Last updated 1 month ago | Originally Published: October 5, 2024

The 1960s, often remembered as ‘The Decade of Love,’ was a time of profound cultural transformation, marked by the rise of rock and roll, vibrant counterculture movements, and an exploration of new frontiers—both on Earth and beyond. While social movements and the race to the moon dominated the headlines, the candy world was also undergoing its delightful revolution. In fact, the ’60s candy scene brought a vibrant mix of bold, inventive treats that captured the spirit of the times; whether you were indulging in a sweet escape or sharing a treat with friends at a music festival, ’60s candy became a symbol of the era’s fun and free-spirited vibe! On that note, let’s take a closer look at the most groovy candy brands from this iconic decade, all of which you can still purchase today, including here at Candy Retailer! 

Challenge: If you can think of only one brand of 1960s candy 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:

Sixlets (1960)

Sixlets debuted in 1960, created by the Leaf Confectionery company. These small, round candies are known for their candy-coated exterior with a chocolatey, malted interior. Sixlets were originally packaged in small cellophane tubes and often grouped together by color. Over the years, they’ve become popular in baking and as decorative treats. To learn more about this iconic ’60s candy brand, click below to read more brand information, plus discover all our products and prices here at Candy Retailer!  

Trident Gum (1960)

Trident Gum was launched in 1960 by Cadbury as one of the first sugar-free gums, marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional chewing gum. It gained attention for being recommended by dentists, as it contained xylitol, a sugar substitute that helps prevent cavities. Trident has since expanded its range to include various flavors and formats, making it one of the most popular sugar-free gum brands worldwide. Click below to learn more or to place an order. 

Nips Candy (1961)

Nips Candy was introduced in 1961 by the Pearson Candy Company. Known for its smooth, rich, and creamy taste, Nips are hard candies with a soft, chewy center. The original flavors included coffee and caramel, catering to an adult audience, but they later expanded to include chocolate and other variations. In the fall of 2023, the candy’s name was changed from Pearson Nips to Brach’s Hard Caramels, and it is now available in flavors such as butter rum, classic caramel, and coffee! Click below to learn more or to place an order here at Candy Retailer!

Lemonhead (1962)

Lemonhead candy was created in 1962 by the Ferrara Candy Company. Known for its tart, sweet lemon flavor, Lemonhead is a round, yellow candy with a hard sugar shell and a chewy core. Its distinct flavor and association with bold lemon taste made it popular among consumers. Lemonhead has since expanded its range to include other fruit flavors. Click below to learn more or to make them yours! 

Now and Later (1962)

Phoenix Candy Company introduced Now and Later in 1962 as a long-lasting, taffy-like candy. The name reflects the candy’s texture and longevity, designed to be eaten both “now” and saved “for later.” Available in several fruit flavors, Now and Later quickly became a hit for its tough, chewy consistency that softens as consumed. Click below to learn more or to place an order today! 

Sweetarts (1963)

Sweetarts was introduced in 1963 by Sunline Inc. as a sweet and tart candy intended to offer the same flavors as the popular Pixy Stix in a compressed form. These small, colorful, disk-shaped candies provide a tangy and slightly sour taste, which helped them stand out from other candies at the time. Sweetarts became known for their distinctive texture and bold flavors, making them popular for decades. Click below to learn more or to make a purchase here at Candy Retailer!

Vidal Candies (1963)

Founded in 1963 in Spain, Vidal Candies is known for its wide range of gummy and chewy candies. The company specializes in innovative shapes and flavors, with popular products including gummy worms, bears, and novelty-shaped sweets. Vidal has grown into an international brand, distributing its products to over 80 countries worldwide, and is recognized for its high-quality production standards and creative candy designs. Click below to learn more or to buy here at Candy Retailer! 

100 Grand Bar (1964)

The 100 Grand Bar was introduced in 1964 by Nestlé (now owned by Ferrero) and features a chewy caramel center surrounded by crispy puffed rice and coated in milk chocolate. Originally named the ‘$100,000 Bar,’ the candy was later rebranded to its current name. It remains a favorite for its satisfying combination of textures and flavors. Click below to learn more or to seal the deal. 

Razzles (1966)

Razzles, introduced in 1966, is a unique candy that starts as a candy and transitions into chewing gum. The candy pieces are small and disc-shaped, initially offering a fruity flavor before they transform into gum while being chewed. Razzles were initially available in just one flavor but later expanded to include a variety of fruit flavors. Its novelty and dual functionality have kept it a nostalgic favorite. Click below to learn more, or buy today at Candy Retailer.

Twix (1967)

Twix was introduced in 1967 by Mars, Inc., initially launched in the UK under the name “Raider” before being rebranded as Twix in the U.S. and globally. This candy bar features a cookie base topped with caramel and covered in milk chocolate, sold in pairs within a single package. Twix’s combination of crunchy, chewy, and creamy textures has made it a long-lasting favorite among chocolate bar lovers. Click below to learn more or to make a purchase today.

Starburst (1968)

Starburst, initially known as ‘Opal Fruits’ in the UK, was introduced in the US by Mars, Inc. in 1967 as Fruit Chewies, then a year later, the company once more rebranded to the iconic name we know today! So, we’re going with 1968. These soft, chewy, fruit-flavored taffy candies quickly became a favorite for their bold flavors, originally only including lemon, lime, orange, and strawberry. However, Starburst has grown over the years, as has the brand’s product line and flavors! To learn more, click below and check out what we have in store here at Candy Retailer!

Zotz Candy (1968)

Zotz Candy was introduced in 1968 by G.B. Ambrosoli, an Italian confectionery company, although Zotz didn’t launch in the US until two years later in 1970. This hard candy is known for its tangy, fizzy center, which reacts when the candy dissolves in the mouth, producing a sour, effervescent sensation. Zotz has various fruit flavors and remains popular for its novelty and unique eating experience. Click below to learn more or to make a bulk purchase here.

Kinder (1968)

Kinder, introduced in 1968 by the Italian company Ferrero, is a confectionery brand known for its Kinder Chocolate and the Kinder Surprise egg, which contains a toy inside a chocolate shell. Kinder products are designed to appeal to children and adults and offer various forms of milk and cocoa. The brand has since expanded to include many products, becoming a global favorite. Click below to learn more, including options and prices. 

Tic Tac (1969)

Tic Tac, introduced by Ferrero in 1969, is a small, pill-shaped mint with a hard candy coating and a refreshing flavor. Initially available in mint and orange, Tic Tacs became known for their portable, flip-top box packaging and long-lasting taste. Over the years, the brand expanded to include several flavors and variations, remaining among the most popular breath fresheners worldwide. Click below to learn more or to shop here at Candy Retailer! 

Spree Candy (1969)

Spree Candy was launched in 1969 by the Sunline Candy Company. It is a sweet, disc-shaped candy with a hard, colorful shell and a tart, fruity flavor. Over the years, Spree has become known for its bright, bold colors and tangy taste, available in chewy and hard versions. Its sweet and sour mix makes it a go-to choice for many candy lovers. Click below to learn more or to cash in on the best candy of the ‘60s! 

About Candy Retailer

Candy Retailer is an American, family-owned online candy store offering candy, cookies, chips, nuts, crackers, cakes, and more! With a particular focus on 1960s candy, we celebrate the iconic brands that defined the decade, such as Starburst, Lemonhead, and Sweetarts. Located in Newport, Kentucky, our state-of-the-art temperature-controlled facility ensures freshness with every order. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering these classics for the first time, Candy Retailer offers timeless candy brands from the vibrant 1960s! Explore our selection today and discover or rediscover why it was called the Decade of Love! Peace. You can also follow us on Facebook for updates, stories, and new candy drops!

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