Mary Janes and Peanut Butter Kisses are two classic candy brands that have delighted trick-or-treaters for generations. At first glance, they may seem quite similar – after all, they are both chewy, peanut-flavored candies. However, there are some key differences between these two treats in terms of ingredients, texture, flavor profile and more. This article will examine Mary Janes and Peanut Butter Kisses side-by-side to determine if they are, in fact, the same candy.
Background on Mary Janes and Peanut Butter Kisses
Mary Janes have been around since 1914, originally produced by the Stark Candy Company. They are one of the oldest peanut butter candies still in production today. The formula has remained largely unchanged, consisting of a mix of peanuts, sugar and molasses shaped into a flat, circular candy. Mary Janes have a soft, chewy texture thanks to the addition of molasses.
Peanut Butter Kisses were first introduced in the 1960s by Hershey’s. As the name suggests, they have a more rounded, cup-like “kiss” shape compared to the flat Mary Janes. The main ingredients in Peanut Butter Kisses are sugar, peanuts, corn syrup and hydrogenated palm kernel oil. They have a smooth, creamy peanut butter interior encased in a crunchy sugar shell.
Both candies are popular Halloween treats. However, Mary Janes also have nostalgic ties to old-fashioned soda shops and lunch boxes. Peanut Butter Kisses are a more modern creation that reflects Hershey’s mastery of creating sweet, chocolate-adjacent confections.
Ingredients
The core ingredients in Mary Janes and Peanut Butter Kisses are similar: both contain sugar, peanuts and corn syrup. However, there are some significant differences:
Mary Janes
– Peanuts
– Sugar
– Corn syrup
– Molasses
– Rice flour
– Salt
– Soy lecithin
– Natural and artificial flavors
Peanut Butter Kisses
– Sugar
– Peanuts
– Corn syrup
– Palm kernel oil
– Milkfat
– Lactose
– Soy lecithin
– Salt
– Artificial flavor
While both contain peanuts, sugar and corn syrup, Mary Janes have a very different ingredient profile thanks to the addition of molasses. This gives them a darker color and more robust, bittersweet flavor. Peanut Butter Kisses use palm kernel oil and milkfat to achieve a creamier, smoother texture reminiscent of peanut butter itself. They also contain lactose and have a milder, sweeter flavor.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts reflect the differences in main ingredients for each candy:
Mary Janes Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 2 pieces (13g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 25mg |
| Total Carbs | 10g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 1g |
Peanut Butter Kisses Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 piece (8g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 20mg |
| Total Carbs | 6g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 1g |
Mary Janes are slightly higher in calories, fat and carbs compared to Peanut Butter Kisses. This reflects the addition of molasses, which makes Mary Janes denser and chewier. Peanut Butter Kisses have fewer calories from fat since they contain palm kernel oil instead of molasses. Both candies provide minimal protein.
Flavor
Flavor is where Mary Janes and Peanut Butter Kisses differ the most. As mentioned earlier, Mary Janes have a bolder, bittersweet flavor thanks to the addition of molasses. They taste like traditional old-fashioned peanut butter with its deep roasted peanut flavor and slight bitterness.
Peanut Butter Kisses on the other hand have a much sweeter, milder peanut butter taste. They taste almost exactly like the smooth peanut butter you would spread on bread, without any bitterness. The sugar shell adds a pleasant crunch and texture contrast.
So in terms of flavor preference, it depends if you like traditional roasted peanut butter or creamy, sweet peanut butter. Mary Janes offer complexity while Peanut Butter Kisses are all about creamy, sugary goodness.
Texture
The textures of Mary Janes and Peanut Butter Kisses match their distinct flavor profiles:
Mary Janes: Chewy and dense with a bit of pull thanks to the molasses. The chew lasts a while as you munch through the flattened circular candy.
Peanut Butter Kisses: Creamy and smooth on the inside with a crunchy shell. The interior mimics the light, smooth spread of actual peanut butter while the shell provides texture contrast.
Mary Janes have a stronger chew and dense feel that complements the robust peanut flavor. Peanut Butter Kisses melt away quickly, matching their sweeter, milder taste. The shell adds pleasant crunchy bites throughout.
Versatility
Mary Janes and Peanut Butter Kisses can both be used as ingredients in candy recipes like peanut butter cups or candied apples. However, Mary Janes tend to be more versatile overall thanks to their classic flavor profile. The molasses makes them similar to brown sugar, so they work well in cookies, confections, sauces, peanut butter spreads and more.
Peanut Butter Kisses have a narrower usage since their flavor is quite sweet and their texture melts smooth. They work best as a candy topping or mix-in for ice cream, milkshakes and the like rather than a baking ingredient.
So if you want a peanut butter candy that’s as good for eating plain as it is for baking, Mary Janes win for versatility. Peanut Butter Kisses are best enjoyed on their own or lightly adorning other desserts.
Price
Both Mary Janes and Peanut Butter Kisses are affordably priced at around $1-2 per typical 5-6 oz. bag. Mary Janes might cost slightly more than Peanut Butter Kisses on average since they are made by smaller nostalgic candy brands. But there isn’t a major price difference between the two.
When buying for Halloween, consider that Peanut Butter Kisses often come in bulk bags for candy bowls at competitive prices. Going with the Hershey’s brand for this popular treat can help you stay within budget. Mary Janes offer more uniqueness and are purchased in smaller quantities.
Availability
Mary Janes can be found online and at specialty candy shops year-round. But they are produced in smaller batches than major chocolate brands. Peanut Butter Kisses are ubiquitous and available everywhere Hershey’s products are sold – grocery stores, big box retailers, convenience stores, online, etc.
Around Halloween, both candies become easier to find at local stores as they are popular trick-or-treat giveaways. If Peanut Butter Kisses sell out, Hershey’s keeps ample stock on hand to replenish supplies. Specialty Mary Janes may be harder to find last-minute.
Packaging
Mary Janes often come wrapped in simple plastic or foil packaging with retro-style designs that reflect their classic status. Some brands offer them in old-timey box packaging.
Peanut Butter Kisses are instantly recognizable by their orange and brown Hershey’s wrappers decorated with candy corn graphics. They often come in big bulk bags rather than small individual wrappers.
Nostalgic candy lovers may prefer the unique retro-style boxes and wraps of Mary Jane packs. But for Halloween, the familiar branding and bulk bags of Peanut Butter Kisses can’t be beat.
Conclusion
Mary Janes and Peanut Butter Kisses share some common traits – both are chewy, peanut-flavored candies. But they have significant differences in terms of ingredients, texture, flavor, versatility, availability and packaging.
Mary Janes offer a classic, molasses-flavored peanut butter chew with versatility for cooking and baking. Peanut Butter Kisses provide an indulgent, creamy sweet treat perfect for seasonal candy bowls. Their flavors and textures are quite distinct.
So in summary, while Mary Janes and Peanut Butter Kisses are both peanut candies, they are not the same. Mary Janes are the old-fashioned choice ideal for peanut butter lovers. Peanut Butter Kisses give you delicious modern sweetness conveniently wrapped up in classic Halloween style. Either candy makes a tasty treat, but they are ultimately different confections.