Free Shipping on Orders over $49 (Retail Only)

Shop Now

1800s Timeline Box with Card

From Medicines to Treats

The 1800s were a time of tremendous change. The rise of industry. The start of candy as we know it. Many sweets began as medicine, such as licorice root which people chewed to clean their teeth. Later licorice was enjoyed as candy. Horehound and rock candy were first used for upset stomachs and sore throats.

Saloons, Soldiers… and Jelly Beans?

Rock candy was also the main ingredient in a popular saloon drink, the Rock n’ Rye. Turkish Delight, a medicine for sore throat first sold in 9th century Arabic apothecaries, became the jelly bean in Boston and was sent to Civil War solders. NECCO Wafers were made in an 1847 apothecary and became one of the first penny candies.

Fun Foods & The Rise of Industry

Some candies, such as buttermints, were just for fun. After the Civil War, industry made new candies possible – like caramel, an American original. Marshmallows were all the rage thanks to new instant gelatin. Salt water taffy, the venerable favorite, was first made by the seashore in the late 1880s – but never actually contained salt!

The Nation’s Oldest Candy Brand…

The rise of industry also meant the rise of candy brands – many of which we still know today! Good & Plenty, the nation’s oldest candy brand, debuted in 1893. Tootsie Rolls, first made in 1896, were named for the creator’s daughter “Tootsie.” The first “kiss” candy, chocolate Wilbur Buds, became popular in the late 1800s. Their more famous rival, the Hershey Kiss, was actually a knock off version of the delicious original – the Wilbur Bud.

Retro Candy Mish-Mash of retro surprises in decorative 8-ounce bag, Old Time Fun

Fun! Delicious! Jam-Packed with Memories! Celebrate the marvels of candy that burst on the scene in the mid-1800s and soared into our lives ever after. Selections vary but may include taffy (1800s), caramels (late 1880s), bubble gum (1927), Zotz (1970s) and candy buttons (1950s)…plus lollipops and who-knows what?  Comes in an 8oz bag with an historic image on the front of the bag and a description of the candy. PLUS – your choice of gift card!

1800s Timeline Box

1800s Confectionery Shop

A sample of 12 1800s candies that started as medicine and ended as  fun food. Some are so familiar, you’d be surprised they go back so far – think: Good n’ Plenty. Others are started as medicines  – think candy drops – and still others such as caramels, and taffy were all-about fun food in the late 100s. Comes with an historic image on the front and story of the candy on the back. Seriously – history never tasted so sweet!

 

 

 

Marshmallow Root: The Ultimate Tea

What does marshmallow root tea taste like?   A sweet, woody flavor, the marshmallow root tea makes an interesting blend…

What’s Mom’s Favorite Old Time Candy? We Asked – Answered!

So, What Candies Do Mothers Really Want For Mother’s Day? A good question seeing that just about all of us…

Redefining Retro

What is Retro Anyway? These days, we’ve been thinking a lot about retro candy. The reason is pretty simple –…

1900s Retro Timeline Box

What’s Inside?

Known as “retro” candy, “old time candy” or “vintage” candy, the assortment of 20th century candy is as dynamic and surprising as the century itself. Think about it – the 20th century started with horse-drawn carriages and ended with rockets in space. The Industrial Revolution became just industry and air travel became an everyday event! Give the gift of the retro period with dynamic and FUN candy from Zotz to Boston Baked Beans. Comes with 12 samples, plus a keepsake tag with an authentic retro image on the front and the stories on the back.

 

Why Does Everyone Hate Candy Corn? An Inside Perspective By Susan Benjamin.

This Halloween, I was inundated with interviews about all aspects of candy, not just Trick o’ Treat. From the wildly…

Chocolate Covered Rice Krispies

Rice Krispies would not exist were it not for the company’s mascots – Snap, Crackle and Pop! Made by illustrator Vernon Grant, starting with Snap, in 1933, and followed by Crackle and Pop, in 1939, the gnomes created a marketing wave that would not stop… Even the Rolling Stones recorded an advertisement in 1963! Anyway, in 1939 Mildred Day, a leader in the Campfire Girls and an employee in Kellogg Home Economics Department, developed the idea of creating Marshmallow Rice Krispies Squares. The concept was based on a 1916 recipe for “Puffed Rice Brittle.” During that time, Campfire girls were also selling “Campfire Marshmallows” and the fit worked.

A few years later, Kellogg’s put the recipe on the back of the cereal box, trademarked the name and it became the go-to for parties and other fun events. Jump ahead about 50 years and the treats became pre-made, sold at supermarkets and everywhere else…under the original and new names. Our marshmallow treats are hand-dipped with chocolate using a turn-of-century recipe. Delicious. Try ours this Easter…chocolate covered. How could you go wrong. Comes packaged as shown with story on the label. Includes a True Treats Easter card!

Watch Candy Historian Susan Benjamin talk bout Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Treats