Sugary treats might not be in vogue these days with the renewed focus on the nation’s health, but the occasional bite of some delight can turn your day around. For a short nibble between office meetings or just to surprise a loved one, keep a bag of your favorite treats nearby. Here are five candy packs we’re total suckers for.
Life Savers Mints Wint-O-Green Hard Candy
Okay trivia fans: You probably figured that Life Savers got its name because the candy’s shape resembles a ring-style life preserver. But did you know the brand itself dates all the way back to 1912 when a candy maker in Ohio invented the treats as a “summer candy” that could stand up to the sultry weather better than chocolate? Stump your sweetheart with that next time you pass him or her a “Wint-O-Green” mint (ahem, this flavor was originally introduced in 1935.)
Ring Pop Party Pack
These still exist?!? I swear I remember enjoying these treats from Topps in my misspent youth – back in 19… well, you don’t need to know the details. Because we knew you’d ask, the six flavors in this variety are: strawberry, blue raspberry, rainbow sherbet freeze, sour cherry, watermelon and berry blast. (Editor’s note: Despite their impressive size and dazzling flavors, these Ring Pops are not an acceptable substitution for an actual engagement ring. Trust me.)
Dove Promises Variety Mix
True story: I keep bags of Dove bars in my office desk to hand out as “thank-you’s” to coworkers who help me out of jams, but I didn’t know until pretty recently that each treat came with a message inside – all those missed moments of inspiration! (The one I just opened because I have a wicked snack craving after writing this review says “Smiles are free so share them!”) This variety mix includes milk chocolate, dark chocolate (my personal favorite) and caramel chocolate candy. Smiles guaranteed.
Airheads Candy Bars
These gluten-free, peanut-free treats are also kosher. The biggest problem you’ll have with Airheads? Sharing them. Buyers shamelessly admit they often bought them to give away to kids but end up eating them all themselves.
Pop Rocks Variety Pack
Confession time: These are my personal favorite treats – they take me back to the ’80s when my friends and I would dare each other to eat a whole pack of the candy along with a bottle of soda – we’d heard people would explode if they tried it! Why? Because the candy is gasified with carbon dioxide, which would be released when it comes in contact again with moisture. The theory was the Pop Rocks would explode if it interacted with a soda’s carbonation. Rumors were so persistent that the company even had to set up a hotline to answer calls from concerned customers. Alas, it’s a hoax that seems laughable today, but those were the ’80s for you. So grab a can of Coke and enjoy these Pop Rocks, which come in these mouth-watering flavors: cherry, green apple, watermelon, cotton candy, grape, strawberry, bubble gum, blue raspberry and tropical punch.
