Pop Rocks

Pop Rocks History

Pop Rocks are a unique and iconic candy known for their fizzy and popping sensation in the mouth. They were invented by a chemist named William A. Mitchell in the late 1950s while working for the General Foods Corporation (now part of Kraft Foods). Mitchell developed the candy by combining sugar, corn syrup, and carbon dioxide under high pressure, resulting in the creation of tiny, gas-filled candy crystals.

Pop Rocks were first introduced to the market in 1975 by the Pop Rocks Candy Company, which licensed the manufacturing process from General Foods. The candy quickly gained popularity due to its novelty and the fun experience it offered. The original flavors released were Cherry, Grape, and Orange.

However, in the early 1980s, rumors and urban legends started spreading, claiming that consuming Pop Rocks while drinking carbonated beverages could cause a person's stomach to explode. These rumors led to widespread concern and caused a decline in Pop Rocks sales. To address these concerns, the Pop Rocks Candy Company ran advertisements featuring their spokesperson, "Mikey," from the Life cereal commercials, reassuring the public that Pop Rocks were safe to eat.

Despite the initial setback, Pop Rocks remained a popular candy and continued to expand its product line by introducing new flavors and variations over the years. The candy was acquired by the Zeta Espacial S.A. company in the 1980s and later by The Warrell Corporation in 2003.

Pop Rocks have remained a nostalgic and beloved candy, enjoyed by people of all ages. They are known for their unique texture and the crackling sensation they create when placed in the mouth. Today, Pop Rocks are available in a variety of flavors and are enjoyed worldwide as a fun and exciting candy experience.

And, yes, Mikey is alive and well and living in New York. Scroll down for an ABC News video.

Pop Rocks Memories

When I started in the first grade I fancied myself as being THE coolest kid in school. As it turned out, so did every other boy in my class. Within the first week all the kids fell into some sort of "click" and I was kind of left out. I thought my life was over until my mother came up with a wonderful idea.

My favorite candy was Pop Rocks and my mom said if I would take some to school and share them maybe it would break the ice and the other kids would see that I was really a cool kid to hang around with. The next day went to school fortified with a backpack full of Pop Rocks.

After lunch all the kids were on the playground and I walked up and said 'hey, you guys ever try these?' After that day we all took turns supplying the Pop Rocks and hung out all the time. All the other kids called us the Pop Rock gang. By the way, I am still cool and I still eat Pop Rocks!! ~ Eric from Missouri