Milky Way
The Milky Way brand, known for its delicious candy bars, has a rich history that began in the early 1920s in Minnesota, Minneapolis. Frank C. Mars created it and became the oldest candy bar brand still in existence, captivating consumers with its unique blend of chocolate, caramel, and malted milk nougat filling.
The candy bar's name was inspired by the famous malted milkshakes of the time, rather than the galaxy, as a way for Frank Mars and his son Forrest to bond over their love for this sweet treat.
The Milky Way bar experienced significant success, grossing $800,000 in its first year, which would be equivalent to about $11 Million today. This success was partly due to its fluffy, creamy nougat, which is lighter and cheaper to produce than solid chocolates. The Mars company initially used chocolate from a competitor, the Hershey Company, to make the Milky Way.
In 1929, the Milky Way became the most popular candy bar in the United States, and by 1935, it was introduced in the UK. The brand expanded over the years, introducing variations such as the Milky Way Midnight and the Milky Way Simply Caramel.
Today, the Milky Way remains a beloved candy, with a global presence that reflects its enduring appeal and the Mars company's commitment to innovation and quality.