Last updated 4 months ago | Originally Published: September 7, 2021

Everything There’s To Know About The Payday Candy Bar

When we sit back and reflect on the blissfulness of childhood, many consider the Payday Candy Bar to be at the top of their list. Indeed, some prefer candy bars coated in chocolate or filled with caramel, However, many enjoy the rich taste of peanut butter married with nougat. 

In the case of the classic Payday candy bar, you can enjoy a delectable combination of peanuts, nougat, and caramel that seem to melt together into one delicious treat.

This staple candy bar has been on the market for decades. In fact, it still ranks high on many “best candy bar” lists until this day! This is due to its unique flavor profile of salted peanuts, sweet and rich caramel, and soft nougat. The three are a match made in Heaven! 

With such an uncommon approach to a candy bar, few other candy bars seem to match up. While a few different variations of the original bar have surfaced, including the Payday Pro, the limited-edition Honey Roasted version, and even ones that seem to mimic a trail-mix variety, the classic version still reigns supreme. 

Payday: More Than Just Candy

The Payday candy bar was invented in 1932 by the Hollywood Candy Company, headed by Frank Martoccio in Minneapolis, MN. Initially, inventors were stumped and could not figure out the perfect name for their new concoction. 

By sheer chance, it turned out that the day this candy bar was born was also payday at the plant. Since the inventors were so excited for their paychecks to roll in, the name seemed to make perfect sense. It was an immediate hit, and at that moment this delectable candy bar was born. 

A Brand In The Making 

Over the decades, the Payday candy bar has had a few famous taglines. Top contenders include: “Get to it!”; “Can’t get enough peanuts? Get a payday!”; “Sweet caramel, tons of salty peanuts”; and simply, “Totally nuts about payday!”

Seeing as this candy bar was introduced during the Great Depression, it was originally marketed as a meal replacement bar. This was meant for those who couldn’t afford other meals. Boasting high protein content due to its outer coating of peanuts, inventors assured the public that Payday would provide a slow and sustained energy source. 

Diving into this tasty concoction, you’ll find about 3.8 grams of protein per ounce, which isn’t bad for a sugary treat. Since hitting the market, people of all shapes and sizes have turned to this delicacy. 

Bodybuilders particularly tend to enjoy this treat for its high protein content and a quick burst of energy. This became such a popular method that in 2005, Payday Pro was released as a limited edition “high protein, high energy” version of the original favorite. 

This “bodybuilder’s dream” offered a similar taste to the original Payday candy bar but boasted an even higher protein content. It also comes with a variety of different trail-mix style flavors including peanuts with chocolate, and peanuts with raisins. 

Other Top Performing Payday Candy Bars

In addition to the Payday Pro, there have been a few other versions of the original peanut-dense treat to hit the shelves. Another notable treat was the Honey Roasted limited edition Payday candy bar which was released in 2003.

The limited-edition Honey Roasted Payday candy bar was a new spinoff to a classic treat. In contrast to the classic Payday candy bar and its salted peanuts, the honey-roasted peanuts seem to compliment the caramel in an entirely new way.

As The Payday Candy Bar Thrives

While it’s possible to buy Payday candy bars in-store, they tend to be a bit of a hidden gem. Some even believe the candy bar was discontinued, but this is not the case. While it’s no longer marketed by the Hollywood Candy Company, you can find the Payday candy bar now sold by Hershey, which began producing this classic peanut caramel treat in their Robinson, IL plant.

That’s right; in 1988 Leaf Candy Company absorbed Hollywood Candy. Then in 1996, the Hershey Company took its place as the manufacturer. Since then, PayDay candy bars have been a staple product under the Hershey banner. Hershey’s even released another fan favorite in 2007 – the Chocolate PayDay candy bar.

This welcomed addition, also known as the Payday Chocolatey Avalanche, maintains its salty peanuts and sweet caramel. The difference in this bar is the rich, chocolate coating the outermost layer. 

Where To Buy Payday Candy Bars

One of the best ways to get your hands on this delicious treat is to visit Candy Retailer, which is one of the largest online candy stores in America! Luckily, for you, you’re already here! 

Now, that you’re actually here, from our Candy Bar section, you’ll be able to purchase Payday Candy Bars in bulk cases! We carry 24-count boxes of both standard size and king size Payday Bars.

We also offer below retail prices and fast nationwide delivery! In other words, you can typically expect your Payday candy bar order to arrive in a reasonable timeframe, just in time to enjoy the savory-sweet deliciousness that you deserve! 

Payday – DIY At Home

If you can’t wait for your order to arrive at your doorstep, you’ll be happy to learn that the Hershey company has listed ingredients for Payday on their website for you to try recreating at home. 

These candy bars contain the following ingredients: peanuts; nonfat milk; sugar; corn syrup; and palm oil. It also contains 2% or less of the following: salt; carrageenan; monoglycerides and diglycerides; egg whites; and soy protein. 

Fans of this candy bar have flocked to the internet to post about their recreations. While it’s hard to compete with the traditional Payday candy bar, many have tried and gotten fairly close. One blogger indicates that they use just 6 ingredients to recreate this classic treat. 

According to this crafty blogger, you’ll first combine 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 cups of peanut butter chips in a saucepan. 

Next, you will heat them until the mixture melts together. Then, pour in the 1 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Be sure to stir in 2 cups of mini marshmallows until they are smooth and combined. 

Finally, you’ll pour half of the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with 1.5 cups of salted peanuts. After pouring the remaining mixture on top, you can use the remaining 1.5 cups of salted peanuts as a chunky and delicious final layer.

Another Payday DIY Idea

Even more fascinating, another blogger insists they’ve found the perfect recipe for a keto-friendly version of this classic treat. Not only is it keto-friendly, but it’s also a no-bake version that makes for the perfect, easy-to-make snack. 

This keto-friendly, Payday candy bar dupe is made with almond flour, peanut butter, vanilla extract for an extra hint of sweetness, cream cheese to hold it altogether, and of course, the magic ingredient – peanuts. 

The best part about this keto-friendly recipe is that salted peanuts can be swapped out for homemade low-carb honey roasted peanuts, as suggested by this creator. 

In addition to being able to easily recreate this treat at home for keto-conscious consumers, Hershey’s Payday candy bar also happens to be naturally gluten-free. 

The Modern Payday Candy Bar

This ever-popular treat even had its moment in the media earlier in 2021. News sources indicated that Payday candy bars would be changing their name. This was reportedly due to “offending the unemployed population.” Thankfully, this turned out to be a rumor, and the Payday name remains.

Keeping in line with the times, the Hershey company released a sweepstake in early 2021 as well. The “Payday Work Hard Pay Hard Instant Win Game.” This sweepstake is just another way that Payday candy bars please the public. 

Not only are they delicious, but its parent company takes every opportunity to give back when possible. In 1989, as part of a Payday candy bar promotion, each bar purchased came with a free, individually packed nickel. A nickel for your thoughts, perhaps?

Everyday Is A Payday With Payday Candy Bars 

Today, Payday candy bars rank as one of the most classic, favorite treats amongst all ages. It’s a unique candy bar since it was created with no chocolate at all and a preference for nut lovers. 

One of the best parts of this candy bar is its caramel core rolled in peanuts. The delicious combination of salty peanuts and sweet caramel leaves candy fanatics always wanting more.

Lastly, while many of us still seek the nostalgia of our childhoods through other types of treats, a Payday candy bar is a tried and tested candy bar that’ll surely bring you back to simpler times. 

Offering the perfect combination of unusual ingredients, this is one candy bar you can feel good about enjoying for decades to come! Obviously, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon!