Before candy bars took over the checkout aisle, a lot of candy was sold loose
from jars, a few cents at a time. Plenty of those candies are still made, by
small companies that have not changed much.
Eight that would get a nod of recognition at any family reunion.
1. Coconut Long Boys
Chewy caramel rolled with flakes of real coconut, a candy that started in New
Orleans more than fifty years ago and is still made to the same recipe. Soft
enough to bend, sweet in the old-fashioned, unapologetic way.
2. Chick-O-Stick
A crunchy peanut butter center rolled in toasted coconut. It looks like a fish
stick and tastes like a lighter, flakier peanut butter cup. People either have
never heard of it or have strong feelings about it.
3. Mary Jane
The peanut butter and molasses chew in the yellow wrapper, made for more than a
century. It is firm, so let it warm up in your mouth before you commit to a
bite.
4. Anise squares
Small hard candies with the warm, licorice-like flavor of anise. They divide
rooms, but the people who like them tend to love them, and they are hard to
find in regular stores.
5. Sophie Mae peanut brittle
Crisp, glassy brittle packed with peanuts, in small boxes that make it easy to
give away. Brittle is one of the simplest candies there is, which is why a good
one stands out.
6. Goldenberg's Peanut Chews
A Philadelphia classic: a dense, chewy molasses-and-peanut center coated in
dark chocolate. They are less sweet than most candy bars, which is a big part
of their staying power.
7. Gilliam candy sticks
Striped, old-fashioned candy sticks, sixteen to a pack and individually
wrapped. Sticks like these were a general-store staple, and the mix is the fun
part: expect flavors like root beer, cherry, peppermint and lemon.
8. Joyva Sesame Crunch
Thin, crisp bars of toasted sesame seeds set in a light candy. Joyva is a
Brooklyn company that has been making them for generations, and they taste
toasty and only gently sweet.
Bring a bag to the next visit
Old-fashioned candy is one of the easiest gifts for an older relative because
it is a gift and a conversation at the same time. Put out a mixed bowl and ask
which one they remember from when they were young.
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Sophie Mae Handmade Peanut Brittle, Nostalgic Candy, Giftable 4 Oz, 3 Boxes
Joyva Sesame Crunch Pieces Candy, 2 lbs.
Gilliam Old Fashioned Candy Sticks, 16 Unique Flavor Variety Pack
Original Dark Chocolate Goldenberg's Peanut Chews, 2 Lbs
Atkinson's Coconut Long Boys Nostalgic New Orleans Chewy Candy ~ 1 Lb
Chick O Stick Candy Bars | 8 Pack | Crunchy Peanut Butter Rolled In Toast Coconut | Peanut Butter Candy | .7 oz Bars
Atkinson’s Anise Squares Nostalgic Candy – 2 Tubs (1lb Total) | Old-Fashioned Licorice-Style Treat
