Happy 100th birthday to the Milky Way candy bar! This iconic treat has been delighting taste buds and leaving a trail of caramel behind for a whole century. In the vast expanse of the candy universe, the Milky Way has shined bright, always promising a delicious bite. Join us as we travel back in time to explore the sweet history of this confectionery legend.

Who Thought of the Milky Way? 

The genius behind this delectable creation was none other than Frank C. Mars, founder of Mars, Incorporated. Inspired by malted milk shakes that were popular in the 1920s, Frank aimed to create a candy bar that captured this flavor. Pair that with his son Forrest Mars’ knack for business, and the duo was unstoppable. The idea? A nougat and caramel core wrapped in a coat of smooth milk chocolate.

From Idea to Iconic Bar

The Milky Way was unique because it combined the chewiness of caramel with the soft, whipped texture of nougat, making it distinct from other candy bars of its time. The name "Milky Way" was intended to evoke the creamy, dreamy malted milk shake flavor it was based upon.

How are Milky Way Bars Made? 

The making of the Milky Way bar is a delicate dance between nougat, caramel, and chocolate:

• The Nougat: The base layer is made by whipping egg whites until they’re light and frothy. Sugar syrup is then added, resulting in a fluffy nougat.
• The Caramel: The caramel layer is a blend of sugar, corn syrup, milk, and other ingredients cooked together until it reaches the perfect consistency.
• The Chocolate Coat: Once the nougat and caramel layers are set, they are drenched in milk chocolate and cooled to perfection.

A Timeline of Milky Way's Sweet Journey

• 1923: The Milky Way candy bar is introduced to the world. Its original flavor was a blend of chocolate-malt nougat with caramel on top and chocolate coating.
• 1932: The Milky Way bar ventures beyond US borders, launching in various parts of the world with slight variations to cater to local tastes.
• 1970s-80s: Over the decades, various spin-offs of the original bar are released, including the Milky Way Midnight, which boasts dark chocolate and vanilla nougat.
• 2000s: The 21st century sees the introduction of fun-sized and mini versions, making the Milky Way an irresistible option for Halloween candy and on-the-go snacking.
• 2010s: Milky Way introduces flavors like Simply Caramel, which skips the nougat for a pure caramel experience. The brand also evolves with the times, offering reduced-calorie versions and playing with packaging to remain fresh and relevant.
• 2023: The Milky Way celebrates its 100th birthday, reminding fans why it’s been a beloved treat for generations.

The Milky Way's Stellar Popularity

From its inception, the Milky Way bar found a place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. Its unique texture and taste set it apart in a market filled with various candy options. Over the decades, this popularity hasn’t waned. From movie theater candy to becoming a staple Halloween treat, the Milky Way bar’s appeal is universal.

Its legacy isn’t just about the candy itself. The brand’s advertising campaigns have played a significant role in its cultural resonance. From memorable slogans to fun commercials, the Milky Way has always known how to connect with its audience.

The candy's international appeal is also worth noting. While in the US, the Milky Way is known for its nougat and caramel combination, in Europe, it’s more akin to what Americans recognize as the 3 Musketeers bar. Regardless of the variation, its global presence speaks volumes about its universal allure.

As we commemorate the Milky Way's 100th year, it's incredible to think about the generations of memories this candy bar has been a part of. From grandparents to grandchildren, the Milky Way has been a shared treat that bridges the age gap with its timeless flavor.

So, next time you unwrap a Milky Way bar, remember that you're not just biting into caramel, nougat, and chocolate; you're tasting a piece of candy history. Cheers to a century of sweetness and many more years of interstellar delight with the Milky Way!