1. Clark Bar
Clark Bars are an old-school chocolate treat with a crispy peanut butter center wrapped in chocolate. They were wildly popular in the mid-1900s and, while they’re less common in big box stores today, smaller shops keep them in stock for nostalgic customers. There’s something about the crunchy texture combined with chocolate that keeps people coming back. It’s a snack that feels like a reward, not just sugar.
People often pick up a Clark Bar because it’s a conversation starter; many have fond memories of unwrapping one as a kid. Some enjoy it slowly, savoring the combination of peanut butter and flaky crunch. The bars also travel well, which makes them perfect for a spontaneous snack on the go. Mom-and-pop stores love stocking them because they have a dedicated following who will return regularly.
2. Mary Jane Peanut Butter Kisses
Mary Jane Peanut Butter Kisses have been around since the early 20th century, and they have a nostalgic charm that big stores can’t quite replicate. Their peanut butter flavor is simple but comforting, making them a go-to treat for those who remember them from childhood. Even though mainstream shelves rarely carry them anymore, you’ll still find them at small, independent shops. Fans love that each bite is a sweet, salty reminder of simpler times.
People often buy them in bulk for lunchboxes or to keep on their desk for an afternoon pick-me-up. The packaging hasn’t changed much, which adds to the vintage appeal. It’s one of those snacks that feels like a secret treasure when you stumble upon it at a mom-and-pop store. There’s a sense of pride in supporting a local business while indulging in a candy with history.
3. Salt Water Taffy
Salt water taffy is more than just a beach treat—it’s a chewy, sweet candy that many remember from childhood vacations. Even in landlocked towns, you can find mom-and-pop stores keeping this colorful candy in jars at the counter. The appeal is both the texture and the nostalgia, as each bite evokes memories of summer trips and candy stores with glass jars. It’s a small indulgence that transports you.
Shoppers often pick flavors based on childhood favorites, from vanilla to watermelon. Unlike mass-produced candies, local stores might carry unusual flavors like chocolate banana or root beer. It’s also a snack that encourages browsing; people love choosing a few pieces to savor later. There’s a tactile, playful element to taffy that makes it feel timeless.
4. Chuckles
Chuckles are soft, sugar-coated jelly candies that have been around since the 1920s. Their simple, fruity flavors—lemon, lime, orange, cherry, and licorice—have a loyal fanbase despite being overshadowed by newer candy trends. They’re chewy and sweet without being overpowering, which makes them a perfect treat for adults and kids alike. Small stores often keep them stocked because they fly off the shelves for nostalgic reasons.
People love that Chuckles come in small, individually wrapped pieces, perfect for sharing or keeping in a purse. They’re also a staple for candy dishes at family gatherings. Many buyers mention that eating them is like a tiny trip back in time. The brand’s consistent taste over decades adds to their charm.
5. Cow Tales
Cow Tales are long, chewy caramel treats with a creamy center. They’ve been a favorite since the 1980s but are often overlooked in modern grocery stores. Their combination of soft caramel and mild creaminess makes them a comforting snack for those who grew up with them. The cylindrical shape is playful and makes them easy to enjoy slowly.
Mom-and-pop stores carry them for both impulse buyers and nostalgic adults. Many customers pick them up as treats for kids or to satisfy a midday sweet craving. The snack is both simple and indulgent, striking the right balance. It’s one of those candies that reminds people of local fairs and small-town convenience stores.
6. Bit-O-Honey
Bit-O-Honey has been around since 1924 and is known for its chewy honey and almond nougat texture. It’s not flashy, but its unique flavor keeps a steady following. Mom-and-pop shops keep it around because it attracts loyal fans who remember it fondly from their youth. The candy’s long-lasting chew makes it satisfying for those who like to savor their sweets.
Shoppers often buy it as a retro treat or to share with kids who’ve never tried it. Its simple ingredients stand out in a world dominated by overly processed candies. People appreciate that it’s both sweet and a little nutty, making it a more grown-up nostalgic choice. Bit-O-Honey has quietly endured, proving that good flavors don’t need constant marketing.
