Milk Duds
Milk Duds is a brand of candies known for their unique and delicious combination of chocolate and caramel. Created in 1928 by Hoffman and Company of Chicago, the candy has since been produced and marketed by The Hershey Company, under license from owners of the brand, Highlander Partners, a Dallas-based global private equity firm.
The candy is characterized by an irregularly shaped caramel disk coated with confectionery chocolate made from cocoa and vegetable oil. Due to cost considerations, the original recipe used milk and cocoa butter. Despite this change, Milk Duds have remained a popular choice among candy lovers. They’re often associated with movie theater experiences, offering a sweet and chewy treat to enjoy during films.
Milk Duds' name is a nod to its origin story. The creator found it impossible to form the chocolate-covered caramels into perfectly round spheres, leading to the term "duds." The product's popularity was bolstered during the Great Depression when it provided an affordable luxury for people seeking a brief respite from their troubles.
Over the years, Milk Duds has seen changes in ownership and packaging, reflecting the brand's adaptability and continued relevance in the candy market. Today, Milk Duds remains a beloved and iconic candy, appreciated for its distinct flavor and nostalgic appeal.