The Marathon candy bar has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s. The candy bar was first introduced in the United States in 1973 by the Mars Candy Company. It was marketed as “the candy bar you can’t eat quickly” in commercials by a cowboy character.
The Marathon candy bar was known for its unique braided shape and its large size, measuring in at eight inches long. It was covered in milk chocolate and filled with braided caramel. The candy bar became a staple in American culture in the 1970s and was enjoyed by many until it was discontinued in the early 1980s.
Despite its discontinuation, the Marathon candy bar remains a beloved memory for many who grew up enjoying the unique candy bar. Today, the candy bar is considered a collector’s item and can sometimes be found for sale online or in specialty candy stores.
Origins of the Marathon Candy Bar
The Marathon candy bar was first introduced in 1973 by the Mars Candy Company. It was a unique candy bar due to its braided caramel that was covered in milk chocolate. The Marathon bar was marketed as the candy bar you can’t eat quickly, and it was advertised by a cowboy guy. The Marathon bar was a full eight inches long and came in a bright red wrapper, which made it stand out from other candy bars.
The Marathon bar became very popular in the United States in the 1970s, and it was a staple in American culture. It was a favorite candy bar for many people, and it was known for its unique taste and texture. The Marathon bar was also popular in the United Kingdom, where it was known as the Snickers bar. The Snickers bar is still available today, but it has a different taste and texture from the original Marathon bar.
The Marathon bar was discontinued in the United States in 1981 due to low sales. However, it remained popular in the United Kingdom, where it was sold until 1992. The Marathon bar was replaced by the Curly Wurly bar in the United Kingdom, which is still available today. The Curly Wurly bar is similar to the Marathon bar, but it has a different taste and texture.
Brand Evolution and Ownership
The Marathon candy bar was introduced in 1973 by the Mars Candy Company. The bar was initially marketed as a braided chocolate and caramel candy bar and was sold in a bright red wrapper. The candy bar quickly became popular and was a staple in American culture during the 1970s.
In 1981, the Marathon candy bar was discontinued due to poor sales. The candy bar was replaced by the Curly Wurly candy bar, which was similar in taste and texture but was shorter in length.
Mars Candy Company has gone through several changes in ownership over the years. In 2008, Mars, Incorporated acquired Wrigley, which is known for its chewing gum products. Today, Mars Wrigley Confectionery is one of the largest confectionery companies in the world, producing popular candy brands such as M&M’s, Snickers, and Skittles.
Despite being discontinued for over 40 years, the Marathon candy bar remains a nostalgic favorite among many candy enthusiasts. The candy bar’s unique braided shape and delicious chocolate and caramel flavor continue to be missed by those who grew up enjoying it.
Marathon’s Product Description
The Marathon candy bar was a popular chocolate bar produced by the Mars candy company. It was first introduced in 1973 and became a staple in American culture in the 70s. The Marathon bar was an oversized candy bar, measuring in at a whopping 8 inches and enrobed in a bright red wrapper.
The candy bar was made of braided caramel covered in milk chocolate. It was marketed as “the candy bar you can’t eat quickly” in commercials featuring a cowboy. The Marathon bar was packaged with ruler markings on the wrapper, making it a fun and unique candy bar for kids to enjoy.
The Marathon candy bar was discontinued in the 80s, but it remains a beloved nostalgic candy for many people. The candy industry has changed significantly since the Marathon’s heyday, but its unique size and packaging still make it a memorable candy bar for those who grew up with it.
Key Ingredients and Nutritional Information
The Marathon Candy Bar was a delightful combination of chewy caramel, rich milk chocolate, and roasted peanuts. The caramel was braided together and covered in milk chocolate, making it a unique treat that stood out from other candy bars. The Marathon Candy Bar typically weighed around 52 grams and contained approximately 230 calories.
The key ingredients of the Marathon Candy Bar were sugar, corn syrup, skim milk, cocoa butter, peanuts, chocolate, lactose, milk fat, soy lecithin, salt, artificial flavor, and palm oil. The bar was gluten-free and did not contain any trans fat. However, it did contain a high amount of sugar and fat, making it a high-calorie treat that should be consumed in moderation.
The Marathon Candy Bar was a popular treat for many years, but it was eventually discontinued due to declining sales. Despite its discontinuation, many people still remember the unique taste and texture of the Marathon Candy Bar and continue to search for it online or in specialty candy stores.
Production and Manufacturing Process
The Marathon candy bar was produced and manufactured by the Mars Company, which was founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars. The candy bar was introduced in 1973 and was made up of braided caramel covered in milk chocolate. The manufacturing process of the Marathon candy bar involved several steps.
