A Candy By Another Name
The history of the
Zero bar is a cool one, indeed. In 1920, the Hollywood Brands Company introduced what was then called the Double Zero Bar. At that time, the Minnesota based company manufactured the candies at a factory in Centralia, Illinois. Made of caramel, peanut, almond, and nougat, and covered with a layer of white fudge, it wasn’t long before these Double Zero Bars were known for their distinctive white exterior.
Back in the day, these sweet treats sold for only a penny each, boasting a label that promised kids a steam engine toy if they sent in ten wrappers and fifteen cents. Now that’s the kind of deal you won’t hear about, anymore. It wasn’t until 1934 when the Double Zero Bar was renamed, simply, Zero.
Winds of Change
For the past 93 years, the Zero bar has undergone transformations both big and small. This resilient little candy survived multiple buyouts, first by Consolidated Foods Corporation in 1967, and then Huhtamaki Oy in 1988. It even managed to rebound from a fire that destroyed the Centralia, Illinois plant in 1980.
Over the years, the packaging may have changed- losing the polar bears and frigid arctic scene for a more space-aged, stream-lined design- but the message has always been clear: Zero bars are as cool as zero degrees. They happen to taste great out of the freezer, too.
Today, Zero Bars are produced by
Hershey. At almost 100 years old, it’s safe to say that Zero Bars are truly an American classic. So no matter the name change, or the company transfers, one bite of these time-tested treats and you’ll go right back to your youth, regardless of the decade.
I’m 73 years old I’ve been eating zero candy bars since I was five…and yes they were white on the inside and yes it does make a big difference. But they’re gone now (just like when they took the almonds from the top of fifth Avenue) so we must press on. At least they are not skittles! Thank God for Zagnut😎
Introduced to Zero in 1966. The “recent” inclusion of peanuts is personally as well received as when a famous ice cream venue substituted peanuts for walnuts in their sundaes. Anyone can manufacture something cheaper. It just also happens to taste like it was made cheaper as well. The modern Zero is a mere shadow of the original.
I spotted a full box of Zero bars at my local Country store this afternoon. Just had to get One, I haven’t seen These for years, used to be my favorite back in the 60’s. I’m enjoying it Right now, probably will get Another next time I go to the store. Good Memories, still a Delightful candy bar.
I cannot attest to the taste of the early Zero bars. I can however say that this is by far my favorite candy bar ever. Since my 1st taste in the mid 70s I have been hooked. They are hard to find here in Oregon. I seek them out at every convience store I stop at. Currently I live in Milton Wa and travel back to Oregon weekly. I stop at a Chevron station in Nisqually Wa nearly every time I travel past it to get one. If you haven’t tried one I would highly recommend you do.
Used to be my favourite. There were about 4 different varieties; they were called Zero because they tasted, literally, cool. The Hershey bars taste nothing like the originals.