Millionaires candy are a delicious treat that many people enjoy. But who actually makes these candy bars that are a childhood favorite for so many? In this article, we’ll explore the history of millionaires candy to find out who is behind making this iconic candy bar.
First, let’s start with a quick overview of what exactly millionaires candy bars are. Millionaires candy bars are a type of candy bar made of caramel and nuts covered in a layer of milk chocolate. The original millionaires candy bar contains a blend of cashews and brazil nuts encased in fudgy caramel all covered in rich milk chocolate. There are also variations available with fillings like coconut, marshmallow, raspberry, or dark chocolate. Regardless of the filling, the crispy nuts and smooth, chewy caramel covered in creamy chocolate are what make millionaires candy bars a delightful snack.
Now that we know what these tasty candy bars are, let’s look at who makes them.
The History of Millionaires Candy
The original millionaires candy bar was created in 1922 by the Holloway Confectionery Company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The inspiration for the treat came from the suggestion of a worker at the factory who proposed making a candy bar with nuts and caramel covered in chocolate. The company tried out the idea, and the millionaires candy bar was born.
The candy bar was named after the wealthy tycoons and industrialists who were gaining massive fortunes in the early 1920s. It was marketed as an affordable luxury that anyone could enjoy. The tagline used was “The Aristocrat of Candy Bars” and the packaging featured an elegant gold crown and jewels to evoke a millionaire aesthetic.
The millionaires candy bar quickly became one of Holloway’s most popular confections. As the candy grew in popularity, other companies started producing their own versions of the millionaires bar. Over the years, the rights to the millionaires name and recipes changed hands between various confectionery companies.
Here is a brief timeline of the major companies involved in making millionaires candy bars over the decades:
1922
– Holloway Confectionery Company creates the original millionaires candy bar
1926
– Holloway is acquired by the Cardinet Candy Company
1953
– Cardinet is bought out by the Ward-Johnson Candy Company
1963
– Ward-Johnson is purchased by Nabisco
1981
– Production of millionaires candy bars stops in the U.S.
1988
– The rights to millionaires are sold to Pearson’s Candy Company
1992
– Pearson’s is acquired by Nestlé and begins making millionaires again
So while the millionaires candy bar was created by Holloway, over the years it changed ownership many times with the rights being bought and sold between confectionery companies. Today, it is made by Nestlé.
Who Makes Millionaires Candy Bars Today?
In the present day, millionaires candy bars are produced globally by Nestlé. When Nestlé acquired Pearson’s Candy Company in 1992, they obtained the full rights to millionaires candy bars.
Nestlé is an enormous food and beverage corporation based in Switzerland that makes all kinds of food products from chocolate to baby formula to coffee. The company has over 2000 brands in 189 countries and sells over 1 billion candy bars per year including millionaires.
The main production facility for Nestlé’s candy brands in the United States, including millionaires, butterfingers, and baby ruth, is located in Franklin Park, Illinois. The plant first opened in 1995 and makes over 1 million pounds of candy per day.
So when you pick up a millionaires candy bar today, you can thank Nestlé’s team of over 2000 employees at the Franklin Park facility for satisfying your sweet tooth craving. The historic candy brand has evolved a lot since its beginnings in the 1920s, but Nestlé has kept the original classic recipe alive and ensures you can still get your hands on these nostalgic caramel and nut-filled chocolate bars.
Nutritional Information
Now that we know who makes millionaires candy bars, let’s take a look at the nutrition facts. Here is a nutritional label for a standard 1.85 ounce millionaires bar:
| Serving Size | 1 bar (1.85 oz / 52g) |
|---|---|
| Amount Per Serving | |
| Calories | 280 |
| Calories from Fat | 140 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 27g |
| Protein | 3g |
As we can see, millionaires candy bars pack quite a bit of sugar with 27g per serving. They also contain 16g of fat, 140 of those calories coming from fat. So while they make for an indulgent dessert, it’s best to enjoy millionaires bars in moderation as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle. The chocolate, caramel, and nuts do provide some protein, fiber, and antioxidants, however.
Where to Buy Millionaires Candy Bars
Wondering where you can get your hands on millionaires candy bars? Here are some of the main places to buy millionaires today:
Grocery Stores
Check the candy aisle at your local grocery store or supermarket chains like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, etc. Millionaires are sold at many major grocers, often individually or in multi-packs.
Convenience Stores
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Wawa, Circle K, and QuikTrip will typically have millionaires candy bars at the register or in the candy racks.
Candy Stores
Specialty candy retailers like IT’SUGAR, Rocket Fizz, and Dylan’s Candy Bar tend to carry hard-to-find candies like millionaires.
Online Shops
You can buy millionaires for delivery from online candy retailers like CandyFavorites.com, CandyWarehouse.com, and FreshCandies.com. Amazon also sells millionaires candy bars.
Warehouse Clubs
Warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale often sell millionaires in larger bulk packs.
So check out your local grocery and convenience stores, search online shops, or look for multipacks at wholesale clubs to get your hands on these classic candy bars. Millionaires remain popular over 100 years after being created and are still sold across the country today.
Conclusion
Millionaires candy bars have a long and fascinating history since first being created in the 1920s. Though they have changed hands between many different confectionery companies over the decades, today they are made by the multinational food corporation Nestlé. Nestlé acquired the rights to millionaires in the 1990s when they purchased Pearson’s Candy and has kept the nostalgic candy bar alive.
You can find these yummy treats with the caramel, nut, and chocolate combo at most grocery stores, convenience stores, online candy shops, and wholesale clubs across the U.S. Millionaires deliver a delicious blast from the past but are still best enjoyed in moderation. Thanks to Nestlé, fans can continue to get their hands on these iconic candy bars that have been delighting people for over 100 years.