An '80s Classic: The History of Nerds Candy

 The Classic '80s Candy! Let's Take a Walk Down Memory Lane.

There's something undeniably magical about the memories associated with childhood treats.

For many, those memories often include the colorful, crunchy sweetness of Nerds candy! 

From the joy of finding a tiny box tucked into a pocket... to the satisfying crackle as you bit into the neon clusters. Nerds have been a beloved part of candy culture for decades! Let's take trip down memory lane. 

Who Invented Them?

Nerds candy first burst onto the scene in 1983, thanks to the inventive minds at the Willy Wonka Candy Company, a division of Nestlé. Created by Angelo Fraggos and made popular by Traversing Candy Co., they quickly captured the hearts (and taste buds) of candy lovers everywhere.

Fraggos and his team crafted Nerds with a unique manufacturing process that involved tumbling sugar crystals in a revolving drum, resulting in the signature irregular shapes and crunchy texture that set Nerds apart from other candies of the time.

Why Are They Called Nerds?

The name "Nerds" may conjure images of pocket-protector-wearing intellectuals... but this isn't what the name is referring to! (Or so we think). 

It's not known for sure – but one of the popular theories is that the name comes from the Dr. Suess book If I Ran a Zoo. In the book, one of the creatures at the zoo is called a "nerd." Interesting! 

Nerds Flavors  Over the Years

One of the things that has kept Nerds candy so popular over the years is the wide variety of flavors – and that fact that you get two flavors in one! 

Popular flavors include: 

Lemonade Wild Cherry & Apple Watermelon

Peach & Wild Berry 

Grape & Strawberry 

In the '80s, there was even a cereal based on the concept of nerds. We wish it were still around!

Nerds Today

Today, Nerds candy continues to hold a special place in the hearts of candy enthusiasts of all ages. They're not produced by Nestle anymore, but luckily they still remain the timeless classic we remember! 

Do you have any memories of Nerds? Let us know in the comments!