Charleston Chew is a candy bar that has been around for nearly 100 years. It was first created by the Fox-Cross Candy Company in 1925, founded by Donley Cross and his friend Charlie Fox. The candy bar was named after the Charleston, a popular dance at that time.
Donley Cross, a former Shakespearean actor, had to reinvent himself after he fell off the stage and injured himself. He did so by creating a candy company with Charlie Fox in 1920. In 1922, they introduced the Charleston Chew, which was chewy vanilla nougat covered in milk chocolate. The candy bar had a rocky start, but it eventually became a hit and is now considered a classic candy bar.
Today, Charleston Chew comes in three flavors: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. It is known for its long, rectangular shape and chewy texture. Over the years, the candy bar has become a nostalgic treat for many people and continues to be enjoyed by candy lovers of all ages.
Origins of Charleston Chew
Charleston Chew is a candy bar that has been around for almost a century. Its origins can be traced back to the 1920s when the Fox-Cross Candy Company introduced it to the world. The candy bar was named after the Charleston, a popular dance at that time.
Invention and Founder
The Charleston Chew was created by the Fox-Cross Candy Company, which was founded by stage actor Donley Cross and his friend Charlie Fox. The original version of the candy featured a chewy vanilla nougat covered in milk chocolate.
Early Production
The candy bar was an instant success and soon became a favorite among candy lovers. In the early days, the candy was made by hand, which limited production. However, the company soon found a way to automate the production process, which allowed them to produce more candy bars to meet the growing demand.
Naming the Candy Bar
The candy bar was named after the Charleston, a popular dance at that time. The dance was named after the city of Charleston, South Carolina, and became popular in the 1920s. The name was a perfect fit for the candy bar, as it was chewy and fun, just like the dance.
Overall, the origins of Charleston Chew are rooted in the history of the 1920s and the popularity of the Charleston dance. Today, the candy bar is still enjoyed by people of all ages, and its unique flavor and texture make it a classic treat.
Acquisition and Expansion
Nabisco Era
In 1957, the Fox-Cross Candy Company was acquired by Nabisco, one of the largest food companies in the world at the time. Nabisco continued to produce Charleston Chews and expanded the brand’s reach by introducing new flavors such as chocolate and strawberry. During this time, the company also introduced a bite-sized version of the candy bar.
Warner-Lambert Period
In 1980, Nabisco sold the Charleston Chew brand to Warner-Lambert, a pharmaceutical company. Under Warner-Lambert’s ownership, the brand saw further expansion and growth. The company introduced new flavors such as vanilla and chocolate mint, and also experimented with different packaging options.
Tootsie Roll Industries Ownership
In 1993, Tootsie Roll Industries acquired the Charleston Chew brand from Warner-Lambert. Tootsie Roll Industries continued to produce the classic flavors of Charleston Chew, but also introduced new flavors such as strawberry and vanilla with chocolate chips. The company also expanded the brand’s reach by introducing mini Charleston Chews and bite-sized Charleston Chew pieces.
Overall, the acquisition and expansion of the Charleston Chew brand by Nabisco, Warner-Lambert, and Tootsie Roll Industries helped to make the candy bar a household name and solidify its place in American candy culture.
Manufacturing Process
Ingredients and Recipe
The manufacturing process of Charleston Chew candy bars involves a few simple ingredients. The nougat center is made of sugar, corn syrup, and egg whites. The marshmallow flavoring is added to the nougat by mixing in vanilla or chocolate flavoring. The nougat center is then coated in a layer of chocolate-flavored coating.
Packaging Evolution
Originally, the Charleston Chew candy bars were wrapped in wax paper and sold for 5 cents each. Later, the packaging was changed to a foil wrapper to keep the candy fresh. In the 1960s, the packaging was changed again to a colorful, glossy wrapper with the iconic Charleston dance couple on the front. Today, Charleston Chew candy bars are sold in a variety of packaging sizes, including fun size and miniatures.
