With goodies like strawberry bonbons wrapped in shiny red foil and bright orange Circus Peanuts, “Grandma’s Candy” brings back a wave of nostalgia for many and stirs up conversations online.
Countless folks are reminiscing about their grandmothers’ favorite sweets on social media and Reddit. One user shared memories of Starlight mints and ribbon candies that were “all stuck together.”
The strawberry bonbon stands out, a hard candy resembling a strawberry, teeming with syrup inside.
Interestingly, in a recent Reddit discussion, several participants noted, “It’s all goo.”
But not everyone thinks these candies have a place in today’s world. Brian Francis, a Canadian author and food writer, once took it upon himself to rank various nostalgic candies. Some participants even timed how long it took to inhale certain sweets—Sour Lemon Drops, for example, took over 10 minutes to enjoy.
In Francis’s eyes, the strawberry bonbon “tasted like lip gloss,” while others remarked about its potential to “break your teeth.” He also expressed his disdain for chewy candies that stick to the teeth “like epoxy.”
However, strawberry bonbons weren’t the only divisive treat; Circus Peanuts—a marshmallow candy with a banana flavor—also sparked intense debates. One Reddit user defended them passionately, saying they are “the best,” while another joked about being teased for enjoying them and black licorice.
Some fans even claimed that Circus Peanuts get tastier with age, with one commenter sharing their tip of poking a hole in the candy and letting it sit for a few days.
Yet, one candy that seems to be loved by nearly all is Welter’s Original, a hard caramel often found tucked away in purses and pockets.
One Redditor exclaimed, “I scrolled until I found Werther!!! So good,” and another mentioned always keeping them nearby. Francis agreed on their enduring appeal, suggesting that warming them slightly before indulging can enhance the experience.
Buttermint candies also stirred fond memories; many admitted they can’t resist munching through the entire bag once it’s opened. One user even said, “I impulsively eat the whole thing without thinking.” Another chimed in, recalling a time they consumed so many they lost their sense of taste for a week.
Francis critiqued buttermints, saying they leave a “greasy mess” behind, while others found wintergreen mint unappealing, comparing its taste to “dusty curtains.”
Meanwhile, jelly orange slices were frequently mentioned and generally well-received. One user expressed pure joy upon seeing them, saying, “Oooooo!! Orange slice!! Yay!!” Another admitted to devouring an entire bag in one go and regretting it later.
Many also associated these old-school candies with childhood tricks and memories. One person fondly remembered sneaking upstairs to grab candies from their grandma’s room, echoing what Francis noted about the crystal candy dishes filled with treats during visits to grandparents. “When my back was turned, I always stuck my hand out to grab a fist,” one user reflected.
For some, these sweets remind them of a simpler time when neighbors would share kind waves from their porches while enjoying butterscotch candies.
