Last updated 4 days ago | Originally Published: March 28, 2025
If you were born between 1981 and 1996, I guarantee there’s more than one candy brand on our list that you’ll agree is the best. How do we know? Well, I was born in 1980, at the end of Gen X, but just like you, I was raised by Gen X, so I grew up as a Millennial and agree with a few of these candy brands myself.
So, how did I rank these candies? Over the years, we’ve collected nearly 200k emails from Americans who signed up for our newsletter or became customers here at Candy Retailer. From that number, we emailed 100k people currently engaging with our content and store and asked all Millennials to respond with their favorite candy brands. However, we provided them with a list that consisted of only brands from that generation.
We understand that not all Millennials just like candy released from 1981 to 1996, but we wanted to keep this strictly about that era, so we found 50 different candies from those years, and 21,455 candy lovers responded with love! Thank you so much, we love y’all, too! Of those who replied to our email, here are the top 10 best candy brands selected by none other than yours truly, the Millennials.
- Sour Patch Kids: 3,218 Votes
- Nerds: 2,575 Votes
- Airheads: 2,146 Votes
- Creme Savers: 2,113 Votes
- Runts: 2,087 Votes
- Cow Tales: 1,943 Votes
- Sour Power: 1,897 Votes
- Peanut Butter M&M’s: 1,854 Votes
- Cry Baby Candy: 1,829 Votes
- Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme: 1,793 Votes
1. Sour Patch Kids
Sour Patch Kids arrived in 1985, and they’ve been running the show ever since! These candies are sweet, sour, and exploding with flavor! With 3,218 votes, Millennials crowned them #1, hands down. However, they’re not my top pick, but I can’t deny them from my top ten either; they’re the king of this candy list for a reason! So, if you agree, sound off in the comments below and pick up a few bags here at Candy Retailer!
2. Nerds
Nerds hit the shelves in 1983, and those tiny, crunchy nuggets were a flavor overload. Two sides, double the fun—mix or pick your poison! With 2,575 votes, they’re #2 for Millennials, no surprise, though! You’d shake them into your mouth like a pro or sprinkle them on something dumb. Pure, chaotic joy. Best of all, they’re still a thing among candy lovers worldwide! If you agree, let us know below, and pick up a few boxes today to set the record straight.
3. Airheads
Airheads crashed the party in 1986, as those stretchy, tangy strips became a pretty big deal. I don’t know about y’all, but we used to sell these for 50 cents each back in middle school. Man, those were the days! With 2,146 votes, they effortlessly lock in at #3 for Millennials. We carry all flavors here at Candy Retailer, as well as Airheads Gum! So, this is your #1, then let the world know you mean business! Of all the brands offered, these were my #1 top pick! Represent if you agree!
4. Creme Savers
Creme Savers came out in 1996 and instantly became the smooth operator of candy! Unfortunately, they were later discontinued, but with a bit of luck and demand, Iconic Candy bought the rights to this brand and brought them back to life! With 2,113 votes, Millennials clearly gave them a solid nod. We now carry them again here at Candy Retailer, so if these are the ones for you, let the truth be known in the comments below!
5. Runts
Runts popped up in 1982, and those little fruit-shaped crunchers were pure chaos in a box. However, I was only two years old when they came out, but by the time I was five, I had them and still remember them quite well. With 2,087 votes, Millennials firmly stand by this brand. So, what was your favorite flavor? As a kid, I’d eat all the banana ones first, then on to grape! How about you? To experience them once again, click below and bring them home!
6. Cow Tales
Cow Tales dropped in 1984, and they’re the sleeper hit you didn’t expect. Chewy caramel with that creamy middle—it’s low-key perfection. With 1,943 votes, Millennials ensure they’re still relevant and known! They also came in chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, apple, and fudge, but the original caramel one was always my favorite! If you’re a fan of Cow Tales caramel candy, sound off below and let us know your favorite flavor!
7. Sour Power
Sour Power kicked off in 1985, and those chewy, fruity, sour belts instantly became a hit. This is the type of candy I’d wrestle before eating. I knew they would be a tear-jerker, so I used to amp myself up before biting down! If you know, you know! With 1,897 votes, Millennials still feel the pull and consider them a top contender! If you agree, let us know in the comments or click below and silently seal the deal. We carry all flavors!
8. Peanut Butter M&M’s
Peanut Butter M&M’s showed up in 1989, and honestly, they’re the real MVPs of the M&M crew! On a personal note, I voted these #2, and I still enjoy them today! With 1,854 votes, Millennials still rate them high, but I’m not feeling #8, though! If you agree and think Peanut Butter M&Ms deserve a better ranking, I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below! Also, pick up a box to make it official. Use Promo Code CANDY10 at checkout and enjoy 10% OFF your entire order!
9. Cry Baby Candy
Cry Baby Candy rolled out in 1991, and dang, it wasn’t messing around. Those sour bombs were a gut punch to your taste buds—some loved it, some flinched, and some chickened out and ran away! Which one were you? With 1,829 votes, it’s clear Millennials haven’t forgotten the challenge! I love that because I have some pretty good memories with this candy, although it’s been years since I’ve had them; nonetheless, I understand why they ranked in the top ten!
10. Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme
Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme landed in 1994, and let’s be honest—it was a quiet legend. Made white chocolate with cookie chunks, these candy bars just hit differently than others of the time, especially when you needed a break from the usual. With 1,793 votes, it’s not topping charts, but Millennials still clearly vibe with it. I wasn’t a big fan of these, although I do recognize that millions of people disagree, so I give credit where it’s due! Let us know if this is the one for you!
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