First, the caramel was made by heating up sugar, corn syrup, and other ingredients until it reached the desired consistency. The caramel was then poured into a mold and allowed to cool.
Next, the cooled caramel was cut into long, thin strips and braided together. The braided caramel was then coated in milk chocolate and allowed to cool.
Finally, the Marathon candy bar was packaged and shipped to stores for sale.
The manufacturing process of the Marathon candy bar was carefully monitored to ensure that each candy bar met the company’s high standards for quality and taste. The process was also designed to be efficient and cost-effective, allowing the company to produce large quantities of candy bars at a reasonable price.
Overall, the production and manufacturing process of the Marathon candy bar was a complex and precise process that required skilled workers and advanced machinery. Despite its discontinuation in 1981, the Marathon candy bar remains a beloved part of candy history.
Marketing Campaigns and Advertising
The Marathon Candy Bar had a successful marketing campaign that made it a popular candy bar in the 1970s. The candy bar’s advertisements featured a cowboy character named Quick Carl, who claimed that the Marathon Bar was “the candy bar you can’t eat quickly.” The commercials showed people taking their time to enjoy the candy bar’s unique braided shape and caramel flavor.
The Marathon Bar’s advertisements were memorable and effective, making the candy bar stand out from other candy bars on the market. The candy bar’s bright red wrapper also made it easy to spot in stores. The marketing campaign helped to establish the Marathon Bar as a popular candy bar that people enjoyed savoring.
In addition to the commercials, the Marathon Bar also had print advertisements that featured the same cowboy character and the tagline “Lasts a Good Long Time.” The print ads highlighted the candy bar’s unique shape and caramel flavor, encouraging people to take their time and enjoy it.
Overall, the Marathon Candy Bar’s marketing campaigns and advertising played a significant role in its success. The memorable commercials and print ads helped to establish the candy bar as a unique and enjoyable treat that people loved to savor.
Cultural Impact and Consumer Reception
The Marathon candy bar was a cultural phenomenon during its time. The candy bar was introduced in the 1970s and quickly became a staple in American culture. The oversized candy bar, measuring almost a foot long, was a hit among children and adults alike. The braided chocolatey, caramel goodness was a unique and delicious treat that was hard to resist.
The Marathon candy bar was also known for its iconic packaging. The bright red wrapper with the word “Marathon” written in bold white letters was easily recognizable and stood out on store shelves. The candy bar was marketed as a long-lasting treat and was often associated with endurance and stamina.
The consumer reception of the Marathon candy bar was overwhelmingly positive. The candy bar was popular among consumers of all ages and was a top-selling candy bar during its time. However, despite its popularity, the Marathon candy bar was discontinued in 1981, much to the dismay of its loyal fans.
Today, the Marathon candy bar is remembered as a beloved candy that left a lasting impact on American culture. While the candy bar may no longer be available, its legacy lives on through the memories of those who enjoyed it during its time.
Discontinuation and Legacy
The Marathon candy bar had a relatively short life span, lasting only eight years from 1973 to 1981. Despite its unique braided structure and chewy caramel, the candy bar failed to generate enough revenue compared to other chocolate candies produced by Mars, Inc. As a result, it was discontinued in 1981.
However, the Marathon candy bar has left a lasting legacy among candy enthusiasts. Many people still remember the delicious taste of the caramel chocolate bar, and its unique structure has become a topic of discussion and fond reminiscence.
For those who still crave the taste of the Marathon candy bar, there is an alternative available. Cadbury, a British confectionery company, produces a similar product called the Curly Wurly bar. Although it is not widely available in the United States, lovers of the Marathon candy bar can still enjoy a similar treat.
Overall, while the Marathon candy bar may not have been as successful as some of Mars’ other products, it has left a lasting impression on candy lovers and continues to be remembered fondly.
Revivals and Nostalgia Products
The Marathon candy bar may have been discontinued, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of many candy lovers. In recent years, there have been several attempts to revive the beloved candy bar, with mixed success.
One such attempt was made by the Ethel M chocolate company, which released a limited edition “Marathon Bar” in 2019. This version was slightly smaller than the original, measuring 5 inches instead of 8, but it was still a hit with fans of the original candy bar.
Another company that has attempted to bring back the Marathon bar is the Old Time Candy Company. They offer a “Nostalgic Marathon Bar Gift Box” that includes six 1.8 oz bars. While these bars are not the same size as the original Marathon bar, they still offer a taste of nostalgia for those who remember the candy from their childhood.
Overall, while the Marathon candy bar may no longer be in production, its legacy lives on through these revivals and nostalgia products. For those who miss the taste of the braided caramel and chocolate goodness, these options offer a chance to relive the memories of this iconic candy bar.