favorite types of nostalgic candy still found on shelves today.
What is Classic Candy?
Classic candy refers to timeless confections that have stood the test of time. They’re recognized across generations, maintain their original recipes, and evoke feelings of nostalgia.
The Most Popular Classic Candies
Here’s a list of retro candy treats that still hit the sweet spot:
Jelly Beans (1861)
Long before anyone “tasted the rainbow,” jelly beans satisfied sweet tooths. Based on the ancient Near Eastern dessert Turkish Delight, this retro candy first appeared in an 1861 newspaper ad by Boston confectioner William Schrafft, who encouraged readers to send them to Civil War soldiers as a morale booster.
By the 1930s, the egg-shaped vintage candies had become a staple, thanks to their sugary shells and soft centers. President Reagan famously kept a jar on his desk, but the 1976 launch of Jelly Belly made jelly beans a pop-culture sensation. This was largely due to the brand’s novelty flavors, including:
- Very Cherry
- Cream Soda
- Tangerine
- Root Beer
- Buttered Popcorn
- Toasted Marshmallow
Everlasting Gobstoppers (1976)
Inspired by Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and immortalized in the film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” Everlasting Gobstoppers brought the magic of fantasy to life. Introduced by Breaker Confections in 1976, these mini jawbreakers were made to last and last (hence the name!), changing colors and flavors in each layer.
Despite the Willy Wonka movie initially flopping at the box office, Gobstoppers eventually joined it as a candy-coated cult favorite, with psychedelic hues and playful designs symbolically channeling a generation raised on imagination, wonder, and whimsy.
Tootsie Roll (1896)
A gooey chocolate classic candy, the Tootsie Roll was created in 1896 by Austrian immigrant Leo Hirschfield and named after his daughter, Clara, or “Tootsie.” It was the first penny candy to be individually wrapped, and its unique texture (somewhere between caramel and taffy) made it remarkably melt-proof. Durable and travel-friendly, it landed a spot in WWII soldier rations. Now, with its nostalgic wax wrapper and unmistakable flavor, the Tootsie Roll is steadfast, filling trick-or-treat bags and stuffing piñatas year after year.
Bit-O-Honey (1924)
Bit-O-Honey is a chip off the old block for those who prefer sweet nostalgic candy with a subtle, nutty twist. This honey-flavored toffee is studded with almond bits, fueling sugar rushes since its debut in 1924. Produced by the Schutter-Johnson Company, its melt-in-your-mouth texture and mellow sweetness made it a lunchbox regular.
Though it’s passed through the hands of countless candy titans over the decades, including Nestle, Bit-O-Honey’s distinctive yellow wrapper and light flavor is now owned by the Spangler Candy Company, maintaining a loyal following and a lasting place in the United States’ vintage candy legacy.
Baby Ruth (1921)
Packed with peanuts, caramel, and nougat, the Baby Ruth has been a stick-to-your-teeth old school candy standout for more than 100 years. While it’s often associated with baseball legend Babe Ruth, it was actually named—according to the company—after President Grover Cleveland’s daughter, Ruth. In 1921, the Curtiss Candy Company rebranded its struggling “Kandy Kake” bar as the Baby Ruth to revive sales. The marketing was as bold as the flavor: chocolate bars dropped from airplanes to generate buzz. A century later, Baby Ruth still knocks it out of the park with classic candy lovers of all ages.
Related: Giftable Goodies: Yummy Recipes That Are Great for Gifting
Bazooka Bubble Gum (1947)
For kids raised after WWII, Bazooka Bubble Gum was more than a treat; it was an adventure they could carry in their pockets. Launched in 1947 by The Topps Company, Bazooka stood out for its red, white, and blue packaging and the comic strip printed inside every wrapper.
Each piece of the retro candy was another installment in the stunts, antics, and escapades of the eyepatch-wearing Bazooka Joe and his ragtag gang of friends. The gum was notoriously tricky to chew, but delivered big bubbles once softened. With its iconic flavor, patriotic branding, and affinity for the adventurous spirit, Bazooka quickly became a celebrated American treat.
Where to Buy Classic and Nostalgic Candy
Retro candies are popular items on online retailers, including Vintage Candy Co. and True Treats Candy. There are also specialty stores with physical locations around the world.
Vintage Candy and Trick-or-Treating
Almost half of the U.S. population buys Halloween candy, and many choose retro options. Old school candy is an excellent addition to any trick-or-treater’s Halloween stash. Just make sure the packaging is intact, and you pass it out evenly! For more tips on giving out Halloween candy, read our article “Halloween Safety: Trick-or-Treating Tips for a Spooktacular Night”. It has all the information you need to protect kids celebrating the holiday and ensure a happy Halloween!
Old School Candy FAQs
What is the oldest candy still being sold?
Necco Wafers, first made in 1847, are believed to be the oldest American candy brand still in production.
Does penny candy still exist?
Penny candies still exist, but most no longer cost a penny. They can be bought at specialty stores with “penny candy” sections and many online candy retailers.
Is Wonka candy still around?
The Wonka candy brand still exists, with candies like Nerds, Laffy Taffy, and Gobstoppers. The Wonka chocolate bar, made famous in the movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, was discontinued in the 2010s due to poor sales.
Are Gobstoppers discontinued?
Gobstoppers have not been discontinued. Rumors of its demise circulated heavily from 2022 to 2024 due to distribution and capacity issues that left the candy out of many stores.