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The Halloween candy that debuted the decade you were born
By Ann Schmidt
Published October 31, 2022
Candy may be an essential part of part of Halloween, but it doesn't appear that it's always been that way.
In fact, when American children first started trick-or-treating in the 1930s and 1940s kids received "everything from homemade cookies and pieces of cake to fruit, nuts, coins and toys," according to History.com.
People starting adding candy to their trick-or-treat traditions in the 1950s as candy companies marketed products for Halloween and by the 1970s, candy became the "only acceptable thing to hand out," because parents were worried about homemade treats, according to the website.
HALLOWEEN BY THE NUMBERS: FUN FACTS ABOUT THE SPOOKY DAY
In honor of Halloween 2022 and trick-or-treating, check out which candy was released the decade you were born.
Candy became an essential part of trick-or-treating in the 1970s. (iStock)
1940s
Mars released M&M's in 1941, according to History.com and Bazooka bubble gum was introduced in 1947, according to Bazooka Candy Brands.
Hershey reports it created Almond Joy in 1948 and the company that made Smarties first opened in 1949, according to smarties.com.
M&M's were first released in 1941 by candy company, Mars. (iStock)
1950s
Hot Tamales, the popular cinnamon-flavored candies, were introduced in 1950, according to Just Born Quality Confections, the Pennsylvania-based company which created Hot Tamales.
Hey... has anyone seen our 🔥?... 🤔 pic.twitter.com/OkoE2J5Lfi
— HOT TAMALES® 🔥 (@HOTTAMALESBrand) January 18, 2020
Pixy Stix, the powdered candy packaged in a straw, were also sold in the 50s, according to NPR.
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1960s
Starburst, which was originally called Opal Fruits, was released in the U.K. in 1960 and came to the U.S. in 1967, according to Delish.
Let us now how you're inflating with flavor!🍓🍋🍒🍊 pic.twitter.com/RATBfAcHKy
— STARBURST (@Starburst) October 11, 2022
Haribo Goldbears gummy bears were also released in 1960, according to Haribo. In 1962, Lemonheads were released, according to Ferrara Candy Company.
1970s
Skittles were first produced in the U.K. in 1974, according to a Penn State blog on the history of candy.
Pop Rocks weren’t invented and released as they are today the 70s, Though a similar form of ‘Carbonated Candy’ was invented in 1956, according to the Pop Rocks' website.
Pop Rocks, a candy that pops on top of your tongue, were released in the 70s. (iStock)
Reese’s Pieces were also invented and released in the same decade, according to hersheyarchives.org.
HALLOWEEN QUIZ! HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THESE SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT THE SPOOKY HOLIDAY?
1980s
Nerds were invented in 1983, according to Eater.
Sour Patch Kids were introduced in 1985, according to Mondelēz International, Inc. – the brand which owns the candy.
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1990s
In the 1990s, Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Creme bars first hit store shelves in 1994, according to hersheyland.com.
We're getting the Halloween party started early this year by giving you a chance to win a Halloween starter kit. Reply using #HersheyHalloweenKit #Giveaway to enter. 🎃 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends 9/17/22. To enter and for Official Rules, visit https://t.co/OF4shY3Qjz pic.twitter.com/XKlfTtHFBK
— HERSHEY'S (@Hersheys) September 15, 2022
2000s
Candy company Goelitz – which became Jelly Belly Candy Company in 2001 – released Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans in 2000, inspired by the "Harry Potter" franchise, according to jellybelly.com.
Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans pic.twitter.com/QFyyXkggEr
— Harry Potter World (@PotterWorldUK) May 21, 2020
https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/halloween-candy-debuted-decade-born