Retro Sweets and their history

August 30, 2024

Candy (sweets) and chocolate has evolved quite a lot over the past 100 years. If you check out Retro Sweets and what you can buy right now, you will notice many differences that have changed since the 1950s (however a lot of these sweets will still be available!).

The ingredients have changed, not to mention packaging is very different too. But this goes to show that all industries evolve, and candy is no different.

It always comes with something new, engaging and very different. Go and check it out for yourself. You'll be absolutely amazed with what's happened in the sweet shop industry.

From Fizzy Cola Bottle, pink bubble gum to pineapple flavour candy sticks and candy necklaces, a lot of the sweet treats we enjoy today are retro inspired! Some are an acquired taste, but most are enjoyed by many and were a childhood favourite for many members of the family.

A Brief History of Retro Sweets

Origins of retro sweets

One interesting thing about candy is that Joseph Fry was the one that invented the modern candy bar in 1847. What he did was he mixed sugar, cocoa and cacao butter into a paste, then he used a mold to create the candy bar itself. A year later, John Curtis created the first branded chewing gum. That one was named The State of Maine Spruce Gum and it was made from tree sap!

In 1854 we had the first Whitman’s Chocolate box hitting the scene, which made a huge difference. Then in 1979 William H Thompson decided to create Thompson Chocolate with the idea of delivering only the best chocolate on the market. Candy corn was created in 1880 when the Wunderle Candy Company experimented with various Halloween candy formats. This Retro candy is still in many Retro Sweets Hampers all over the world, a testament to its quality and legacy.

Evolution of retro sweets over the decades

The 1920s to 1950s are often referred to as the “Golden Age” of retro sweets, with the introduction of iconic sweets like Milky Way and Snickers. The 1960s and 1970s saw a sugar-fueled revolution, with the introduction of psychedelic candies and sour gummies.

The 1980s marked a significant change in the candy industry, with the rise of retro sweets like Pop Rocks and Gushers.

Early during the 1900s we were introduced to the Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar, which is now a staple candy in America.

During the first decade of the 1900s there were a lot of different sweets created, like the Necco Wafers, Chiclets, not to mention the famous Toblerone was created in 1908 as well. As you can see, the industry started to innovate early during the 1900s, and it continued to stand out with its extraordinary features and unique benefits.

Later on during the 1910s, other companies invented a variety of candy too. The Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews were designed in 1917 as a protein based ratio for troops. 1914 is when the Health Bar was invented, and a few years after that we had the Clark Cups or the iconic Turtle.

Then during the 20s we had the Juicyfruits, Chuckles, the Baby Ruth Candy bar, the Mounds Chocolate bar and many others. It was around this time that people started to offer sweet gifts, hampers, boxes etc.. and it hasn't stopped since. In fact most of the above mentioned sweets are from across the pond and can be found in our American Sweet Hampers.

Classic Retro Sweets

Fruit Salads: A Timeless Favorite

Fruit Salad Sweets are a classic retro sweet that has remained popular over the years. They are a combination of tiny fondant candy pieces, japs, and jelly tots in mixed colours. Black Jack stick packs were also a popular retro sweet too.

These sweets are a great example of a delicious retro sweet that has stood the test of time.

Candy Sticks: A Retro Sweet Treat

Candy Sticks are a classic retro sweet that was popular in the 1960s and 70s. They were sold in packets featuring superheroes and were eventually banned.

Today, Candy Sticks are still available in white candy sticks.

Other beloved retro sweets

Liquorice Allsorts are a classic retro sweet that has remained popular over the years. Pear Drops are a fun and traditional red and yellow boiled sweet shaped like a pear and with a distinctive pear flavour.

Other beloved retro sweets include Flying Saucers, Sherbet Fountains, fizzy cola bottles, candy necklace, foam bananas, and Aniseed Balls.

Retro Sweets by Decade

1920s-1950s: The Golden Age of Retro Sweets

The 1920s to 1950s saw the introduction of iconic sweets like Charleston Chews and Sugar Daddies.

This era was marked by the rise of flapper culture and the post-war era. Retro sweets from this era include Milky Way and Snickers.

1960s-1980s: A Sugar-Fueled Revolution

The 1960s and 1970s saw a sugar-fueled revolution, with the introduction of psychedelic candies and sour gummies. This era was marked by the rise of rock ‘n’ roll and the counterculture movement.

Retro sweets from this era include Pop Rocks and Gushers.

1990s-2000s: The Rise of Retro Revival

The 1990s saw a wave of nostalgia sweep over the candy industry, with the revival of classic candies like Big League Chews and Fruit Stripe Gum.

This era was marked by the rise of retro culture and the internet. Retro sweets from this era include gourmet versions of classic sweets.

Revival of Retro Brands

How retro brands have been revived

Retro brands have been revived through the reintroduction of classic sweets and the creation of new products. Many retro brands have been acquired by larger companies, which have helped to revive the brands. The rise of online shopping has also helped to revive retro brands.

Examples of revived retro brands

Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles are a classic retro sweet that has been revived in recent years. Other revived retro brands include Zagnut bars and Clark bars.

These brands have been reintroduced to a new generation of consumers, who are eager to try classic sweets.

Why Retro Sweets Remain A Beloved Treat

Retro sweets evoke memories of childhood and are often associated with happy times fond memories, they are also a way to experience nostalgia and connect with the past.