Picking out candy for gift bags, party favors, or just a regular old snack can be a chore. Modern candy manufacturers are constantly releasing new chocolate bars and other sweets… it can be hard to find something good!
Vintage candy is the candy that has been around since our parent’s and grandparent’s time. Candy that is so good it has stood the test of time. Timeless flavor, if you will.
We asked our candy buyers to come up with a list of their favorite vintage candy. The list is a great starting point for anyone looking for candy that has always been in style.
Without further ado:
Chuckles
Chuckles candy was first introduced in 1921. They are jelly candies with a light coating of sugar and come in 5 traditional flavors: cherry, lemon, lime, orange, and licorice. Chuckles have been popular since their debut in the ’20s, even sponsoring professional stuntman Evel Knievel in the 70s.
Chuckles are great for anyone who likes Easter-style jelly candy. They are fruity and have a natural-tasting fruit/licorice flavor that is hard to find in contemporary candy lines.
El Bubble Gum Cigars
Most people recognize El Bubble Gum Cigars from baby showers and other celebrations of life. These bubble gum cigars come in blue, pink, and gender-neutral yellow, so you can find the perfect color for any occasion.
El Bubble Gum Cigars make great additions to gift bags and party favors for baby showers, gender reveal parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, weddings, and other major life events.
Claeys Hard Candy
Claeys Candy was founded in 1919 by Jerome C. Claeys, the grandfather of current president Gregg Claeys. Claeys’ hard candies are traditional hard candies with flavors like anise, horehound, and sassafras (among others).
Claeys’ hard candy has been a staple of our vintage candy selection since we first started ordering it. Older customers can’t get enough of candy that tastes like the stuff they ate as children. Younger customers love the great fruit flavors of newer varieties of Claeys’.
Beeman’s Gum
The ‘original’ vintage chewing gum. Beeman’s Gum was developed by Ohio physician Edward E. Beeman in the late 19th century. The gum was sold until the mid-70s when it ran into stiff competition from new ‘longer lasting’ fruit and bubble gums. The brand was brought back in both 1985 and 2019 due to popular demand.
Beeman’s chewing gum has a classic ‘candy’ taste. People love Beeman’s because of this flavor–it reminds them of childhood and buying a 5-pack of gum for just 25 cents (or less!).
Choward’s Violet Mints
First introduced in 1934, Choward’s Violet Mints are definitely a throwback! Containing a ‘floral flavor and fragrance’ these mints are unlike anything before–or since. Anyone who has picked up a pack of Choward’s Violet Mints knows the scent. It is very strong and very memorable.
These mints have always had a steady following among our customers. While not for everyone, Choward’s Violet Mints are perfect for anyone looking for candy or mints unlike any other.
Goetze’s Caramel Creams
Another classic vintage candy, Goetze’s Caramel Creams came out of Goetze Candy’s foray into non-chewing gum in 1917. Originally started in 1895, Goetze’s Candy only produced chewing gum. The second generation of Goetze confectioners started making caramels (originally without the cream) and the rest is history. Goetze Candy is still family-owned today, with the 5th generation of the family still making candy we all love.
Goetze Caramel Creams are perfect for anyone who loves caramel. As one of the original mass-produced caramel treats these caramels have a unique flavor all their own.
Candy Cigarettes
We know, we know–candy cigarettes are bad! There is even evidence today that candy cigarettes were definitely used to attract new smokers from a young age. With that out of the way, candy cigarettes are most definitely a throwback bound to trigger nostalgia!
We don’t recommend buying these for children, but candy cigarettes are great for vintage parties and gifts for older family and friends. Your parents and grandparents will definitely experience a wave of nostalgia when they see a box of these!
NECCO Wafers
Possibly the first mass-produced American candy, NECCO Wafers first appeared in an early form in 1847. Oliver Chase had invented the first American candy machine–a lozenge cutter. After initial success, Chase’s family business merged with several others in the early 20th century, eventually settling on the name NECCO.
NECCO wafers are the definition of old candy–not much sugar, but flavors everyone remembers. NECCO wafers are a personal favorite of 5th-generation Oswald’s owner Bill Anderson.
Vintage Candy at Oswald’s Pharmacy
We’ve always wanted buying candy to be fun here at Oswald’s. Our candy buyers are always looking for great vintage candy to mix in with modern favorites (and a few brand new types). Many of the candies listed in this blog are available all year, with a few having different seasonal packaging. We also stock boxed chocolates from favorites like Russel Stover, Fannie May, and Abdallah.
If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. We’d love to hear your feedback on vintage candy.
You can also stop in anytime to stock up on the brands listed in this blog. We are open 7 days a week and always have a great selection of vintage candy on hand!