Milk Duds History

Milk Duds candy is a classic confectionery treat known for its chewy caramel and milk chocolate coating. Let's delve into the history of Milk Duds and discover how this beloved candy came to be.

Milk Duds were first introduced in 1926 by the F. Hoffman & Company, which later became known as The Holloway Candy Company. The candy was created as an alternative to their other product, Chocolate Covered Caramels, which had a tendency to be misshapen due to the caramel center.

The name "Milk Duds" was chosen to reflect the candy's milk chocolate coating and its small, round shape. The term "duds" was used to imply that the candies were imperfect or "duds" in terms of their appearance.

The original Milk Duds were made by taking a small piece of chewy caramel and rolling it into a ball shape. This caramel center was then coated in a layer of creamy milk chocolate, giving it a delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Throughout the years, Milk Duds have maintained their iconic round shape and their distinctive combination of caramel and milk chocolate. The recipe has remained relatively consistent, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and the careful balance of sweetness and chewiness.

Milk Duds gained popularity as a movie theater snack during the mid-20th century. Their small, bite-sized shape and chewy texture made them convenient and enjoyable for snacking while watching films. This association with movie theaters has become an enduring part of Milk Duds' identity, and they are still commonly enjoyed as a movie treat today.

In 1960, The Holloway Candy Company was acquired by Leaf Brands, which later became part of The Hershey Company in 1996. Under Hershey's ownership, Milk Duds continued to be produced and distributed, further solidifying their place in the confectionery market.

Over the years, Milk Duds have gained a loyal following and have become a staple in the world of candy. They are often enjoyed as a standalone treat, used in baking and dessert recipes, or combined with other candies for added variety and flavor.

Today, Milk Duds remain a popular choice for caramel and chocolate enthusiasts. Their distinct chewiness and the combination of rich milk chocolate and creamy caramel continue to delight candy lovers of all ages. Whether enjoyed at the movies or as an everyday indulgence, Milk Duds have carved out their place in the confectionery world with their timeless appeal and delightful taste.

Milk Duds Memories

I not only remember this candy, it practically ruled my life for years as a teenager! This was THE candy to have at the movies, for the group of kids I ran around with. If you didn't order Milk Duds at the movies... then you might as well sit somewhere else in the theater until the movie ended.

It also was the candy of choice, to have backstage during the plays that we put on in high school. To this day, I remember eating Milk Duds all the time... by the handfulls! AND... I still have in my so called "high school box"... an empty package (box), for the memories that it brings to me!

I am diabetic now, so I can not eat them anymore, but every time I pass them in the grocery store, or at the movies... Milk Duds always bring back the best of memories for me. ~ Melinda from Florida