Introduced in 1907, Hershey Kisses are simply bite sized chocolate candies that are simply delectable. One reason why Kisses rose in dominance within the candy industry is because of Hershey’s ability for mass production. Not only that, but the chocolate used was innovatively inexpensive.
The Wilbur Bud was a similar candy made of little chocolate drops in 1894. However, the Wilbur Bud was not made through mass production, but by physically molding the candy. For each candy made, melted chocolate was poured into a teardrop shaped mold and cooled in order for the liquid to solidify.
Hershey was able to speed up the process. The Hershey Company created a machine that could automatically create the teardrop shape with a nozzle. Each Kiss could be plopped, one after the other onto a conveyer belt. Hershey also was able to come to the conclusion that consumers may desire to individually hold the chocolates in their hands. In order to make this possible, the company decided to use a foil wrap for each miniature candy.
The Kisses were hand wrapped by factory workers until 1921. Afterwards, a machines with a foil plunger stamps the chocolates as they passed on the conveyer belt. In 1924, the tissue paper poking from the top of the Kiss was trademarked, and has been iconic ever since.
In the 1960’s, the Hershey Company became one of the very first candy companies to switch up its colors depending on the holiday. 1962 was the exact year that the Hershey Company first wrapped the Kisses in red and green foils for the Christmas season. In 1986, red and pink foils were used for the first time to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Today, foils come in a variety of patterns and colors celebrating holidays such as Easter and Halloween.
Hershey Kisses come in a variety of different chocolate flavors and fillings as well. My personal favorites are the dark chocolate Kisses and the milk chocolate Kisses filled with gooey caramel. The kisses are without a doubt one of my favorite candies because I simply just love all things chocolate. The simplicity of the Hershey Kiss is what makes it so iconic. Just to have a single drop of Hershey chocolate is irresistible.
Fun Fact: If the Hershey Kisses produced each year were put in a single line, it would be over 300,000 miles in length.
Sources:
https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2012/09/hersheys-kisses-fun-facts-and-recipes/
Hershey Kisses are so good. It’s really interesting learning the backstory behind why they’re shaped like a teardrop.
Very interesting read, because I, like you, am an avid chocolate lover! Hershey’s success is unparalleled, and truly the minds behind this simple yet smashing tiny piece of chocolate were simply brilliant. Neat fun fact this week too 🙂
Hershey kisses have always been such a staple in the candy world, they’re so small yet so iconic. When I was younger, I’d always go to Hershey, PA with my grandparents and I was always in awe by the chocolate inspired town with even Hershey kisses light posts.
I’m 1960 I remember the small Hershey Kiss was bigger than it is now in 2023 Now they’re so much smaller in 2023. Am I wrong?