Candy In 2014: A Sweet Flashback!

Hey guys! Let's take a delicious trip down memory lane and explore the candy scene back in 2014. What were the hottest sweets that everyone was munching on? What new sugary inventions hit the shelves, and how did they stack up against the classics? Get ready for a sugar rush of nostalgia!

The Reigning Candy Kings and Queens

In 2014, some candies were absolute chart-toppers. These were the go-to treats for satisfying your sweet tooth, whether you were a kid trading goodies at school or an adult sneaking a chocolatey indulgence. Let's dive into some of the most popular candies that ruled the candy aisles:

• Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: These iconic cups continued their unstoppable reign. The perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate made them a perennial favorite. In 2014, Reese's was experimenting with new sizes and shapes, keeping things interesting for its loyal fans. From the classic cups to the miniatures and even the giant versions, there was a Reese's for every craving. It’s amazing how something so simple can be so incredibly satisfying, right? The creamy peanut butter, the smooth chocolate – perfection!
• M&M's: These colorful candies remained a staple in 2014, offering a sweet and crunchy treat. With their variety of flavors and limited-edition releases, M&M's kept things fresh and exciting. Whether you were a fan of the classic milk chocolate, peanut, or the newer pretzel variety, M&M's had something for everyone. Plus, their customizable options for events and parties made them a hit for any occasion. Who can resist that satisfying crunch and the burst of chocolatey flavor?
• Snickers: The Snickers bar continued to be a powerhouse in the candy world, offering a satisfying blend of peanuts, caramel, and chocolate. Its hearty combination made it a popular choice for a quick energy boost. In 2014, Snickers was all about emphasizing its satisfying and filling qualities, often marketing itself as more than just a candy bar – it was a meal replacement (sort of!). And let’s be honest, that combination of salty peanuts, chewy caramel, and rich chocolate is hard to beat. It's a classic for a reason!
• Starburst: These juicy, chewy squares were a burst of fruity flavor that candy lovers couldn't resist. In 2014, Starburst continued to expand its flavor offerings and introduced new packaging options, solidifying its place as a top contender in the fruit candy category. From the original flavors to the tropical and faveREDS mixes, Starburst offered a sweet escape in every chew. And who hasn’t had the debate about which flavor is the best? Pink, orange, yellow, or red – everyone has their favorite!
• Twix: With its unique combination of cookie, caramel, and chocolate, Twix offered a satisfyingly crunchy and chewy experience. In 2014, Twix played on its “left and right” branding, creating fun and engaging marketing campaigns. Whether you preferred the left Twix or the right Twix, you were guaranteed a delicious treat. And let's face it, the duality of the Twix bar, with its two separate pieces, made it perfect for sharing (or not!).

New Kids on the Candy Block

2014 wasn't just about the classics; there were some new and exciting candies making their debut. These innovative sweets aimed to capture the attention of candy enthusiasts with unique flavors, textures, and concepts. Let's check out some of the newbies that hit the candy scene:

• Sour Patch Kids Extreme: Taking the sour candy trend to a whole new level, Sour Patch Kids Extreme offered an intensely sour and then sweet experience. These candies were not for the faint of heart, delivering a mouth-puckering punch that appealed to thrill-seeking candy lovers. With their extra sour coating and chewy texture, Sour Patch Kids Extreme quickly gained a following among those who craved a serious sour kick. If you thought the original Sour Patch Kids were sour, these were a whole different beast!
• Dove Fruit: Combining real fruit with creamy Dove chocolate, Dove Fruit offered a more sophisticated and health-conscious candy option. These treats featured dried fruit pieces covered in Dove chocolate, providing a delicious and slightly less guilty indulgence. With flavors like blueberry, cranberry, and cherry, Dove Fruit appealed to those looking for a more refined candy experience. It was a sweet treat that you could almost feel good about eating!
• Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cups: Yes, you read that right! Reese's took their iconic Peanut Butter Cups and stuffed them with Reese's Pieces. This innovative combination created a delicious explosion of peanut butter flavor and crunchy candy shells. It was a peanut butter lover's dream come true, and it quickly became a must-try for fans of both Reese's cups and Reese's Pieces. Why choose between the two when you can have both in one?
• Swedish Fish Oreos: Okay, this one might be a bit controversial. In a surprising collaboration, Oreo released a limited-edition Swedish Fish flavored cookie. These cookies featured a red creme filling that tasted like Swedish Fish candy. While some found the combination intriguing, others were less enthusiastic. It was definitely a bold move from Oreo, and it sparked a lot of conversation in the candy world. Love it or hate it, you had to admire their willingness to experiment!

The Enduring Appeal of Classic Candies

While new candies came and went, the classic candies continued to hold their own in 2014. These timeless treats had stood the test of time, delighting generations with their familiar flavors and comforting sweetness. Here are a few of the enduring classics that remained popular:

• Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar: This iconic chocolate bar remained a staple in 2014, offering a simple and satisfying chocolate experience. Its creamy texture and classic flavor made it a go-to treat for chocolate lovers of all ages. Whether you enjoyed it on its own or used it in s'mores, the Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar was a timeless classic.
• Skittles: These colorful candies continued to offer a rainbow of fruity flavors in 2014. With their chewy texture and vibrant colors, Skittles were a fun and flavorful treat that appealed to kids and adults alike. From the original mix to the sour and wild berry varieties, Skittles offered a flavor adventure in every bag. Taste the rainbow, right?
• Life Savers: These ring-shaped candies remained a classic choice for a refreshing and fruity treat. In 2014, Life Savers continued to offer a variety of flavors, from the classic five-flavor roll to the gummy and mint varieties. Whether you popped one in your mouth to freshen your breath or simply enjoyed the sweet and fruity taste, Life Savers were a timeless candy.
• Jolly Rancher: These hard candies packed a punch of intense fruity flavor that candy lovers couldn't resist. In 2014, Jolly Rancher continued to be a popular choice for those who craved a long-lasting and flavorful treat. From the classic flavors like watermelon and green apple to the newer varieties, Jolly Rancher offered a sweet and tangy experience.

Candy Trends and Innovations in 2014

In 2014, the candy industry was buzzing with innovations and emerging trends. Candy makers were constantly experimenting with new flavors, textures, and concepts to capture the attention of consumers. Here are some of the key trends that shaped the candy landscape in 2014:

• Sour Candy: Sour candy continued to be a major trend in 2014, with candy makers pushing the limits of sourness. From Sour Patch Kids Extreme to intensely sour gummy worms, consumers were craving that mouth-puckering sensation. The sour candy trend showed no signs of slowing down, as candy makers continued to innovate and create new sour concoctions.
• Flavor Combinations: Candy makers were also experimenting with unique and unexpected flavor combinations in 2014. From chocolate-covered bacon to maple bacon lollipops, the possibilities seemed endless. These bold flavor combinations aimed to surprise and delight consumers, offering a novel and exciting candy experience.
• Healthier Options: With growing concerns about health and wellness, candy makers were starting to offer healthier candy options in 2014. These included candies with lower sugar content, natural ingredients, and added nutrients. While traditional candies still dominated the market, the demand for healthier alternatives was on the rise.

So, there you have it – a sweet trip back to the candy scene of 2014! From the reigning candy kings and queens to the new kids on the block and the enduring appeal of the classics, 2014 was a year filled with delicious treats and innovative creations. What were your favorite candies from 2014? Let us know in the comments below!