Fun Dip is a sweet candy primarily popular in the United States and Canada, made by the Brand Wonka, a division of Nestle. It consists of fine, colorful flavored powder, packaged with a candy stick for dipping and licking. Some of the most popular Fun Dip flavors are cherry, grape, and blue raspberry.
Fun Dip gained popularity after it was introduced in the 1970s, becoming a nostalgic treat for many children of that era. However, there has been some debate over whether Fun Dip actually originated in Mexico. Some people claim it has roots as a traditional Mexican candy, while others argue it was invented in the U.S.
In this article, we’ll explore the history and origins of Fun Dip to try to determine if it can rightly be considered a Mexican candy. We’ll look at the evidence on both sides of the debate and examine Fun Dip’s cultural connections to Mexico.
The Case for Fun Dip as a Mexican Candy
Those who argue that Fun Dip is a Mexican candy point to a few key pieces of evidence:
Similar Mexican Candy Products
Some traditional Mexican candies share similarities with Fun Dip. For example, Lucas is a type of Mexican powdered candy that comes with a stick for dipping. Chamoy powder and Chile Limón powder are also popular Mexican candy flavors that can be eaten with sticks or fruits. The powdered candy and dipping stick format isn’t unique to Fun Dip.
Spanish Brand Name
The original name for Fun Dip was “Lik-M-Aid,” which some claim is a play on the Spanish phrase “líquame,” which means “lick me.” The Spanish name could suggest Fun Dip’s origins lie in Mexico.
Sweet and Spicy Flavors
Many classic Mexican candies have sweet and spicy flavor combinations. While Fun Dip’s flavors are mostly sweet, the packaging does claim it has “tingling” flavors, perhaps hinting at some spiciness.
Wonka’s Mexican Factory
The Wonka brand that makes Fun Dip opened a factory in Monterrey, Mexico in the 1990s. Some claim this shows how Wonka wanted to bring elements of Mexican candy culture into its products.
The Case Against Fun Dip as a Mexican Candy
However, there are also several compelling arguments that suggest Fun Dip did not originate from Mexican culture or candy-making traditions:
Invented by U.S. Candy Company
Fun Dip was invented in the early 1970s by the US candy company Sunline Inc., later bought by Nestle-owned Wonka. There are no records indicating Fun Dip was based on a prior Mexican recipe.
Targeted at U.S. Market
Fun Dip seems to have been marketed primarily to American children during its early years. Its branding and advertising do not appear targeted to Mexican or Hispanic audiences.
No Traditional Mexican Ingredients
Fun Dip’s original flavored powders do not contain chili, tamarind, dried mango, lime, or other typical Mexican candy ingredients. The flavors are fruit-based and geared toward American taste preferences.
No Evidence of Mexican Cultural Roots
There is no definitive evidence that Fun Dip grew out of an existing Mexican cultural tradition or candy product. The product’s branding and history point to American origins.
Research on Fun Dip’s Origins
To get to the bottom of this debate, I looked into both the history of Fun Dip and Mexican candy traditions:
Fun Dip History
- Invented in early 1970s by Sunline Inc. located in St. Louis, Missouri
- Original name “Lik-M-Aid Fun Dip”
- Sunline Inc. sold to Nestle in 1988
- Wonka brand launched in 1971, acquired by Nestle in 1988
- Fun Dip marketed to U.S. children, no clear ties to Mexican culture
Mexican Candy History
- Long history of candy products like alegría, a sweet-spicy powder
- Traditional sweets feature fruits, chilies, tamarind, lime
- Products like Lucas have similarities to Fun Dip
- However, no proof that specific traditional candy was inspiration for Fun Dip
Based on this research, there is no definitive evidence that Fun Dip was based on a traditional Mexican or Latin American candy. The product appears to have been invented in the United States and initially marketed specifically to American children. However, it is possible the dipping powder candy concept could have taken some loose inspiration from existing Mexican products. But Fun Dip itself does not seem to have direct roots in authentic Mexican candy-making heritage.
Fun Dip in Mexican Culture Today
While Fun Dip may not have originated as a Mexican candy, it does appear to have become integrated into Mexican food culture today:
- Fun Dip is now sold in Mexico and popular among children there
- Some taco stands and food carts in Mexico use Fun Dip powder on fruit or desserts
- Piñatas filled with Fun Dip powder are a popular party treat
So while the evidence does not show Fun Dip beginning as a uniquely Mexican candy, it has certainly become beloved in Mexico over the decades since its invention. It is now established as a classic candy enjoyed across North America.
Conclusion
In conclusion, based on historical information about Fun Dip’s invention and origins, there is no solid evidence that Fun Dip originated as an authentic Mexican candy. However, its concept does share some general similarities with traditional Mexican powdered dipping candies. While Fun Dip was created in the U.S. and initially marketed to American children, it has since become popular in Mexico as well. So although it can’t be considered a truly traditional Mexican sweet, Fun Dip is now beloved on both sides of the border.