The End of an Era: The Rise of Candy Sticks
For generations, children could purchase packs of white, chalky sugar sticks that were purposefully designed to look like real cigarettes. Some even had a red-colored tip to simulate a lit end. These novelty treats were often packaged in boxes that closely resembled popular tobacco brands, complete with familiar branding. However, beginning in the late 20th century, growing public health concerns and studies linking the candy to increased rates of smoking in adults led to a major shift in the confectionery industry. By the 1970s, most manufacturers began to drop the term "cigarettes" from their packaging, and regulations followed suit.
The movement gained momentum with studies that suggested a correlation between consuming candy cigarettes in childhood and a higher likelihood of becoming a smoker later in life. While the legal status of the candy varies, with some states and countries outright banning their sale, many regions, including most of the United States, simply forced a name and packaging change. As a result, the product has been universally rebranded. For example, in the UK, manufacturer Barratt officially changed its product name from "Sweet Cigarettes" to "Candy Sticks".
Types of Candy Sticks and Their Evolution
Candy sticks have evolved beyond the classic, chalky sugar version. Today, they come in a variety of forms and flavors, catering to different tastes and consumer groups.
- Classic Sugar Sticks: These are the traditional white, cylindrical candies with a chalky-yet-sweet flavor, often compared to the taste of toothpaste. They are made primarily from dextrose, cornstarch, and gelatin.
- Chocolate Cigarettes: Historically, these were chocolate sticks wrapped in thin paper, sometimes with branding that imitated tobacco products. Some varieties were hollow, while others were solid. While the original branding is gone, chocolate sticks are still a popular treat.
- Bubble Gum Cigarettes: These were bubble gum sticks wrapped in paper that would produce a small "puff" of powdered sugar smoke when blown into. They offered a more interactive and playful experience.
- Licorice Candy Sticks: A less common but historically available option, these were made from a chewy licorice paste and resembled cigars or darker cigarettes.
Why the Name Change Was Necessary
The transition from "candy cigarettes" to "candy sticks" was a deliberate move to disassociate the confection from its controversial past. Public health advocates and parents voiced concerns that the candy normalized and even glamorized smoking for a younger audience. By mimicking adult behaviors in a seemingly harmless way, the products were seen as a gateway that could lead children towards real tobacco products. Studies, like one published in 2007 by University of Rochester researchers, supported this claim, finding that adults who consumed candy cigarettes as kids were more likely to become smokers. This growing body of evidence, combined with societal pressure, ultimately drove manufacturers to rebrand the products and create safer, more responsible packaging. Today, manufacturers focus on the candy's retro appeal and nostalgic value rather than its resemblance to tobacco.
A Comparison of Old and New Products
| Feature | Original “Candy Cigarettes” | Modern “Candy Sticks” |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Candy Cigarettes, Sweet Cigarettes | Candy Sticks, Phantom Sticks, Fun Sticks |
| Packaging | Mimicked cigarette brand logos and boxes; often featured cartoons like Popeye | Colorful, cartoon-friendly, and clearly labeled as candy with no tobacco imagery |
| Appearance | White, chalky sticks with a red tip to resemble a lit cigarette | White, chalky, or colored sticks without the red tip |
| Flavors | Limited to chalky sugar, sometimes chocolate or gum | Wide variety, including fruity, bubble gum, and cotton candy |
| Marketing Focus | Playful mimicry of adult smoking behavior | Nostalgic, retro candy appeal for all ages |
| Associated Concerns | Accused of being a gateway to real smoking | Primarily a sugar-related dietary concern, like other candies |
The Lingering Legacy and Regulatory Environment
Despite the widespread name change, the legacy of candy cigarettes continues to generate debate. Some see the products as harmless fun, a simple piece of childhood nostalgia. Others maintain that the imagery, even if re-branded, still carries problematic associations. The legal landscape is a reflection of this mixed public opinion. While the FDA's Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act of 2009 effectively banned flavored tobacco cigarettes, it did not directly regulate the candy industry, allowing manufacturers to continue selling the products simply by removing the word "cigarettes" from the packaging. This has led to a situation where the candy remains legal in most US states, while other countries have enacted stricter regulations.
The most successful brands today capitalize on the retro aesthetic without emphasizing the smoking connection. They focus on the product's taste, variety, and the cherished memories it evokes for older generations. For new consumers, the candy is simply a novelty item, disconnected from the historical context of its original name. The shift is a case study in how social and health concerns can reshape a product and its branding entirely.
For a deeper dive into the history and controversy surrounding candy cigarettes and the influence of the tobacco industry, an excellent source is the book Golden Holocaust by Robert Proctor.
Conclusion Sweet cigarettes are now most commonly referred to as candy sticks. This rebranding was a strategic and necessary response to public health concerns over promoting tobacco use to children. The candy has evolved from its original form, which was designed to mimic real cigarettes, into a novelty item that trades on nostalgic appeal. While its legal status varies globally, the change from "cigarettes" to "sticks" has fundamentally altered the product's identity, removing its most controversial element while preserving its place in the world of retro confectionery.
