Sour Patch Kids, the candy that starts sour but ends sweet, has been a beloved treat for many years. The candy was first introduced to the United States market in 1985, but its history dates back to the late 1970s in Ontario, Canada. Frank Galatolie, a confectioner at Jaret International, created the candy and originally named it “Mars Men.”
The candy’s name was changed to “Sour Patch Kids” in 1985 and the candy was introduced to the U.S. market the same year. The candy became an instant hit, and it has remained popular ever since. The brand has undergone several changes over the years, including changes to the mascot, but the candy’s unique taste has remained the same. Today, Sour Patch Kids are available in a variety of flavors, including Watermelon, Cherry, and Blue Raspberry, and they are enjoyed by people of all ages.
Origins of Sour Patch Kids
Creation
Sour Patch Kids were created by Frank Galatolie in the early 1970s while working as a confectioner at Jaret International. According to Wikipedia, the candy was originally called “Mars Men” and was shaped like little aliens to capitalize on the worldwide obsession with space going on at the time. However, it is said that Galatolie was inspired to create the candy after experimenting with different flavors and textures in his kitchen.
First Release
Sour Patch Kids debuted in Canada in the 1970s, and were created for the candy company Jaret International. They were later acquired by Cadbury and the Malaco Licorice Company, who formed the Allen Candy Company in Hamilton, Ontario to produce them. In the beginning, Sour Patch Kids were shaped as martians, to capitalize on the space enthusiasm of the 70’s. They then transformed into children to capitalize on the Cabbage Patch Kids craze of the 1980s.
Today, Sour Patch Kids are a popular candy around the world and are known for their unique sour then sweet taste. They come in a variety of flavors and have even been turned into ice cream and cereal. Despite their popularity, the origins of Sour Patch Kids remain a fascinating part of candy history.
Evolution Over the Years
Sour Patch Kids have undergone several changes over the years since their introduction to the market. The brand’s evolution includes recipe changes, packaging evolution, and brand expansion.
Recipe Changes
Originally, Sour Patch Kids were made with lime, lemon, orange, and raspberry flavors. However, the brand introduced a new flavor, blue raspberry, in the mid-1980s. Later on, the brand also introduced more flavors, including pineapple, grape, and watermelon. The recipe changes allowed the brand to appeal to a wider range of consumers by offering more variety.
Packaging Evolution
The packaging of Sour Patch Kids has also evolved over the years. Initially, the candy was sold in small paper bags. Later, the brand introduced plastic bags and boxes. In 1992, the packaging featured a more modern-looking Scott with a baseball cap as well as a girl; both of the kids appear to be crazy for the candy. The brand also used a cartoonish rendition of Galatolie’s son, Scott, as their mascot. (Notably, the Sour Patch Kids mascot has changed several times over the years, and the current one — a cartoonized version of the candy — didn’t debut until 2010.)
Brand Expansion
Over the years, the brand has expanded its product line to include other sour and sweet treats. In the late 1990s, Sour Patch Kids were acquired by Cadbury-Adams and then sold to Mondelez International Group which has been adding new and unique “Sour yet Sweet” treats on a regular basis! Today, there’s a huge variety of Sour Patch Kids to choose from, on both sides of the pond!
In conclusion, Sour Patch Kids have come a long way since their introduction to the market in the 1970s. The brand’s evolution has allowed it to appeal to a wider range of consumers and maintain its popularity over the years.
Impact on Pop Culture
In Movies and TV Shows
Sour Patch Kids have made their way into popular culture through various movies and TV shows. In the 2017 movie “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” the character played by Samuel L. Jackson is seen eating Sour Patch Kids throughout the film. The candy also made an appearance in the 2018 movie “Blockers,” where the characters played by John Cena and Leslie Mann are seen eating them.
In the TV show “Stranger Things,” the character Dustin is often seen with a box of Sour Patch Kids, which he shares with his friends. The candy has also made appearances in other TV shows such as “The Office” and “How I Met Your Mother.”
Celebrity Endorsements
Sour Patch Kids have also gained popularity through celebrity endorsements. In 2014, the brand partnered with basketball player James Harden for a commercial. The commercial featured Harden playing basketball against a group of kids, who were eating Sour Patch Kids. The brand also partnered with singer and actress Zendaya in 2016 for a campaign that encouraged fans to share their “sour then sweet” moments on social media.
In addition, Sour Patch Kids have been mentioned in songs by popular artists such as Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. The candy has also been featured in music videos by artists such as Justin Bieber and Katy Perry.
Overall, Sour Patch Kids have become a recognizable and beloved candy that has made its way into various forms of pop culture.
Sour Patch Kids Around the World
International Variations
Sour Patch Kids may have originated in the United States, but they have become a beloved treat around the world. In Canada, they are known as Maynards Sour Patch Kids, while in France, they are called Very Bad Kids. In the United Kingdom, they were originally known as Sour Patch Kids, but now go by the name Maynards Sour Patch Kids.
In addition to different names, Sour Patch Kids also come in different flavors depending on the country. For example, in the United Kingdom, they have a sour apple flavor, while in Australia, they have a sour cherry flavor. In some countries, such as Canada, they even have limited edition flavors, such as Sour Patch Kids Crush Soda.
Global Popularity
Sour Patch Kids have become a global phenomenon, with fans of all ages enjoying the sweet and sour candy. They are sold in over 100 countries, and have even been featured in movies and video games. In fact, in 2012, a video game called World Gone Sour was released, where players control a green Sour Patch Kid on a quest to be eaten.
Despite their global popularity, the recipe for Sour Patch Kids has remained largely the same, with a coating of sour sugar and a chewy, fruity center. Whether you’re in the United States or halfway across the world, you can always count on the sour, then sweet, then gone taste of Sour Patch Kids.