What Candy Came Out The Year You Were Born

If you are interested what candy was introduced in the year you were born, then this is the article for you! Enjoy a walk down Candy Cane Lane.

1920's

MILKY WAY, BABE RUTH, MILK DUDS, BUTTERFINGERS, OH HENRY BAR

When I researched what candies came out during this decade, I wasn't expecting much. But I was shocked to learn that my absolute favorite candy was discovered! Frank C. Mars created The Milky Way (1923). This is the most fantastic candy of all time, and it is still going strong to this day!

Then we have the Babe Ruth (1920) candy, a scrumptious blend of caramel, peanuts, and nougat covered in chocolate, despite what the public thought, this classic American candy bar was not named after Babe Ruth but Ruth Cleveland, the oldest child of President Grover Cleveland.

Other famous candies are Milk Duds (1928), Butterfinger (1923), Oh Henry! (1920)

1930's

PAYDAY, LIFESAVER BUTTER RUM, TOOTSIE POPS, NESTLE'S CRUNCH, SNICKERS, THE 3 MUSKETEERS

During the Great Depression, several famous candies were introduced. Ironically, PayDay (1932), a classic caramel and peanut-covered bar that didn't have chocolate, was one of them. Then we have the Lifesaver Butter Rum (1938), a favorite of my father's. Other well-known candies included Tootsie Pops (1931), Nestle's Crunch (1938), Snickers (1930) and The 3 Musketeers (1932)

1940's

M&MS, ALMOND JOY, BAZOOKA BUBBLE GUM, JUNIOR MINTS

When World War II was happening, candy makers were coming up with the legendary M&M's (1941), which hit the candy drug stores. A candy that, to this day, is an excellent way for a quick sweet fix.

Next was the Almond Joy (1946), then came the Bazooka Bubble Gum (1947) and the classic Junior Mints (1949), which is still a trendy movie theater candy.

1950's

HOT TAMALES, PEZ DISPENSER, CANDY NECKLACES

As Elvis Presley was gracing the stage with his sexy, rebellious style, women were going hot for him. Another candy was landing in Mom-and-Pop Shops: Hot Tamales (1950), with its spicy, cinnamon-flavored candy, was making everyone HOT! Along with the Pez Dispenser (1950) and boy, it was tragic when that plastic dispenser got jammed, and Candy Necklaces (1950) were very sweet fashion accessories for all girls!

1960's

STARBURST, LEMONHEADS, 100 GRAND BAR, RAZZLES

The Hippy Age was a time of psychedelic rock and peace movements nationwide. The Starburst (1960) made its wave with its juicy, fruity flavor wrapped in a colorful wrapper. Then came the Lemonheads (1962) and the 100 Grand Bar (1966), the classic caramel chocolate pairing that is the most incredible creation ever, and the Razzles (1966).

1970's

REESE'S PIECES, BOTTLE CAPS, POP ROCKS, FUN DIP

Welcome to the most vibrant and dynamic decade. I might be favoriting this one as I was born in it. It was a mix of bohemians and hippies clad in polyester and bell-bottom pants. The top candies that were being purchased in those days were Reese's Pieces (1978). This chocolate-peanut butter creation, another match made in candy heaven by The Hershey Company, blended in well with the colors of the 1970s.

Other notable candies were Bottle Caps (1972), Pop Rocks (1975), and Fun Dip (1973).

I remember my childhood when I spooned Fun Dip into my mouth and was rewarded with eating that candy stick after the yummy sugary powder was gone.

1980's

BIG LEAGUE CHEW, NERDS, AIRHEADS

The era of incredible entertainment with the likes of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Back to The Future and The Breakfast Club. The candy that was coming out during this flashy decade was Big League Chew (1980), Nerds (1983) and AirHeads (1985). Personally, I got a kick out of pulling the taffy like candy of the AirHead and seeing how long it could stretch!

1990's

BABY BOTTLE POP, PUSH POPS, WARHEADS

By now, the candy makers were finding ways to create as interactive candy as the video games they were playing. Baby Bottle Pop, Push Pops and Warheads were hitting the candy stores. What a sticky mess but making it an experience was a huge success.

2000's

CARAMEL M&M'S, HERSHEY'S S-MORES BAR, ALTOIDS SOURS, REESE'S FAST BREAK

Drum roll, please…. Because the day M&M's introduced Caramel M&M's was when I died and went to candy heaven! I mean, come on, this was epic! Then Hershey came up with an even more brilliant idea. The Hershey's S'mores bar! You no longer had to make a fire, pull out all the ingredients, and roast them, though that is fun, too. You could just go into a store and buy it in one simple candy bar! I know, I love talking chocolate; here are a few other candies that came out in those years, Altoids Sours (2000) and Reese's Fast Break (2001)

2020's

During a time when the world was rocked by COVID-19, candy makers were still hard at work delivering candies to the public that would probably last a lifetime. The M&M company which always continues to thrill us with a new flavor introduced the Fudge Brownie's M&M.

Hopefully, I have covered many candies that fall on or around the year you were born. In the comments below, let me know your candy!