Astro Pops History

Astro Pops have a fascinating history that dates back to the 1960s. Here's an overview of their story:

Astro Pops were created by two California-based candy makers, Nell and Tony Dee, in 1963. The candy was introduced during the height of the space race and the fascination with space exploration that characterized the era.

The unique shape of Astro Pops became their defining feature. The candy was designed to resemble a rocket or a space shuttle, with a conical shape and three distinct colors. The original flavors included cherry, pineapple, and grape, each represented by a different color.

The production process of Astro Pops involved layering the different colored candy syrups in a cone-shaped mold and allowing them to harden. The result was a multi-colored, pyramid-like candy that stood upright and provided a long-lasting treat.

Astro Pops quickly gained popularity and became a hit with both children and adults. Their eye-catching design, vibrant colors, and long-lasting nature made them a favorite choice among candy enthusiasts.

Over the years, Astro Pops underwent a few changes in ownership and manufacturing. In the 1980s, they were acquired by Leaf Brands, a candy company known for its innovative confections.

In 2004, Leaf Brands temporarily halted production of Astro Pops due to concerns about the candy's safety and stability on the market. However, in 2011, the candy made a comeback when it was reintroduced by the Spangler Candy Company.

The Spangler Candy Company redesigned the packaging of Astro Pops, but maintained the iconic rocket shape and original flavors. They also ensured that the candy met modern safety standards, allowing it to be enjoyed by a new generation of candy lovers.

Today, Astro Pops continue to be produced and enjoyed by fans around the world. The candy's unique shape, nostalgic appeal, and assortment of fruity flavors make it a distinctive and sought-after treat.

Astro Pops have become synonymous with retro candies and serve as a reminder of the space race era. They are available in various retail outlets, specialty candy shops, and online retailers, allowing candy enthusiasts to indulge in a piece of space-themed confectionery history.

Astro Pop Memories

When my brothers and sisters were young we used to have to drive from Las Cruces Nm, to Silver City NM and it took about and hour each way. We used to go every weekend to visit my dad who worked in a mine there. There was a KOA store and they had Astro Pops for what must have been very cheap because there were five of us kids and we all would get several every trip. We would try to save one for the ride 'home'.

Now this was back when Astro pops were the other way on the stick, with the wider point near the base... My family is convinced they changed the design just because of the five of us kids. We would have a weekly competition to see who could get the sharpest 'point' by licking their astro pop to a most deadly status. We judged the 'sharpest' point by poking each other with the tips. Needless to say with five kids this turned to much craziness and the pops were finally outlawed by my mom.

All five of us are grown and we have hooked our kids on astros too so now the cousins will have to figure out how to get a sharp point with the end reversed the way it is. ~ Nicole from Georgia