For many candy lovers, the mere mention of Jolly Joes conjures up a flood of sweet memories. These grape-flavored gems, a beloved part of the Mike and Ike candy family, have long held a special place in the hearts of those who grew up savoring their unique taste. Now, in a fantastic twist of nostalgia, Mike and Ike has reintroduced Jolly Joes to a new generation of candy lovers.

The Mike and Ike Story: A Candy Legacy 

Launched in 1940 by the Just Born candy company, Mike and Ike quickly became a household name. Known for their colorful, chewy, fruit-flavored candies, Mike and Ike have been a staple in candy aisles for over eight decades. The origin of the Mike and Ike name has long been shrouded in mystery and playful speculation. Some say it was inspired by a vaudeville song, while others believe it may have been named after the founders' favorite childhood toys. Regardless of its origin, the brand consistently surprise and delights all of us with a variety of flavors and limited-time offerings.

The Rise and Pause of Jolly Joes

Introduced in the 1960s, Jolly Joes quickly became a favorite within the Mike and Ike lineup. Their distinctive grape flavor set them apart from the more common fruit-flavored candies, earning them a dedicated fan base. The candies’ deep purple hue and sweet, juicy taste made them a go-to choice for grape candy aficionados. However, as the candy market evolved and new flavors emerged, Jolly Joes began to fade from the spotlight. By the early 2000s, they had all but disappeared from store shelves, much to the disappointment of loyal fans. The absence of Jolly Joes left a grape-flavored void that no other candy could quite fill.

Behind the Scenes: Bringing Back a Classic

The journey to bring back Jolly Joes was not without its challenges. Mike and Ike’s team of candy experts undertook a meticulous process to recreate the original recipe, ensuring that the new Jolly Joes would taste just as fans remembered. This involved sourcing the finest ingredients and fine-tuning the flavor profile to achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and grape essence.

In addition to the flavor, the iconic packaging also received careful attention. The vibrant purple box, adorned with the familiar Mike and Ike logo and playful design, pays homage to the original while incorporating modern touches. 

Jolly Joes Today: A New Chapter

Now that Jolly Joes are back on the market, they are once again a hot commodity and we're busy keeping the shelves in our huge candy warehouse stocked with them.  It’s clear that Jolly Joes have not only retained their old fan base but have also won over new fans who are discovering the joy of grape-flavored candies for the first time.

So go ahead, order a box or two and don't forget to check out all the other flavors of Mike and Ike candy and take a virtual stroll down our aisle of nostalgic candy to find more of your old time favorites.