Lik-M-Aid (Fun Dip) History

Fun Dip candy, also known as Lik-M-Aid, is a popular powdered candy that has brought joy and excitement to candy lovers for decades. Its unique combination of flavored powders and a sweet candy stick for dipping has made it a favorite among children and adults alike. Let's delve into the history of Fun Dip candy.

The origins of Fun Dip candy can be traced back to the 1940s when it was first introduced by the Sunline Inc. candy company. Originally called Lik-M-Aid, the candy was marketed as a powdered treat that provided a fun and interactive eating experience. The name "Lik-M-Aid" referred to the act of dipping the candy stick into the flavored powders to create a flavorful and sweet combination.

The original Lik-M-Aid package included two separate compartments. One compartment held a candy stick made from sugar, and the other compartment contained various flavored powders. The powders came in different fruity flavors, such as cherry, grape, and orange, offering a variety of taste options for consumers.

In the 1970s, the Willy Wonka Candy Company, a subsidiary of Nestlé, acquired the Lik-M-Aid brand and renamed it Fun Dip. The rebranding aimed to enhance the candy's fun and playful image, aligning it with the whimsical and imaginative world of Willy Wonka.

With the Willy Wonka branding, Fun Dip became even more widely recognized and enjoyed by candy enthusiasts. The packaging underwent some changes, but the core concept of dipping the candy stick into the flavored powders remained the same. The candy stick provided a sugary base for scooping and carrying the powdered flavors, intensifying the taste experience.

Over time, Fun Dip expanded its range of flavors and variations. Additional flavors like apple, raspberry, and watermelon were introduced, providing an even wider array of choices for consumers. Some variations of Fun Dip also included a fizzy or sour powder to add an extra element of surprise and excitement.

The candy industry has seen various packaging formats for Fun Dip, including single-serve packets, multi-packs, and larger sharing-sized packages. This ensured that Fun Dip remained accessible and enjoyable for individual snacking or social gatherings.

Fun Dip's enduring popularity can be attributed to its combination of interactive eating, vibrant flavors, and the element of playfulness it brings to candy consumption. The unique concept of dipping the candy stick into the powders creates a customizable flavor experience and adds an extra element of fun to enjoying the candy.

Today, Fun Dip remains a beloved treat that continues to captivate the taste buds and imagination of candy lovers of all ages. Its nostalgic appeal and enduring popularity make it a timeless candy choice, bringing a delightful burst of flavor and enjoyment to those who indulge in its sugary delights.

Lik-M-Aid (Fun Dip) Memories

My brother Dan is only 2 1/2 years younger than me, so we played together a lot, and we were often friends with our friends' siblings. My friend Meghan, her brother/Dan's friend Ethan, Dan, and I were always trying to come up with a way to make money. Usually I came up with the ideas, everybody else came up with the plan of action, and we all worked together.

Some of our more original ideas were a "plants and lemonade stand" and selling homemade potpourri door-to-door. One that never quite got off the ground was coming up with our own candy company. We all loved Lik-M-Aid fun dip, and we brainstormed a way to come up with our own version. The dip itself was easy--sugar and Kool-Aid. The dipping stick itself, however, proved to be a challenge for all of us. Among the ideas suggested was Super-gluing sugar together. We never did get around to trying that, thankfully. But we did eat a lot of candy for research purposes! ~ Becky from Indiana

Growing up in a small town with a general store right down the street was very convenient and lots of fun! Every Friday, I think it must have been my father's payday, Dad would give each of his four children a quarter and send us to the store to pick out a treat. I always chose Lik-m-Aid Fun Dip. I LOVED that candy and still enjoy it as treat now and then - like when I buy it for my own kids! My sisters and brother always finished their treats long before I did and wanted me to share mine with them. I never did. Maybe it was selfish of me, but I still like to keep and savor each flavor. That's why to this day I make sure everyone has their own! Does that mean I'm still a kid? ~Crystal from West Virginia

Vintage Fun Dip candy wrapper image provided by The Candy Wrapper Museum. Used with permission.