13 Candies Boomers Love That Gen Z Has Never Heard Of

Candy lovers all have their favorites: from Skittles and Sour Patch Kids to Kit Kat bars and plain old M&Ms. And while many of today's kids' top candy picks have their origins dating back to the early 20th century, there is still an entire selection of sweet treats that were favorites among the Boomer population that have fallen out of favor.

Candy isn't just a sweet treat to enjoy when a craving hits – it can be a part of your childhood and bring up memories that were previously forgotten. For many Baby Boomers, candy can be especially nostalgic, considering the prevalence of penny candy stores during the 1950s and 60s.

When many Boomers were growing up, candy was purchased at neighborhood stores, and kids could buy individually wrapped candies for just a few cents, hence the name "penny candy" stores. There's quite a bit of nostalgia that comes with brown paper bags filled with candy for this generation.

Even though candy sales are still going strong in 2025, candy stores look a lot different than they did when Boomers were little. According to the National Confectioners Association (NCA), candy sales are projected to reach $70 billion by 2029. While the exact number of independent candy stores in the U.S. is not currently available, specialty candy shops remain a nostalgic part of the American retail landscape.

In this slideshow, we take a look at some of the most popular candies that Boomers may remember from their childhood, even if the next generation has never heard of these treats.

This post was updated in July 2025 to include additional information about the candy industry in 2025.

Chuckles

Invented in 1921 by a marshmallow maker
It was one of the first mass-produced jelly candies in the U.S.
Available in 5 flavors

Bit-o-Honey

Invented in 1924 by the Schutter-Johnson Company
A popular honey-flavored taffy with almond bits
Cost a penny per piece

Candy Cigarettes

Made in the late 1800s
Designed to look like real cigarettes
Made of sugar, chocolate or bubblegum

Necco Wafers

Invented in 1847 by Oliver Chase
Chalky candy discs
Originally called hub wafers

Good & Plenty

Invented in 1893
Licorice candy
One of the oldest branded candies in American history

Sugar Daddy

Invented in 1925
Originally called a "papa sucker"
The name was changed to Sugar Daddy in 1932

Atomic Fireball

Invented in 1954 by Nello Ferrara
Notoriously spicy, though its exact Scoville rating is debated
Made using a hot pan method

Slo Poke

Invented in 1926 by the Holloway Candy Co.
Started as a sucker
Evolved to a caramel bar

Jujubes

First sold in 1890
Named after the jujube fruit, a native Chinese fruit
Production was discontinued in 2022 and Jujubes are no longer manufactured as of 2025, though some old stock may occasionally be found online.