Last updated 2 months ago | Originally Published: October 5, 2024

The 1940s were a time of transformation, shaped not only by World War II but also by innovations and shifts on the home front. Candy production faced challenges from sugar rationing, yet creativity flourished as manufacturers adapted to the times. New confections were introduced, and old favorites continued to thrive, providing moments of enjoyment during a decade marked by conflict and recovery. In this article, we’ll highlight all the best 1940s candy, revealing all the top names that emerged from this pivotal era, which are all still relevant and available today here at Candy Retailer! 

Challenge: If you can think of only one brand of 1940s 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:

Mike and Ike (1940)

Introduced in 1940 by Just Born, Mike and Ike is a fruit-flavored, chewy candy known for its distinctive oblong shape. Initially featuring flavors like cherry, lemon, and orange, the brand eventually expanded its range of flavors over time, including a sweet and sour version of all the original flavors. Despite its simplicity, the candy quickly became popular for its vibrant taste and colorful appearance. Mike and Ike remain a staple in the candy aisle, with various spin-offs and limited-edition flavors released throughout the years. Click below to learn more about Mike and Ike candy, and scoop up a box today! Perfect for movie nights!

York Peppermint Pattie (1940)

York Peppermint Pattie was launched in 1940 by Henry Kessler at the York Cone Company in York, Pennsylvania. Known for its firm, crisp peppermint center coated in dark chocolate, it quickly became a standout in the confectionery world for its refreshing flavor. The candy became even more popular after Peter Paul acquired the brand in 1972. York Peppermint Pattie remains a classic treat, offering a cool, minty contrast to other candy options. Discover the refreshing taste of York Peppermint Patties and order yours today at Candy Retailer! We carry several package options, including 36ct boxes, holiday, sugar-free, and minis!

Fun Dip (1940)

Originally called “Lik-M-Aid,” Fun Dip debuted in 1940 and became famous for its unique format: flavored powdered sugar paired with a candy stick for dipping. Manufactured by the Ferrara Candy Company, the product allows for interactive eating, with flavors like Razz Apple Magic Dip and Cherry Yum Diddly Dip leading the way! They also have three sour flavors, including a Fun Dip mystery flavor! The candy’s playful nature and bold flavors have kept it popular with children for decades, making it a nostalgic favorite. Explore Fun Dip’s unique flavors and buy your favorite here today!

M&M’s (1941)

Created in 1941 by Mars, Incorporated, M&M’s was inspired by a similar British candy and developed to provide a durable chocolate treat for soldiers during World War II. The candy’s hard, sugar-coated shell prevents the chocolate from melting, making it ideal for transport and storage. M&M’s has since become one of the most popular candies worldwide, expanding into several flavors and colors. Click below to learn more about M&M’s, including all our package options (we have a lot), flavors, holiday editions, and prices, which we’re sure you’ll appreciate!

Dots Candy (1945)

Dots, introduced in 1945 by Tootsie Roll Industries, are small, gumdrop-shaped candies known for their chewy texture and fruity flavors. With original flavors like cherry, lemon, and lime, Dots quickly became a favorite movie theater treat. The candy remains popular today, retaining its simple, fruity appeal and staying power as a nostalgic candy classic. Check out our selection of Dots and Crow candy below! Here, you’ll discover all flavors, package options, and prices! The perfect movie night candy!

Reppert’s Candy (1945)

Reppert’s Candy was founded in 1945 in Pennsylvania. It is a family-owned business specializing in handcrafted chocolates. Known for its high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes, This brand quickly gained a reputation for producing a wide variety of fine chocolates, including truffles, peanut butter cups, and caramels. The company continues to operate as a small business, beloved for its artisanal approach to candy-making. Learn more about Reppert’s Candy here at Candy Retailer! 

Almond Joy (1946)

Almond Joy was introduced in 1946 by Peter Paul Candy Manufacturing Company as a counterpart to its popular Mounds bar. The candy features a coconut filling topped with whole almonds, all covered in milk chocolate. Its distinctive combination of textures and flavors made it a hit, and it remains one of the most popular coconut-based candy bars on the market today. Discover more about Almond Joy, including how you can score a box(es) here at Candy Retailer!

Bazooka (1947)

Bazooka gum was introduced in 1947 by the Topps Company in the U.S. Known for its signature bright red, white, and blue packaging and the inclusion of Bazooka Joe comics, the gum became an instant hit with children. Bazooka’s distinctive flavor, long-lasting chew, and comic strip appeal made it a beloved staple of post-war American childhoods. Click the button below to explore our beloved category of Bazooka Candy here at Candy Retailer, including that classic bubble gum with a comic that we all know and love, you know the ones!

R.M. Palmer (1948)

Founded in 1948, R.M. Palmer Company is known for its seasonal chocolate novelties, particularly around holidays like Easter and Christmas. The company specializes in molded chocolate figures, such as bunnies and Santas, and is one of the largest producers of seasonal chocolates in the U.S. Despite the competition, R.M. Palmer has maintained a strong presence in the market through its festive offerings. Celebrate with R.M. Palmer’s festive chocolates—order them today by clicking below! We have them, and there’s a lot to unpack here, so make sure you have a few minutes before jumping in!

Junior Mints (1949)

Introduced in 1949 by the Cambridge-based James O. Welch Company, Junior Mints are bite-sized candies featuring a creamy peppermint center coated in dark chocolate. Originally popular in movie theaters, Junior Mints quickly became a widely loved snack, celebrated for its cool mint flavor and smooth texture. Today, it remains a go-to candy for both casual snacking and moviegoing. Discover more about Junior Mints, one of America’s all-time favorite theater candies, and bring home a box today or as many as your heart desires! Click below to own the moment!

Jolly Rancher (1949)

Launched in 1949 by the Jolly Rancher Company, Jolly Ranchers are hard candies known for their bold, fruity flavors, including apple, cherry, and watermelon. Initially sold as part of a larger line of confections, the hard candy became the company’s signature product. Now produced by The Hershey Company, Jolly Ranchers remain popular for their long-lasting flavor and vibrant colors. Check out our entire selection of Jolly Rancher and order your favorite flavors here today! Click below to learn more about this brand and all its products and flavors that we carry here at Candy Retailer, America’s #1 candy & snack store!

Smarties (1949)

Smarties were introduced in 1949 by Edward Dee, a British immigrant who founded Ce De Candy, Inc., in New Jersey. These small, colorful, chalky discs come in many fruity flavors and are known for their simple, nostalgic appeal. Often handed out during Halloween, Smarties are popular for their light, tangy sweetness and low-calorie count. Click below to learn more about Smarties and get the best deal on your favorite candy brand here at Candy Retailer! We carry many package options, including bulk, so if this is the candy that makes your heart sing, then click below and order as your heart desires!

About Candy Retailer

Candy Retailer is an American, family-owned online candy store that proudly offers a wide selection of modern and retro confections. With a special emphasis on 1940s candy, we celebrate the best brands that provided comfort during the challenging World War II era, such as M&M’s, Almond Joy, and York Peppermint Pattie. Based in Newport, Kentucky, we ensure every candy is fresh, thanks to our state-of-the-art temperature-controlled facility. Candy Retailer has something for every candy lover, whether you want to indulge in nostalgic candy or discover new favorites. Explore our collection today and experience the timeless brands of the 1940s! You can also connect with us on Facebook for announcements, updates, new articles, and product drops!

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