It isn't the same as what they're peddling now, nor even as what we had in the 80s, for the most part. Originally marketed in the early 70s by Breaker Confections to tie in with the first film, they had a few different types of candy that started the whole thing rolling. Problem is, I can't find a damn thing on the internet about the original 70s candy line! So I'm going by my own memory.
Here's a few of the things myself (and my dad!) remember from the 70s:
Wonka Bar
- Some kind of chocolate candy bar, but not the same as what Nestle sells now, as far as I know.
Peanut Butter Super Skrunch Bar
- Another chocolate candy bar, I can remember getting them and liking them.
Scrumdidilyumptious Bar
- Larger chocolate candy bar. My dad says these were great but I don't remember what they were like.
Peanut Butter Oompas
- Totally unlike the current "Oompas" they sell, these were like fat m&ms with peanut butter and chocolate inside! Also totally pre-dating Reeses Pieces by quite a few years.
Everlasting Gobstoppers
- According to Nestle's website, these were first marketed in 1976. They've remained basically the same ever since, and you can still buy them now.
These candies ceased production sometime after the 70s ended, and most of them never came back. In the 80s, Runts and Nerds candies showed up with the Willy Wonka logo, as well as Everlasting Gobstoppers again. Apparently Nestle bought the name in 1988 and continued to slap it on more products, even producting a Wonka bar made of chocolate and graham cracker. The recent Willy Wonka movie sparked another revival of the products, and Wonka bars started showing up again to tie in with the film.
Does anybody else remember those original 70s candies, in particular the candy bars and Oompas? Post up!
--SKot