Let’s go back. WAY back. Farther.
Keep going. Farther. In 1975 yet? Good. We can begin.
Without doubt, this is my earliest candy memory: The Astro Pop.
Just looking at it brings back summertime memories of kickin’ it on the east coast beaches of New Jersey. Literally, this is one of the only candies I loved as a kid that I haven’t had in 30 plus years. And while I remember loving these, I have no memory of what they actually tasted like. Only that they were gigantor, and lasted way longer than was necessary.
They still look exactly the same. Red, green, and yellow, rockin’ the rasta vibe. But these are all about space, not sinsemilla! Astronauts. Sputniks. Invented in 1963 by two actual rocket scientists in El Segundo, CA. Why design space craft when you can make candy, right? Little did these dudes know that the US would go space-crazy in the 60’s, propelling their new candy gimmick to sudden stardom.
There’s no denying that these look cool. However, in 2000, shortly after Spangler had acquired the rights to make the Astro Pop, they decided to reverse engineer the thing. Tell me if this sounds smart to you: they put the stick at the OTHER end of the pop. The small end. They thought this would give consumers the increased surface area of suckage they were clamoring for. Apparently…no one was clamoring, people got pissed, and the candy was eventually discontinued in 2004. But now…it’s baaaack!
Here’s the problem though : they’re not “good”. Oh sure, they’re nostalgic for 70’s kids like me, perhaps even 80’s kids. But candy has come a long way, and generic pineapple, apple and cherry flavors just aint cutting it anymore. Add to that the fact that it’s huge, and it just kinda….remains a novelty candy. But hey, that’s worth something for sure. My kid? Couldn’t be bothered. Thought it looked cool, but that was that.
Having said all of this, there’s no substitute for memories. So if you’re like me, and you literally were weaned on these (thanks, mom), head to the link below to rekindle the past. While you’re there, check out the site, as they have incredibly reasonable flat-rate shipping.
Eat up!
I purchased four of these at a candy store near me. Seems like they went back to the original formula, the one that sticks to your teeth. They were good, but did not taste the same and seemed somewhat soft and droopy after sucking on them for awhile. They kinda reminded me more of a rock candy than an Astro Pop.
We actually have the 2lb version of this candy. That’s right! 2LBS! Here is the link if you are interested in making a purchase for someone who really wants something different
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Giant-2lb-Astro-Pop-Limited-Edition-/310494809600?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item484aeece00