7. Necco Wafers
Necco Wafers are thin, pastel-colored discs of sweet, chalky candy that have been around since the 19th century. Their old-fashioned taste and texture are polarizing, but there’s a loyal fanbase that can’t resist them. Many mom-and-pop stores stock them because they appeal to collectors and nostalgic eaters alike. The wafers are a true candy relic, linking generations through a shared experience.
They’re often purchased for holidays, craft projects, or just for the nostalgia of unwrapping a small pack. Some people even enjoy separating flavors and eating them in a specific order. The wafers’ retro vibe gives them a quirky charm that newer candies can’t replicate. They’re a snack that sparks stories and memories, which keeps them relevant in small shops.
8. Mike and Ike
Mike and Ike have been around since 1940 and are chewy, fruit-flavored candies that everyone seems to remember from childhood. Unlike newer gummy candies, Mike and Ike are firm and long-lasting, which makes them perfect for slowly enjoying. Mom-and-pop stores often keep classic flavors like Original or Tropical Typhoon in stock. The brand has survived for decades because it hits a sweet spot between nostalgia and flavor.
People enjoy picking up a box as a small indulgence or to share with friends. Their colorful appearance also makes them fun for candy bowls or party favors. Many shoppers have strong flavor preferences, which keeps them coming back for more. The chewy texture and fruity punch make them a dependable, familiar treat.
9. Charleston Chew
Charleston Chew has been a staple candy since the 1920s, with a soft, nougat center covered in chocolate. Its long, chewy design makes it perfect for sharing—or stretching out a snack over time. Mom-and-pop stores continue to carry them because they appeal to both kids and adults with fond memories. The candy is versatile: some even enjoy freezing it for a different texture.
People often grab one as a sweet treat for road trips or work breaks. Its mild chocolate flavor is comforting without being overwhelming. Charleston Chew represents a style of candy that has largely disappeared from big-box shelves. It’s both a nostalgic indulgence and a candy that’s fun to eat.
10. Atomic Fireball
Atomic Fireballs are hard cinnamon candies that pack a punch, perfect for those who love heat with their sugar. They’ve been around since the 1950s and are still stocked by smaller retailers because they appeal to thrill-seekers and nostalgic adults. Eating one is an experience: first sweet, then intense cinnamon heat. Their bold flavor makes them memorable, which keeps them in circulation.
Shoppers often buy them for Halloween, candy jars, or just for a spicy sugar fix. Their long-lasting nature also makes them perfect for savoring slowly. People remember them from childhood candy aisles, which adds to their appeal. Atomic Fireballs are proof that sometimes a snack’s intensity keeps it unforgettable.
11. Abba-Zaba
Abba-Zaba is a taffy bar filled with creamy peanut butter, instantly recognizable by its checkerboard wrapper. It’s been around since the 1920s, and despite being overshadowed by more mainstream chocolate bars, it still has a loyal following. Mom-and-pop stores stock it because it’s a candy that brings people back for nostalgia and unique flavor. Its combination of chewy taffy and peanut butter is oddly satisfying.
Many people buy it as a small indulgence or to share a quirky treat with friends. The chewy taffy provides a fun texture, while the peanut butter adds a rich, creamy contrast. Its retro branding also makes it a conversation starter. Abba-Zaba is one of those candies that seems timeless, even as trends come and go.
12. Zotz
Zotz are fizzy, sour candies with a fizzy center, a lesser-known relic from the 1960s. They’re a playful, fun treat that appeals to kids and nostalgic adults alike. Mom-and-pop stores often carry them because they’re small, affordable, and have a cult following. Each bite delivers a surprising fizz that makes eating candy an experience rather than just a snack.
Shoppers often pick them up for Halloween, party favors, or just a quick sugar kick. The candy’s combination of sour exterior and fizzy interior is unique, keeping it interesting for repeat buyers. Zotz stands out in a candy aisle crowded with chocolate and gummies. It’s one of those snacks that reminds people of experimentation and fun in simpler times.
This post 12 Forgotten Snacks That Americans Still Buy at Mom-and-Pop Stores was first published on American Charm.
