Runts were introduced to the public in 1982 by Nestle under its Willy Wonka candy division. If you were a kid in the 80s or 90s you are likely well aware of this fruity candy.
The original flavors were banana, cherry, lime, orange, and strawberry. What attracted many kids to this candy back in day was the shapes of the pieces.
The original Runts were shaped like their flavors. So, the orange flavor was shaped like an orange piece of fruit, the lime flavor was shaped like an actual lime, and so on. This differentiated them from other fruity candies like Skittles which their shapes gave no indication of their flavor.
So are Runts still being made today and are they like the original? Let’s get into the details.
Are Runts Still Made?
If you’ve been wondering whether they still make Runts candy, the answer is a resounding yes! Ferrara, the confectionery powerhouse, has continued the legacy of this iconic treat after the company acquired Nestle’s confectionary business in 2018.
The current flavors of Runts include banana, grape, orange, strawberry, and green apple. And yes, they are still shaped like pieces of fruit representing their flavors.
Where To Buy Runts?
Runts aren’t as popular as other candies like Snickers or Kit Kat so you’ll have to do a little of looking around for them or buy them online.
To find them near you in stores, we suggest visiting the manufacturer’s “Where To Buy” page. Once on this page, select “Runts” as the product and enter your zip code in the appropriate area. The website will list the stores that carry them near you and the places that sell them online.
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Runts Box Sizes
Runts are most commonly sold in 5-ounce theater box sizes.
This is also a popular bulk candy that can still be found occasionally in gumball machines, candy dishes, and similar places. Bulk sizes
Runts Ingredients
Below are the ingredients of Runts with brief explanations of each ingredient:
- Dextrose: A simple sugar derived typically from corn, providing sweetness and energy.
- Maltodextrin: A carbohydrate often used to enhance texture and taste of foods. It is also used for bulk in the absence of sugar.
- Malic Acid: A natural acid found in many fruits, contributing to the sourness and tartness of the candy.
- Calcium Stearate: Used as an anti-caking agent or lubricant in the candy-making process.
- Corn Syrup: A sweet syrup derived from corn, used to enhance sweetness and texture.
- Carnauba Wax: A natural wax obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm, often used to add shine and prevent sticking.
- Natural Flavors: Ferrara doesn’t clarify what ingredients make up the natural flavors.
- Color Added: Additional coloring agents to give the candy its vibrant and appealing hues.
- Carmine Color: A bright-red pigment that can be derived from cochineal insects.
- Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 2 Lake: Synthetic color additives to create blue hues in the candy.
- Red 40 Lake: A synthetic color additive producing red hues.
- Yellow 5, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6: Synthetic colorants used to create yellow and orange colors in the candy.
Bananas: Love or Hate?
Most people I’ve talked to about this candy either love or hate the banana pieces. I won’t share my thoughts on them as to not influence the voting in the poll below. However, please consider anonymously voting for your love, hate or indifference for Runts bananas.
The poll is designed to be fun. We aren’t collecting your data or doing anything shady when you cast a vote. We are just curious to learn what you think of them if you’ve tried them!
Final Thoughts
In a world filled with an array of candy choices, Runts stand out as an innovative and classic candy that deserve its place down the candy aisle. Ferrara has successfully carried the torch, ensuring that the tradition of enjoying Runts lives on. Now its your turn to keep the legacy going by picking up a box to enjoy! Thanks for reading!
