Necco Wafers facts for kids
Regular Necco Wafers
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| Type | Candy |
|---|---|
| Owner | Necco (1847–2018) Spangler Candy Company (2018–present) |
| Country | Boston, Massachusetts, United States |
| Introduced | 1847, 2020 (reintroduction) |
| Discontinued | 2018–2020 |
Necco Wafers are a classic candy. They are thin, round disks made of sugar. You can find them in rolls with many different flavors. This candy first came out in 1847. It was the main product of a company called Necco, located near Boston, Massachusetts. Necco Wafers are one of the oldest American candies still made today!
The candy stopped being made in July 2018. This happened when the Necco company faced financial trouble. But good news! The Spangler Candy Company bought the brand. Necco Wafers returned to stores in May 2020.
Each roll of Necco Wafers has eight yummy flavors:
- lemon (yellow)
- lime (green)
- orange (orange)
- clove (purple)
- cinnamon (white)
- wintergreen (pink)
- licorice (black)
- chocolate (brown)
The main things in Necco Wafers are sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. They also have special gums, colors, and flavors.
Contents
The Sweet History of Necco Wafers
Necco Wafers have a long and interesting history. They began way back in 1847. An English immigrant named Oliver Chase invented a special machine. This machine could cut out the thin, round wafers.
Necco Wafers During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, these candies were called "hub wafers." Soldiers fighting for the Union army often carried them. They were a quick and easy snack.
Becoming the Necco Company
In 1901, Oliver Chase's company joined with two other candy makers. They formed a new company called the New England Confectionery Company, or Necco. By 1912, the wafers were officially advertised as "Necco Wafers." They have kept that name ever since.
Necco Wafers in World War II
Necco Wafers became even more popular during World War II. The United States government asked Necco to make lots of wafers for soldiers. These candies were sent to soldiers fighting overseas. Because of this, Necco's sales of the wafers reached their highest point. When the soldiers came home, many kept buying Necco Wafers. They had become loyal customers.
Changes in Ownership and Return
Over the years, the Necco company was bought by different owners. In 2018, the future of Necco Wafers seemed uncertain. The Necco company had to file for bankruptcy. A company called Round Hill Investments bought Necco in May 2018. However, they suddenly stopped making candy in July 2018.
Round Hill Investments then sold off different Necco candy lines. Necco Wafers, along with other candies like Sweethearts, were sold to the Spangler Candy Company. Spangler Candy Company is located in Bryan, Ohio. In September 2018, Spangler announced they would bring Necco Wafers back. They started making them again in May 2020.
How Necco Wafer Flavors Changed
Sometimes, even classic candies get a new recipe. In 2009, Necco changed how they made Necco Wafers.
The All-Natural Experiment
The company decided to remove artificial colors and flavors. They also added something called glycerine to make the candy softer. The lime flavor was removed because it was hard to make a natural green color. So, for a while, Necco Wafer rolls only had seven flavors.
Necco hoped that these changes would attract new customers. They thought parents would like the all-natural ingredients. However, many long-time fans did not like the new taste. The company received many complaints.
Back to the Original Recipe
Because of the complaints, Necco decided to go back to the original recipe. This happened in the summer of 2011. Fans were happy to have their favorite flavors back!
In 2020, when Spangler Candy Company brought Necco Wafers back, they made a small change. Seven of the eight flavors stayed exactly the same. But the chocolate wafer got a tiny update. Spangler said it had a "richer cocoa flavor." This was due to a small improvement in how it was made.
Other Kinds of Necco Wafers
Besides the classic roll, Necco Wafers have come in other fun varieties.
- Tropical Necco Wafers: These came out in 2012. They had new fruity flavors like mango, passion fruit, coconut, banana, lime, and strawberry.
- Chocolate Necco Wafers: This roll is just for chocolate lovers! It contains only the chocolate-flavored wafers.
- Necco Sour Wafers: These rolls had six tart flavors. Some of these were Watermelon, Sour Apple, and Blue Raspberry.
- Candy Cane Flavored Rolls: These were rare and usually sold during the holiday season.
Images for kids
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An advertisement from 1916 showing "Nine Flavors, Separate or Assorted."
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A standard roll of assorted flavor Necco Wafers.
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The water tower of the Necco factory in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was painted in 1996 to look like a roll of Necco Wafers.
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A sculpture made in 1998 to remember Necco Wafers. It is located near the old Necco factory.
See also
