Candy Raisins Reincarnated
It was the weirdest thing. Just the other week, during a morning run, I found myself craving Candy Raisins, the beloved Milwaukee regional treat that disappeared from my life when Necco closed its Milwaukee plant in 2008. Back then, I joined the fight to “save” the Candy Raisins and signed an online petition led by a particularly passionate fan from West Allis.
Although more than 7,000 signatures were ultimately collected, sadly, the efforts proved fruitless. And so in the final days, I stock piled those caramel-colored gumdrops (which, by the way, taste nothing like raisins) as if preparing for the Apocalypse. But eventually, even my stores ran dry. And thus Candy Raisins lovers worldwide mourned the loss. My favorite childhood treat lost forever (RIP picture below from SaveTheCandyRaisins.com).
And nearly four years later, as I ran on a dark, winter morning, I could still feel their notable absence in my life.
But then later that same day, I came across a friend’s Facebook post linked to a CNN article titled “15 of America’s Favorite Regional Sweets.” And Wisconsin’s favorite sweet? You got it—Candy Raisins. My friend asked innocently, what are Candy Raisins?
With a deep sigh, I opened the article. It was just one more painful reminder that my beloved Candy Raisins were gone forever. Their taste on my lips slowly fading from my memory over time.
I wasn’t prepared for what I read next. It was as if receiving the news that my long-lost pet had been cloned into a genetically identical being. I blinked in disbelief. But there it was. According to the CNN article, food scientists at Milwaukee-based Osmanium Candy Company had used what was believed to be the last remaining bags of Candy Raisins to reverse-engineer a new version called Candy Sunshine. Despite many challenges, the candy makers were motivated by a sense of civic duty to bring Candy Raisins back to Milwaukee. After a two year process, Candy Sunshine will finally debut next month. And according to the new Candy Sunshine Web site, “10 out of 10 Candy Raisins lovers agree, Candy Sunshine is spot on.” And you can’t argue with results like those.
According to the CNN article, Candy Sunshine will be available at several Milwaukee-area stores such as Candyman Snack Shop, Fleet Farm and Beans & Barley. They’ll also be available for purchase online at candysunshine.co ($5 for a pack of three bags). You can pre-order yours today!
Candy Raisins have been reincarnated. There is a God.
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13 Responses to “Candy Raisins Reincarnated”
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February 16th, 2012 at 1:46 am
Wow, that is really great news! When I was in grade school, we had a little candy store along my school route. I would stop in a get a 1/4 of a pound every week. I must have passed on my love of candy raisins to you and your brother. I’m looking forward to trying the new candy raisins.
Mom
February 16th, 2012 at 1:57 am
Candy Sunshine Bulk now available at Winkies in Whitefish Bay, and also Friday at Sendiks in Elm Grove, Franklin, Germantown, Grafton, Greenfield, Mequon, New Berlin, Wauwatosa, West Bend, and Whitefish Bay! Bags coming mid-late March still!
February 16th, 2012 at 3:46 am
Thanks for the update! Fantastic. Bulk is even better!
February 21st, 2012 at 4:48 pm
Awesome…..and pooh to you Necco!
February 22nd, 2012 at 5:55 am
I heard that Candy Sunshine does NOT taste like the original candy raisins. Those of you that have tried them what do you think?
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:30 am
Just had some… NOTHING like the original.
Candy Raisins had a firm outer crust with a slightly softer middle. Candy Sunshine is like a soft gummy bear all the way through. While the taste of Raisins was unique, and so are these, they do not compare. It’s been so long since I had a Raisin, I can’t remember the exact nuances, but trust me, Sunshine is no Raisin.
February 24th, 2012 at 2:58 am
I tried them and think they taste similar to the raisins, they are softer, but after eating a half pound over the last week I think they will satisfy my raisins craving. I almost prefer them now.
February 24th, 2012 at 7:17 am
These are nothing like the old ones not even close….these are terrible !!!Don’t waste your money !!!
February 27th, 2012 at 11:26 am
oh boy I am excited and here I was to Sendiks this past Friday but did not peruse the bulk section dang, wouldn’t I have been excited….ah well I ordered them and paid the price of shipping. I must try them….I see some of you say they are nothing like……..that would make me sad.
February 29th, 2012 at 8:46 pm
I really like them, at first I wasn’t sure, but after I ate a pound I became a fan. They aren’t the exact same as I remember, but close. Everytime a product comes back it seems a bit different, but these make my memories come back, so I am happy.
Kris
March 17th, 2012 at 7:37 am
I have tried them-drove to Milwaukee last week and bought 2 pounds. They were very soft, like a gummy bear. I was not impressed by the taste at first. I decided they were too sticky and needed to dry out a bit. Put 1 lb. on perforated metal pan and air dried them for a week. Now they have firmer whitish appearance-Better texture and taste. More like what I remember. I now have the second pound drying.
I think the company was in a hurry to release the product. They sent out a very moist, sticky product. Try the air drying-it works in my opinion.
At first, I was disappointed but now am planning on getting several more pounds. When I ate some last night-felt like the Candy Raisin was back!
April 9th, 2012 at 4:30 pm
Born and raised in Milwaukee and bought them at my school store. The flavor is in my hard drive. I even Carried POUNDAGE via airlines home as an adult just to have stock piles in my pantry after I left Milwaukee.
I bought 3 lbs. from a west Allis distributor, also promising a local candy maker in Wyoming a treat he wouldn’t believe.
This wasn’t even close. I ended up throwing them out. Sorry, the texture, the taste, the experience - all a waste.
Sorry if this isnt what you wanted to hear, but it’s honest. If it was great, I would be the first to share.
May 2nd, 2012 at 3:57 am
My wife & I found them at Half-Nuts yesterday & asked for a taste.
Thank goodness!
They were TERRIBLE!
NOTHING like Candy Raisins - not even close
If Necco doesn’t want to make them anymore, fine — publish the recipe.