Wacky Wafers, a popular candy from the 1970s, were coin-shaped candies that came in five different flavors: banana, green apple, watermelon, orange, and strawberry. The original version of Wacky Wafers was sold in a clear plastic wrapper, appearing as a long strip of multi-colored wafers. The candy was relatively small, about the size of an American silver dollar coin.
The original candy company for Wacky Wafers was Breaker Confections in Itasca, Illinois, a far west suburb of Chicago. Breaker Confections licensed the “Willy Wonka” name so it could be used as a merchandising tie-in for the movie. In 1980, Breaker Confections changed its name to Willy Wonka Brands. Wacky Wafers were part of The Willy Wonka Candy Company line, which is now owned by Nestle.
Origins of Wacky Wafers
Initial Concept
Wacky Wafers are a type of candy that have been around since the 1970s. The concept behind them was to create a type of candy that was both fun to eat and visually appealing. The candy was designed to be shaped like coins and come in a variety of flavors. The idea was that children would enjoy the novelty of eating a candy that looked like money and tasted like fruit.
Founding Company
Wacky Wafers were first created by the company Topps in the 1970s. Topps was a well-known company that produced a variety of products, including trading cards and candy. The company was founded in 1938 and had a long history of creating products that were popular with children. Wacky Wafers quickly became one of the company’s most popular products, and they were sold in stores across the country.
Over time, the ownership of Wacky Wafers changed hands several times. In the early 2000s, the candy was discontinued, and it seemed like it would be lost to history. However, in recent years, the candy has made a comeback, thanks to the efforts of Leaf Brands. The company acquired the rights to the candy and has since re-released it to the public. Today, Wacky Wafers can once again be found in stores, and they continue to be a popular treat among children and adults alike.
Design and Features
Flavor Evolution
Wacky Wafers were originally made in the 1970s as part of the Willy Wonka brand. They were about the size of an American silver dollar coin and came in five flavors: banana, green apple, watermelon, orange, and strawberry. The candy was created as a fun and fruity twist on traditional wafers. Each Wacky Wafer had a distinct flavor, and their composition was a beautiful amalgamation of the best elements of other candies. They had the chalky wafer feel of a Necco, the sugary snap of SweetTarts, and the creative flavoring that is best represented in Wacky Wafers’ surviving sister candy, Bottle Caps.
Over the years, the flavors of Wacky Wafers have evolved. When Leaf Brands acquired the candy, they reintroduced the original five flavors but also added new ones, such as grape and raspberry. The candy has remained popular among candy lovers, and its unique flavor profile has made it a favorite among those who love fruity and tangy candies.
Packaging Changes
The original version of Wacky Wafers was sold in a clear plastic wrapper, appearing as a long strip of multi-colored and flavored wafers inside. Later, the Willy Wonka Candy Company introduced a new design of the wafers. These were smaller versions, about the size of a quarter, and came in a pack of ten, all different flavors. The flavors included green apple, grape, orange, watermelon, and strawberry. The packaging was also updated, with the wafers now sold in a small box instead of a plastic wrapper.
When Leaf Brands acquired the candy, they brought back the original packaging, selling the wafers in a clear plastic wrapper once again. The company also introduced a new packaging design, with the wafers now sold in a resealable pouch. This new packaging design made it easier for customers to enjoy the candy on the go and keep it fresh for longer. Regardless of the packaging design, the colorful and vibrant appearance of Wacky Wafers has remained a constant throughout its history.
Cultural Impact
Advertising Campaigns
Wacky Wafers had a significant impact on the candy industry in the 1970s and 1980s. The candy’s popularity was due, in part, to its memorable advertising campaigns. The commercials featured catchy jingles and colorful animations that captured the attention of children and adults alike. The ads often showcased the candy’s unique flavors, including banana, green apple, watermelon, and grape.
Nostalgia Factor
Wacky Wafers have become a cultural icon and a symbol of nostalgia for many people. The candy’s discontinuation in the early 2000s left many fans disappointed. However, in recent years, the Leaf Brand Company has brought back the beloved candy, much to the delight of candy enthusiasts. The return of Wacky Wafers has sparked a renewed interest in retro candies, and many people have expressed their excitement about reliving their childhood memories through the candy’s unique flavors.
Overall, Wacky Wafers have had a lasting impact on the candy industry and continue to be a beloved treat for many people. The candy’s catchy advertising campaigns and unique flavors have left a lasting impression on those who grew up with the candy, and the return of Wacky Wafers has reignited a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.
Production History
Manufacturing Process
Wacky Wafers were first introduced in 1963 by the Necco (New England Confectionery Company). The candy was created as a fun and fruity twist on traditional wafers. The original recipe and design of Wacky Wafers were small, round, and flat candies made of compressed fruit-flavored powder. The manufacturing process involved mixing powdered sugar, corn syrup, and flavoring agents to create a slurry that was then compressed into wafers. The wafers were then cut into small, round shapes and packaged in clear plastic wrappers.
Distribution
The original candy company for Wacky Wafers was Breaker Confections in Itasca, Illinois, a far west suburb of Chicago. Breaker Confection licensed the “Willy Wonka” name so it could be used as a merchandising tie-in for the movie. In 1980, Breaker Confections changed its name to Willy Wonka Brands. The candy was distributed through various channels, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and vending machines.
Despite their popularity, Wacky Wafers were discontinued in the 1990s. However, in recent years, Leaf Brands has brought the candy back to the market, satisfying the cravings of candy lovers everywhere.
Variations and Re-releases
Limited Editions
Over the years, Wacky Wafers have seen several limited edition releases. In 2020, Leaf Brands released a Halloween-themed version of Wacky Wafers called “Wacky Wafers Spooky Halloween Mix.” This mix included the classic flavors of banana, green apple, watermelon, orange, and strawberry, but with spooky packaging featuring ghosts and pumpkins.
In addition to the Halloween mix, Leaf Brands also released a limited edition version of Wacky Wafers in 2021 called “Wacky Wafers Christmas Mix.” This mix included the same classic flavors, but with festive packaging featuring Santa Claus and snowflakes.
Reformulations
Wacky Wafers have undergone a few reformulations throughout their history. In 2017, Leaf Brands announced that they were bringing back the original recipe of Wacky Wafers, which included dextrose as the main ingredient. This was after the candy had been reformulated in the late 2000s to use corn syrup instead of dextrose.
In 2022, Leaf Brands announced that they were reformulating Wacky Wafers again, this time to remove artificial colors and flavors. The new recipe still includes the classic flavors of banana, green apple, watermelon, orange, and strawberry, but with natural colors and flavors.
Despite these changes, Wacky Wafers remain a beloved candy with a loyal fanbase.
Challenges and Controversies
Health Concerns
Wacky Wafers have been under scrutiny for their high sugar content, which can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes. The candy’s colorful appearance and sweet taste can also be addictive, leading to overconsumption. However, it’s important to note that Wacky Wafers are meant to be a treat and should be consumed in moderation.
Market Competition
Wacky Wafers faced stiff competition in the candy market, especially from other popular candies such as SweetTarts and Bottle Caps. In the 1980s, Leaf Brands, the company that produced Wacky Wafers, was struggling financially and had to discontinue the candy. However, due to popular demand, Wacky Wafers were reintroduced in 2013 and have since gained a loyal following.
Despite these challenges, Wacky Wafers remain a beloved candy among many. Its unique combination of flavors and textures make it a fun treat for all ages.