Nécco wafers are one of the most iconic and enduring candies in the United States. With a history spanning over 170 years, they’ve captured the hearts of candy lovers across generations. Whether you’ve grown up with Necco Wafers or are discovering them for the first time, this guide provides a complete and detailed overview of everything you need to know about this nostalgic confection. From their fascinating history to their flavors and manufacturing process, Necco Wafers have a storied past that goes beyond the simple candy disk.
1. The Origins of Necco Wafers
Necco Wafers were first introduced in 1847 by Oliver R. Chase, an English immigrant, and his brother, Silas Edwin Chase. Oliver R. Chase was a pioneer in candy-making technology, as he invented the first candy-making machine in the U.S. This machine was revolutionary because it allowed the mass production of candies with consistent shapes and sizes. The brothers founded the New England Confectionery Company, or NECCO, which became one of the most significant players in the American candy industry.
The original candy they produced was a simple sugar wafer, which eventually became known as Necco Wafers. The name “Necco” is an acronym derived from the company’s name. These wafers were an instant hit, and their production continued to evolve over the decades, becoming a staple in American households, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
2. Necco Wafers During the Civil War and Beyond
One of the fascinating aspects of Necco Wafers’ history is their role during the American Civil War. These wafers were included in soldiers’ rations because of their long shelf life. Made from sugar and starch, Necco Wafers were durable and could withstand various weather conditions without melting or spoiling. Soldiers appreciated these sweet treats as they offered a small comfort during the hardships of war.
Necco Wafers continued to grow in popularity after the Civil War, becoming a favorite among Americans during holidays and special occasions. Their widespread availability and long-lasting nature meant that they were often gifted, and many families enjoyed them during festive gatherings.
3. The Flavors of Necco Wafers
One of the unique aspects of Necco Wafers is the variety of flavors offered in each roll. These candies come in an array of pastel colors, each representing a distinct flavor. Necco Wafers have maintained a consistent flavor profile since their inception, with each roll typically containing eight different flavors:
- Orange (Orange)
- Lemon (Yellow)
- Clove (Purple)
- Cinnamon (White)
- Wintergreen (Pink)
- Licorice (Black)
- Lime (Green)
- Chocolate (Brown)
The flavor lineup is diverse, catering to a wide range of tastes. Some flavors, like clove and licorice, are more polarizing, while others like chocolate and lemon have a more universal appeal. This mix of sweet, spicy, and herbal flavors makes Necco Wafers a unique candy experience, and fans often have strong preferences about which flavors they love or dislike.
4. Changes in Flavors and Ingredients
Over the years, there have been some changes to the Necco Wafers recipe and flavor offerings. During the late 2000s, Necco temporarily switched to using all-natural flavors and colors, hoping to appeal to a health-conscious audience. However, the switch wasn’t well received by long-time fans, many of whom missed the artificial flavors they had grown up with. After receiving significant feedback, the company reverted to the original recipe and artificial colors in 2011.
The return to the original formula was a victory for nostalgia, demonstrating the strong emotional connection many people have with the flavors of Necco Wafers. To this day, the formula remains close to what it was in the late 19th century, allowing new generations to enjoy the candy as it was meant to taste.
5. The Manufacturing Process of Necco Wafers
The production of Necco Wafers has evolved significantly since the 19th century. Originally, the candy was produced by hand-rolling dough and cutting it into wafer shapes. However, with the invention of Oliver R. Chase’s candy machine, the manufacturing process became much more efficient, enabling the company to scale production.
Today, the process involves mixing sugar, corn syrup, and flavoring ingredients into a dough-like consistency. This dough is then rolled out and cut into thin, round wafers. After the wafers are stamped into their distinctive shape, they are dried to create the final crunchy texture. Each flavor and color is produced in separate batches, and the wafers are combined during the packaging process to create the familiar multi-flavor rolls.
Although the process has been modernized, many elements of the original recipe and production techniques have remained consistent. The use of natural flavors and the precise balance of sugar and starch are key components in achieving the iconic taste and texture that Necco Wafers are known for.
6. Necco Wafers and Their Place in Popular Culture
Necco Wafers have appeared in various aspects of popular culture throughout their long history. They were one of the few candies that had a presence during both World Wars, as they were shipped overseas to soldiers as part of their rations. Their durability made them a reliable treat in extreme conditions, earning them a special place in the hearts of soldiers and their families back home.
In addition to their military connections, Necco Wafers have been referenced in literature, film, and television. In the 1994 film Forrest Gump, Forrest’s love interest, Jenny, hands him a roll of Necco Wafers, solidifying their role as a nostalgic symbol in American culture. Additionally, they have appeared in children’s books and TV shows, further cementing their place as a beloved treat in American history.
7. The Necco Wafers Crisis and Revival
Despite their long-standing popularity, Necco Wafers faced a significant challenge in 2018 when their parent company, the New England Confectionery Company, went out of business. The closure sent shockwaves through the candy world, and fans feared that their beloved Necco Wafers would disappear forever. People began hoarding rolls of the candy, and some online sellers charged exorbitant prices for the last remaining stock.
However, the story of Necco Wafers didn’t end in 2018. After a brief hiatus, the Spangler Candy Company purchased the rights to Necco Wafers and announced plans to bring them back to the market. In 2020, after a two-year absence, Necco Wafers returned to store shelves, much to the delight of fans. The revival was greeted with excitement and enthusiasm, and the return of the classic flavors brought back fond memories for candy lovers across the country.
8. Necco Wafers’ Role in Candy Innovation
While Necco Wafers may seem like a simple candy, they played a significant role in the evolution of candy-making technology. Oliver R. Chase’s invention of the candy-cutting machine was groundbreaking in its time and set the stage for modern candy production techniques. The machine allowed for mass production, consistency, and efficiency, revolutionizing the industry.
Necco Wafers also helped pave the way for other candies produced by the New England Confectionery Company. For example, Sweethearts (the heart-shaped candies with printed messages) and Mary Janes (chewy peanut butter molasses candy) were other iconic treats produced by the same company.
The durability and portability of Necco Wafers also influenced the design of candies intended for long-term storage and distribution. Their long shelf life, ability to withstand temperature changes, and compact size made them a reliable and enduring choice for candy lovers and adventurers alike.
9. The Enduring Appeal of Necco Wafers
What is it about Necco Wafers that has allowed them to remain a beloved candy for over a century? The answer likely lies in their simplicity and the nostalgia they evoke. Necco Wafers offer a unique candy experience that is distinctly different from the rich, chocolatey confections or gooey, chewy sweets that dominate the market.
For many people, Necco Wafers are a reminder of their childhood or special moments shared with family. The subtle flavors, crunchy texture, and pastel colors create a sensory experience that is both comforting and familiar. Additionally, their historical significance and enduring presence in American culture make them more than just a candy – they are a part of the country’s culinary heritage.
10. Where to Find Necco Wafers Today
Since their revival in 2020, Necco Wafers have become widely available again. They can be found in various retailers across the U.S., including large chain stores like Walmart and specialty candy shops. Online platforms such as Amazon also offer Necco Wafers, making it easy for fans to get their hands on a roll of these classic candies.
The Spangler Candy Company, the new owner of the Necco Wafers brand, has ensured that the wafers are made with the same recipe that has delighted candy lovers for generations. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the world of Necco Wafers, you can now enjoy these sweet, nostalgic treats with ease.
Conclusion
Necco Wafers are more than just a candy; they are a piece of American history that has endured through wars, economic changes, and shifts in consumer preferences. Their unique flavors, long-lasting appeal, and historical significance make them a beloved part of the American candy landscape.
