Peanut Butter Kisses are a classic candy that many people have fond memories of from their childhood. These chocolates have a peanut butter filling enclosed in a candy shell. Peanut Butter Kisses were first created in the 1950s and they became an iconic American candy over the following decades. However, Peanut Butter Kisses seem to have disappeared from store shelves in recent years, leaving candy lovers wondering if they can still be found. Here is a look at the history of Peanut Butter Kisses, whether you can still find them today, and some recommended alternatives if your search for the original candy comes up short.
History of Peanut Butter Kisses
Peanut Butter Kisses were first created in the 1950s by the Hollywood Candy Company. The original candy had a milk chocolate shell enclosing a smooth peanut butter filling. The candies were wrapped in yellow, brown, and orange foil wrappers featuring the Hollywood Candy Company name. Hollywood advertised them as “Peanut Butter Kisses – more peanut butter than you’ve ever tasted before!” The candies quickly became a popular treat and throughout the 1950s and 60s they could be found in candy aisles across America.
In the 1970s, the Holloway Company acquired Hollywood Candy Company. Holloway reformulated the Peanut Butter Kisses recipe, changing them from milk chocolate to dark chocolate. The candies continued selling well under the Holloway banner. However, in the 1990s, the Holloway Company was acquired by the New England Confectionery Company (Necco). Under Necco, Peanut Butter Kiss production started declining until they were eventually discontinued in the early 2000s.
So while Peanut Butter Kisses originated in the 1950s and were an iconic candy for over 50 years, production has ceased in recent times. Necco filed for bankruptcy in 2018 and sold some of its brands and candy formulas. But the specific Peanut Butter Kiss recipe and branding seem to have disappeared, making the original version of this classic candy a thing of the past.
Can You Still Find Peanut Butter Kisses Today?
Since Necco halted production of original Peanut Butter Kisses in the early 2000s, the authentic version of this candy is nearly impossible to find today. However, there are some options for getting your hands on Peanut Butter Kisses in their original form:
– Check old candy or nostalgia stores – Some specialty candy shops and stores focused on nostalgia may still have old stock of original Peanut Butter Kisses, though supply will be very limited. This old stock will have expired but the chocolates themselves likely won’t spoil.
– Look on resale sites – Sites like eBay or Etsy may have people reselling packages of vintage Peanut Butter Kisses. Again, any stock will be expired but the chocolates probably won’t have spoiled.
– Search bulk vintage candy sellers – Companies that specialize in bulk vintage candy may have original Peanut Butter Kisses, though stock is unlikely. You may have to buy large minimum quantities.
Your Best Bet: Alternatives
Since authentic Peanut Butter Kisses are almost impossible to find today, your best bet is to look for alternative versions of the candy produced by other companies. Here are some options to consider:
– Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – The classic peanut butter filling encased in chocolate is similar to the original Peanut Butter Kiss. Reese’s Miniatures are the most comparable in size and shape to old Peanut Butter Kisses.
– Palmer Peanut Butter Kiss – Palmer makes their version with milk chocolate and peanut butter, meant to mimic the original. The wrap is also nostalgic.
– Russell Stover Peanut Butter Bites – These candies have the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter in bite-sized pieces.
– Hershey’s Peanut Butter Eggs – These seasonal Easter candies have the same tasty blend of chocolate and peanut butter as Peanut Butter Kisses.
– Homemade – If you can track down the old Peanut Butter Kiss recipe, you could try making homemade versions.
Nutrition Facts of Peanut Butter Kisses
Since original Peanut Butter Kisses can no longer be found for an updated nutrition analysis, here is a look at the nutrition facts for similar peanut butter candy options:
Reese’s Miniatures Peanut Butter Cups
| Serving size | 5 cups (28g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total fat | 8g |
| Saturated fat | 4.5g |
| Trans fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 50mg |
| Total carbs | 15g |
| Dietary fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 13g |
| Protein | 3g |
Palmer Peanut Butter Kisses
| Serving size | 5 kisses (24g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total fat | 7g |
| Saturated fat | 4.5g |
| Trans fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 40mg |
| Total carbs | 14g |
| Dietary fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 3g |
Russell Stover Peanut Butter Bites
| Serving size | 5 bites (28g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Total fat | 9g |
| Saturated fat | 3.5g |
| Trans fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 50mg |
| Total carbs | 16g |
| Dietary fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 14g |
| Protein | 3g |
The Taste and Texture of Peanut Butter Kisses
Since Peanut Butter Kisses have been off the market for so long, many people today have no firsthand experience with the taste and texture of this retro candy. So what were the original Peanut Butter Kisses like?
Those who remember eating Peanut Butter Kisses back in the day describe them as having a smooth, creamy peanut butter filling that was rich but not overly sweet. The milk chocolate coating was mellow and softened the peanut butter taste. The chocolate shell easily cracked when you bit into it, revealing the soft peanut butter interior.