The manufacturing process of Charleston Chew candy bars is relatively simple, but the result is a classic candy that has been enjoyed for nearly a century. From the simple wax paper packaging to the colorful wrapper designs of today, Charleston Chew has become a staple in the candy industry.
Cultural Impact
Advertising Campaigns
Charleston Chew has been advertised in various ways over the years, with some campaigns featuring catchy jingles and others highlighting the candy bar’s unique texture. One memorable campaign from the 1970s featured a jingle with the lyrics “Charleston Chew, chewy chocolate candy, Charleston Chew, nothing finer dandy.” The campaign was successful in boosting sales and making the candy bar a household name.
Pop Culture References
Charleston Chew has appeared in various TV shows and movies over the years, cementing its place in pop culture. In the movie “The Sting,” the character played by Robert Redford is seen eating a Charleston Chew. The candy bar has also been referenced in TV shows such as “The Simpsons” and “Friends.” Its enduring popularity is a testament to its unique texture and taste.
In conclusion, Charleston Chew has had a significant cultural impact over the years. Its catchy advertising campaigns and appearances in pop culture have helped make it a beloved candy bar for generations.
Variations and Flavors
Original Flavor
The original Charleston Chew candy bar was introduced in 1922 and had a chewy vanilla nougat center covered in milk chocolate. This flavor was the only one available for many years and remained a classic favorite among candy lovers.
New Flavor Introductions
Over the years, the Charleston Chew candy bar has introduced new flavors to its lineup. In the 1950s, the company introduced the chocolate-flavored Charleston Chew, followed by the strawberry-flavored version in the 1970s.
In the 1990s, the company introduced the mini Charleston Chew, which was a smaller version of the original candy bar. This version was available in three flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. The mini Charleston Chew became a popular choice for those who wanted a smaller, bite-sized version of the classic candy bar.
In recent years, the company has also introduced limited edition flavors, such as the chocolatey cherry flavor and the vanilla bean flavor. These limited edition flavors were only available for a short time and were a hit among candy enthusiasts.
Overall, the Charleston Chew candy bar has remained a classic favorite among candy lovers for nearly a century. With its chewy nougat center and chocolate coating, it’s no wonder why this candy bar has stood the test of time.
Challenges and Controversies
The Charleston Chew candy bar has had its fair share of challenges and controversies throughout its long history. One of the biggest challenges faced by the candy bar was during World War II, when sugar and other ingredients were rationed due to the war effort. This led to a shortage of candy bars, including the Charleston Chew.
Another challenge faced by the candy bar was in the 1970s, when the company faced a lawsuit over the use of artificial colors in their candy. The lawsuit claimed that the artificial colors used in the candy were harmful to consumers and the company was forced to switch to natural colors.
In addition to these challenges, the Charleston Chew has also faced controversy over its name. Some have argued that the name is culturally insensitive, as it is named after the Charleston dance, which was popularized by African American performers in the early 20th century.
Despite these challenges and controversies, the Charleston Chew has remained a beloved candy bar for nearly 100 years. Its unique chewy texture and delicious flavors have made it a favorite among candy lovers of all ages.
Charleston Chew Today
Charleston Chew remains a popular candy bar that has stood the test of time. It is still produced by the Ferrara Candy Company, which acquired the brand from Nabisco in 1993. The candy bar is available in three flavors: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.
Despite being nearly 100 years old, Charleston Chew has managed to keep up with the times. The candy bar is often used in recipes for desserts, such as ice cream sundaes and milkshakes. It is also a popular choice for Halloween candy and stocking stuffers during the holiday season.
Charleston Chew has also made efforts to appeal to a younger audience. The candy bar has been featured in social media campaigns and has collaborated with popular influencers to create new and exciting recipes. The brand has also released limited edition flavors, such as Birthday Cake and Orange Cream.
Overall, Charleston Chew remains a beloved candy bar that has managed to stay relevant in today’s market. Its classic flavors and versatility make it a go-to choice for candy lovers of all ages.