Last updated 1 month ago | Originally Published: October 4, 2024

Industrial expansion, technological advancements, and significant social reforms marked the early 1900s. The candy industry also saw the rise as new manufacturing techniques made candy more accessible to the public. The assembly line, pioneered by Henry Ford, not only transformed car production but also influenced candy brands and makers, allowing them to mass-produce candies. As progressive reforms like the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 improved food safety, candy companies were held to higher standards. This period is known for its cultural and industrial shifts, paralleling the introduction of iconic candies that would shape the American candy landscape for generations, including new innovative candy flavors and texture types! 

Challenge: If you can think of only one brand of candy from the early 1900s we didn’t list, let us know in the comments. If it’s confirmed to be correct, we’ll give you all the credit, add the brand to our list, and send you a 10% discount code that you can use for anything in our store!

Candy by Decades:

Brach’s Candy (1904)

Founded in 1904 by Emil J. Brach in Chicago, Brach’s Candy revolutionized the confectionery industry by offering high-quality sweets at affordable prices. The company’s early success came from its caramel production, which expanded into jelly beans, candy corn, and chocolates. Today, Brach’s is known for its seasonal offerings and bulk candy options. Click below to explore Brach’s delicious candy lineup, and purchase here at Candy Retailer today!

Spangler Candy (1906)

Spangler Candy, founded in 1906 in Ohio, is best known for producing iconic sweets like Dum Dums lollipops, circus peanuts, and candy canes. The company has maintained a focus on classic American candies and remains a family-owned business. Spangler’s enduring commitment to quality and tradition makes it a trusted name in candy production. To enjoy these nostalgic treats, click below to order from Candy Retailer now!

Ferrara Candy (1908)

Established in 1908 by Salvatore Ferrara, Ferrara Candy Company started by selling traditional Italian confections such as Torrone. It later expanded its product line to include famous brands like Lemonheads, Red Hots, and Atomic Fireballs. Ferrara has grown into one of the largest candy companies in the U.S. and continues to offer many popular candies and candy brands. Learn more and grab your favorite Ferrara sweets by clicking here to make a purchase today!

Pearson’s Candy (1909)

Pearson’s Candy, founded in 1909 in Minnesota, is known for its nutty treats like the Salted Nut Roll, Nut Goodie, and Bun Bar. The company has a long history of using high-quality ingredients, making it a favorite among those who appreciate classic, nut-based candies. Discover the delicious flavors of Pearson’s by clicking below to order today at Candy Retailer!

Werther’s Original (1909)

Werther’s Original, launched in 1909 by German confectioner Gustav Nebel, is famous for its smooth, buttery caramel candies. Originally crafted in Werther, Germany, these timeless sweets have gained worldwide recognition for their rich, creamy flavor. Today, Werther’s Original continues to be a popular choice for caramel lovers. Click here to indulge in Werther’s Original at Candy Retailer today!

Mars (1911)

Founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars in Tacoma, Washington, Mars quickly grew into one of the largest candy manufacturers in the world. The company initially produced buttercream candies and gained fame by introducing the Milky Way bar in 1923. Today, Mars is known for iconic brands such as Snickers, M&M’s, and Twix, alongside its vast product portfolio, which includes pet food and other snacks. To enjoy Mars’ legendary treats, click below to make your purchase at Candy Retailer today!

Life Savers (1912)

Life Savers, introduced in 1912 by Clarence Crane in Ohio, revolutionized candy with its unique ring shape and refreshing mint flavors. Designed as a “summer candy” that wouldn’t melt in the heat, Life Savers soon became a favorite. The original Pep-O-Mint flavor remains a classic, with many varieties available today. Discover the timeless taste of Life Savers by clicking below to order now at Candy Retailer!

Charms Candy (1912)

Charms Candy, founded in 1912 by Walter W. Reid Jr., became famous for its hard candies, especially Charms Blow Pops. Known for their distinct flavor and chewable bubblegum centers, these treats have delighted candy lovers for over a century. Charms continues to be a leader in the candy market, focusing on fun, flavorful sweets. Click here to learn more and order your Charms favorites today at Candy Retailer!

Albert’s Candy (1916)

Albert’s Candy, established in 1916, is known for its wide variety of novelty sweets and penny candies. The brand has catered to those seeking affordable, fun treats for decades. With an assortment of nostalgic and whimsical confections, Albert’s continues to be a favorite among candy lovers. Click below to explore and order Albert’s Candy today at Candy Retailer!

Taffy Town (1916)

Founded initially as the Glade Candy Company in 1916, Taffy Town specializes in gourmet saltwater taffy. Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and still family-owned after four generations, the company has transitioned from producing a variety of candies to focusing exclusively on its renowned whipped taffy. Known for its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, Taffy Town offers over 70 flavors and continues to innovate with new combinations. Click below to experience the delightful variety of Taffy Town’s taffy at Candy Retailer today!

Turtles Candy (1916)

Turtles, introduced by DeMet’s Candy Company in 1918, are a popular chocolate candy featuring caramel and pecans coated in milk or dark chocolate, shaped to resemble a turtle. These indulgent treats have been a classic American favorite for over a century, offering a perfect blend of crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey goodness. To try these iconic chocolates, click below and order from Candy Retailer today!

Bob’s Candy (1919)

Bobs Candies, founded in 1919, became well-known for its Sweet Stripes soft peppermint sticks. As the first company to automate candy wrapping, Bob’s candy revolutionized production efficiency and expanded availability. In 2024, Ferrara Candy Company rebranded the line under Brach’s Hard Candies, continuing the tradition of producing these beloved treats. Sweet Stripes remains a holiday favorite in the USA because of its smooth texture and cool peppermint flavor. Click below to discover more here at Candy Retailer!

About Candy Retailer

Candy Retailer is a family-run online store located in Newport, Kentucky, specializing in candies from the early 1900s, a time when iconic treats like saltwater taffy, candy sticks, and chocolate confections first captured the hearts of America. We are dedicated to offering timeless classics that shaped the early candy industry, bringing you sweets that defined the era. Our temperature-controlled facility ensures every product arrives fresh and ready for you to enjoy. Whether rediscovering early 1900s favorites or experiencing these historical candies for the first time, Candy Retailer connects you to the sweet beginnings of modern candy. Discover more candy by decades here. Also, don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook for deals, updates, recent posts, and daily drops!

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