Last updated 3 months ago | Originally Published: November 11, 2023

Discover What Makes Mike and Ike a Top Candy Brand in America

Starting with a box of Mike and Ike Candy opens up a chapter in America’s rich candy history. Here at Candy Retailer, we’re not just about sales; we’re about sharing the substantial history and knowledge we’ve gathered over 50 years in the candy industry. 

Today’s post is packed with facts about Mike and Ike, a brand that continues to satisfy one generation after another! We’re here to give you the straight facts about these colorful little candies. From their origin story to the explosion of flavors they now offer, we cover it all. 

As a family-owned business based in Newport, Kentucky, we take pride in our transparent approach to candy retail. We believe in giving all our readers and visitors the details they need to appreciate the candy brands they know and love, like Mike and Ike! 

Furthermore, we aim to equip you with the most up-to-date information on Mike and Ike Candy. And if you’re looking to buy, you’ll find that our prices are unbeatable compared to big online marketplaces, and with our quick shipping, you’ll be enjoying your candy in no time! 

Going forward, we’ll look at what sets Mike and Ike apart from the rest, how they’ve stayed relevant in the ever-changing candy market, and why they remain a firm favorite in candy aisles nationwide. Get ready to be informed and perhaps even surprised by the true story behind Mike and Ike Candy!

The Colorful History of Mike and Ike Candy

Mike and Ike Candy were introduced in 1940 by Just Born, a family-owned candy manufacturer. The origins of the candy’s name are shrouded in mystery, with several theories but no definitive answer. 

Some speculate the name could be linked to a popular comic strip of the time or perhaps to the Matina Brothers, entertainers who became known as “Mike” and “Ike” and had roles in the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.” Others suggest a company contest or even a nod to Dwight D. Eisenhower, affectionately known as “Ike.”

Just Born, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, expanded the Mike and Ike line in 1953 after acquiring the Rodda Candy Company, which brought expertise in jelly bean production to the table. 

This collaboration led to the introduction of new flavors, such as cotton candy and, later, root beer, in the 1960s. Over the years, the brand has continued to innovate, offering a variety of flavors like Tropical Typhoon and Berry Blast, catering to a broad audience with a sweet spot for fruity candies.

The candies themselves are oblong and chewy and come in various colors and flavors, including cherry, strawberry, orange, lemon, and lime. Each piece contains approximately 7 calories and 1 gram of sugar, and they are certified kosher and gluten-free, making them accessible to a wide range of dietary needs.

In 2012, Just Born launched a creative advertising campaign suggesting “Mike” and “Ike” had parted ways due to creative differences, which was later resolved with their reunion in 2013. This campaign, along with refreshed packaging and a promise of juicier flavors, aimed to rejuvenate the brand and appeal to a younger demographic.

Mike and Ike Candy remain a staple in the confectionery market, demonstrating Just Born’s commitment to tradition and innovation in candy making.

Discover All Mike and Ike Candy Flavors and Products

If you love Mike and Ike Candy, then make sure to check out this section below! Here, you’ll find all the latest flavors and products offered by this beloved candy brand. 

Plus, you’ll find information about the current package size and the average price per item. We also provided you with an accurate image and an ‘Order Now’ button that’ll take you straight to our product page, where you can quickly and easily take action! 

Bee Christmas Just Born Gingerbread House Kit

Step into the holiday spirit with the Bee Christmas Just Born Gingerbread House Kit. At $11.49, this 26oz package is your canvas for creating edible art. It’s a delightful way to build holiday memories, complete with the sweet, spicy scent of gingerbread and the vibrant colors of candy decorations.

Mike & Ike Mega Mix

For those who love variety, the Mike & Ike Mega Mix is a treasure. Priced at $3.59, this 1lb assortment is a tapestry of flavors, from tangy to sweet, ensuring that each handful offers a unique tasting journey. It’s a perfect blend for those who appreciate a surprise in every bite.

Mike & Ike Original 

Take a trip down memory lane with the Mike & Ike Original. This 1lb bag, costing $3.59, is filled with the classic flavors that have charmed candy lovers for over 80 years. Each piece is a small tribute to the enduring legacy of Mike and Ike, a brand that has become an American confectionery staple.

Mike and Ike Berry Blast Theater Box

Energize your taste buds with the Mike and Ike Berry Blast Theater Box. For just $2.09, this 5oz box is packed with an explosive variety of berry flavors, each candy shell hiding a burst of juicy goodness inside, ready to awaken your senses with a sweet, tangy punch.

Mike and Ike Mega Mix Theater Box

Indulge in a spectrum of fruit flavors with the Mike and Ike Mega Mix Theater Box. At a modest $2.29, each 5oz box is a celebration of taste, offering ten unique flavors that dance on the tongue, providing a symphony of sweet notes that are sure to delight any candy enthusiast.

Mike and Ike Mega Mix Sour Theater Box

Challenge your taste buds with the Mike and Ike Mega Mix Sour Theater Box, priced at $2.59. This 5oz box is not for the faint of heart, delivering a thrilling sour twist to the classic flavors you know and love, guaranteed to add a zesty zing to your snack time.

Mike and Ike Orange Box

The Mike and Ike Orange Box delivers a vibrant, citrus-packed punch. Each piece within this 24ct box is a burst of tangy orange flavor, perfect for those who adore a fruity kick. Enjoy this tangy treat, available for $8.39, and add a splash of citrus to your day.

Mike and Ike Original Fruits Box

Savor the essence of fruit with the Mike and Ike Original Fruits Box. This 24ct box, priced at $6.59, brings you the timeless flavors that have made Mike and Ike a beloved brand across generations, offering a sweet trip down memory lane with every bite.

Mike and Ike Original Fruits Bag

For $12.49, the Mike and Ike Original Fruits Bag offers a bountiful 54oz of classic chewy candies. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to stock up on their favorite flavors, ensuring a lasting supply of these iconic fruity treats.

Mike and Ike Original Fruits Theater Box

Step into a world of classic flavors with the Mike and Ike Original Fruits Theater Box. This 5oz box, available for $2.49, celebrates the timeless tastes that have delighted fans for over eight decades, making it a staple for any movie night or snacking occasion.

Mike and Ike Sour Lemon Box

Pucker up for the Mike and Ike Sour Lemon Box, where each 24ct box, priced at $8.39, is filled with the tangy zing of sour lemon. It’s a bold flavor that stands out, offering a tart twist for those who enjoy a more intense candy experience.

Mike and Ike Sour Watermelon Box

The Mike and Ike Sour Watermelon Box brings a juicy, tangy flavor to your candy collection. For $8.49, this 24ct box combines the sweet taste of watermelon with a sour kick, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s as refreshing as it is exhilarating.

Mike and Ike Tropical Typhoon Box

Embark on a flavor expedition with the Mike and Ike Tropical Typhoon Box. Each box contains 24 packs of exotic, tropical flavors that whisk your taste buds away to paradise, all for $7.39. It’s a fruity getaway in every bite, perfect for those with an adventurous palate.

Mike and Ike Tropical Typhoon Theater Box

The 5oz Mike and Ike Tropical Typhoon Theater Box, priced at $2.49, is your ticket to a whirlwind of island-inspired tastes. These candies offer a burst of tropical flavors that will brighten any day or movie-watching experience with their sunny, sweet notes.

Mike and Ike Berry Blast Box

For a berry-filled snacking adventure, the Mike and Ike Berry Blast Box is your go-to choice. At $7.39, this 24ct box is brimming with a medley of berry flavors, each candy a bite-sized burst of berry goodness that’s sure to satisfy any fruit candy lover.

Mike and Ike Cherry Box

Indulge in the singular sweetness of cherries with the Mike and Ike Cherry Box. This 24ct collection, offered at $7.69, is a one-way ticket to cherry bliss, delivering a consistent, juicy flavor that cherry enthusiasts will find irresistible with every piece.

Mike and Ike Jolly Joes Box

The Mike and Ike Jolly Joes Box celebrates grape at its finest. For $8.29, grape lovers can revel in 24 packs of this deep, rich flavor, each candy a testament to the grape’s lush and velvety taste profile that has been captivating palates for years.

Mike and Ike Jolly Joes Theater Box

At $2.49, the Mike and Ike Jolly Joes Theater Box packs a 5oz punch of grape goodness. These candies are a perfect companion for any entertainment, offering a sweet and satisfying grape flavor that’s as bold and lively as the movies themselves.

Answers to the Most FAQs About Mike and Ike Candy

In the following section, we’ll focus on the most common inquiries we receive about Mike and Ike Candy. This part of our post is dedicated to shedding light on the questions that bubble up in the minds of many candy lovers. 

While we aim to cover a complete range of topics, we understand that curiosity is boundless. If your question isn’t addressed, please don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments. 

We’re committed to providing answers and ensuring that every reader leaves with a clearer understanding of their favorite candy brands. We also get thousands of daily visitors, so your questions will undoubtedly be addressed quickly! 

Is Mike and Ike Vegan?

Mike and Ike typically include components not suitable for a vegan diet. One such ingredient is confectioner’s glaze, which is derived from lac bug secretions. The candies also incorporate artificial colors, which are sometimes subject to animal testing.

Is Mike and Ike Halal?

Mike and Ike aren’t halal-certified. These candies contain confectioner’s glaze, an ingredient that might include alcohol, which is avoided in a halal diet. The artificial colors in these candies could also originate from non-halal sources.

Is Mike and Ike Kosher?

Mike and Ike Candy are kosher-certified by the Orthodox Union (OU), indicating compliance with Jewish dietary law. Some kosher dietary observers might still choose to avoid these candies due to the inclusion of confectioner’s glaze, which certain authorities do not consider kosher.

Is Mike and Ike Vegetarian?

Mike and Ike aren’t considered vegetarian. They contain confectioner’s glaze, an animal-derived ingredient. Moreover, the artificial colors used in these candies may have been tested on animals.

Does Mike and Ike Have Gelatin?

Mike and Ike’s candy doesn’t contain gelatin, which is an animal-based ingredient common in many gummy candies. They do, however, include modified food starch, which can come from various sources and might be processed with animal enzymes, rendering them unsuitable for some vegetarians and vegans.

Is Mike and Ike Gluten-Free?

Mike and Ike’s doesn’t contain gluten ingredients such as wheat, barley, rye, or oats. Nevertheless, these candies are produced in facilities that also handle peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, and eggs, posing a risk of cross-contamination for those with allergies or sensitivities to these substances.

Our Final Thoughts On Mike and Ike Candy

Lastly, we’d like to take a moment to say thank you for joining us today! It’s been a pleasure discussing this topic today, as it’s one of the best-selling candies here at Candy Retailer! We carry all flavor options listed above, and our content is freshly updated as new products hit the shelves! 

As a benefit, you’ll always find accurate, up-to-date information about Mike and Ike candy, regardless of when you find this post. On that note, please feel free to share your thoughts, stories, and questions with our growing community of candy lovers in the comment section below! Thanks again for your time, as always; stay sweet, stay blessed.