Halloween Candy
It’s hard to imagine a time when candy wasn’t a part of Halloween! But, looking back at the history of the holiday, American children started trick-or-treating in the ’30s and ’40s. Back then, kids would receive a variety of items from homemade cookies, cake, fruit, nuts, coins and toys.
According to History.com, it wasn’t until the 1950s that companies started marketing candy for Halloween. And by the ’70s, candy became more popular as parents worried about homemade treats.
With that in mind, what Halloween candy made it’s debut in the decade you were born?
1940s
This was the decade that M&Ms and Bazooka bubble gum made their debut. Hershey also created Almond Joys during this time, and Smarties came around the end of the 1940s.
1950s
Things heated up with the debut of Hot Tamales… and then got super sweet with the Pixy Stix in 1952!
1960s
Opal Fruits were released in the UK at the beginning of the decade and made their way to the US by 1967. We now know them as Starburst! Haribo Goldbears and Lemonheads were also created during this time.
1970s
Skittle were first produced in the ’70s in the UK. Reese’s Pieces also made their delicious debut in the ’70s as well.
1980s
The ’80s were a bit of a sour decade– with the release of Nerds and Sour Patch Kids!
1990s
The main candy to debut in the ’90s… The Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Creme Bars.
2000s
A company called Goelitz (they became Jelly Belly Candy Company in 2001) released a “Harry Potter” inspired brand of jelly beans called Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.
Looking back, it’s crazy to think Halloween didn’t involve candy at first. But through the years, a LOT of candy has been created… and we can’t imagine Halloween any other way!
What’s your favorite Halloween candy? Be sure to vote in our Halloween Candy Showdown!