The Peanut Butter Kiss filling was characterized by its ultra-smooth, homogenized texture that did not separate. It had a pudding-like consistency without any chunks or grittiness you get from natural peanut butter. Just a perfectly smooth mouthfeel.
The overall taste was a delicious medley of chocolate and peanut butter flavors. The milk chocolate and peanut butter balanced one another out. It created a sweet treat that was nostalgic, satisfying, and highly addictive for peanut butter and chocolate fans.
Why Did Peanut Butter Kisses Disappear?
Given that Peanut Butter Kisses were such a beloved candy for over 50 years, many fans have wondered why they have disappeared from store shelves. There are a few key reasons the original Peanut Butter Kisses seem to have gone extinct:
– **Changes in manufacturing and ownership** – As mentioned, after being made by Hollywood Candy and Holloway for decades, the Peanut Butter Kiss brand was acquired by Necco in the 1990s. Under new ownership, Necco changed manufacturing and ingredients, leading to a likely alteration in the original taste and texture.
– **Rise of cheaper alternatives** – Manufacturing costs of the authentic Peanut Butter Kisses recipe were likely more expensive than cheaper chocolate-coated peanut butter options. Large companies could produce mass quantities of Reese’s and other knock-offs at a lower cost.
– **Bankruptcy of Necco** – When Necco went bankrupt in 2018, Peanut Butter Kiss production had already slowed. As Necco sold off brands and assets, the specific Peanut Butter Kiss branding and recipe got lost in the shuffle.
– **Lack of marketing** – Without advertising and marketing efforts behind them, Peanut Butter Kisses faded in shopper awareness over time. They didn’t have the nostalgia and awareness driving demand that brands like Reese’s have today.
While we may never see original Peanut Butter Kisses on store shelves again, the candy remains a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up with them. The smooth, creamy chocolate-peanut butter taste is one that will live on in happy memories, even if new generations don’t get to experience it.
Where to Buy Peanut Butter Kisses for Holidays
Around holidays like Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, Peanut Butter Kisses were especially popular for giving as small gifts and treats. Even if you can’t find the original candies anymore, there are lots of other peanut butter kisses that work great for holidays:
| Brand | Holiday Appropriateness |
|---|---|
| Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Minis | Best for Easter and Halloween |
| Hershey’s Peanut Butter Eggs | Great for Easter |
| Palmer Peanut Butter Kisses | Good for Valentine’s Day |
| Russell Stover Peanut Butter Bites | Nice for Christmas |
The small, individually wrapped peanut butter candies are perfect for filling gift bags, Easter baskets, Halloween buckets, and candy dishes during the holidays. While you likely can’t find original peanut butter kisses anymore, these alternatives will still satisfy your cravings and holiday needs.
Peanut Butter Kiss Recipes to Make at Home
If you want to recreate the nostalgia of Peanut Butter Kisses, there are recipes you can make at home:
Ingredients
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup chocolate chips
– 1 tbsp shortening
Instructions
1. Add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter and mix until fully incorporated. The mixture should become very smooth.
2. Scoop out tablespoons of the peanut butter mixture and roll into small balls. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
3. Melt the chocolate chips and shortening together until smooth. Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating fully.
4. Return the dipped peanut butter balls to the parchment paper and refrigerate until the chocolate sets, about 10 minutes.
5. Store finished peanut butter kisses in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Enjoy!
The Perfect Balance of Peanut Butter and Chocolate
What made Peanut Butter Kisses such a stand-out candy was the perfect balance between its chocolate exterior and ultra-smooth interior peanut butter filing. The combination of these two iconic flavors in one bite-sized candy made for a delicious treat.
The chocolate strikes the right semi-sweet note without overpowering the peanut butter. And the peanut butter filling has an ideal creamy consistency and rich flavor without being too salty or sweet on its own. Together, they complement one another for the ideal candy experience.
This perfect peanut butter and chocolate combo is likely a huge part of what made Peanut Butter Kisses a nostalgic favorite for decades. Unfortunately, without access to the original candies, candy lovers can only hope to find a similar balance of flavors in one of the alternative peanut butter kiss options available today.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Kisses were a longtime candy staple that seem to have disappeared from the market altogether. The original candies made by Hollywood Candy and Holloway have not been available for nearly 20 years after production halted and Necco went bankrupt.
While authentic Peanut Butter Kisses are almost impossible to find now, there are some comparable peanut butter chocolate options to satisfy your cravings. Brands like Reese’s and Palmer have similar products, though the exact smooth texture and taste balance of the originals is elusive.
Peanut Butter Kisses will live on in happy memories of childhood candy treats. And around holidays you can still fill baskets and dishes with great peanut butter chocolate candies as tasty alternatives. Though you likely can’t find actual Peanut Butter Kisses anymore, the combination of chocolate and peanut butter is sure to delight candy fans of all ages.