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Chewy candy and taffy · 1920s

Abba-Zaba

A chewy taffy bar with a peanut butter center, in a yellow and black checkerboard wrapper. First made in 1922 by Colby and McDermott.

Still made 1922

By Original Candy House editors · Updated · How we check our facts

Abba-ZabaSINCE1922STILL MADE
Our illustration, not the real wrapper.
First made1922
Made by thenColby and McDermott
Made by nowAnnabelle Candy Company, Hayward, California
StatusStill made
TypeChewy candy and taffy

What it is

A chewy taffy bar with a peanut butter center, in a yellow and black checkerboard wrapper.

The story

  • 1922: first made by Colby and McDermott.
  • 1978: Annabelle Candy Company bought Cardinet Candy Co..

Fun facts

  • The checkerboard wrapper dates to the 1950s.
  • It is sold mostly west of the Rockies.
  • An apple taffy version came out in 2005.

Is Abba-Zaba still made?

Yes. Abba-Zaba is still made, by Annabelle Candy Company, Hayward, California. Look for it at candy shops that stock old-fashioned candy, or search for Abba-Zaba on Amazon.

If you like Abba-Zaba

  • Bit-O-Honey (1924): Honey-flavored taffy with bits of almond.
  • Red Vines (1920s): Soft red twists with a raspberry-like flavor and no licorice root.
  • Squirrel Nut Zippers (mid-1920s): Small, soft vanilla caramels packed with peanuts.
  • Twizzlers (1929): Twisted, chewy ropes, mostly strawberry.

See every candy from the 1920s or all chewy candy and taffy.

Frequently asked questions

When did Abba-Zaba come out?

Abba-Zaba was first made in 1922, by Colby and McDermott.

Who makes Abba-Zaba now?

Annabelle Candy Company, Hayward, California.

Is Abba-Zaba discontinued?

No. Abba-Zaba is still made by Annabelle Candy Company, Hayward, California.

Questions and memories from readers

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Sources

Checked October 22, 2026. Abba-Zaba is a trademark of its owner; this page is not connected to the maker. How we check our facts.

More candy from the same years

1920Baby Ruth Still made 1924Bit-O-Honey Still made by 1924Boston Baked Beans Still made 1923Butterfinger Still made 1922Charleston Chew Still made 1921Chuckles Still made