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Chocolate candies · 1920s

Milk Duds

Lumpy chocolate-coated caramel bites, sold in the famous movie box. First made in 1928 by F. Hoffman & Co., Chicago.

Still made 1928

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

Milk DudsSINCE1928STILL MADE
Our illustration, not the real wrapper.
First made1928
Made by thenF. Hoffman & Co., Chicago
Made by nowThe Hershey Company, under license
StatusStill made
TypeChocolate candies

What it is

Lumpy chocolate-coated caramel bites, sold in the famous movie box. "Chewy, not gooey."

The story

  • 1928: first made by F. Hoffman & Co., Chicago.
  • 1960: Beatrice Foods takes over.
  • 1986: Leaf takes over.
  • 1996: Hershey takes over.
  • 2018: Highlander Partners, licensed to Hershey.

Fun facts

  • The name came from failed attempts to make perfectly round caramels. The lumpy results were "duds".
  • Since 2008 the coating uses vegetable oils instead of cocoa butter.

Are Milk Duds still made?

Yes. Milk Duds are still made, by The Hershey Company, under license. Look for it at candy shops that stock old-fashioned candy, or search for Milk Duds on Amazon.

If you like Milk Duds

  • Raisinets (1927): Raisins coated in milk chocolate.
  • Valomilk (1931): A milk chocolate cup filled with runny marshmallow cream.
  • Mallo Cup (after 1936): A milk chocolate cup filled with whipped coconut marshmallow cream.
  • Rolo (1937): Little cone-shaped chocolates with a soft caramel center, sold in a roll.

See every candy from the 1920s or all chocolate candies.

Frequently asked questions

When did Milk Duds come out?

Milk Duds were first made in 1928, by F. Hoffman & Co., Chicago.

Who makes Milk Duds now?

The Hershey Company, under license.

Are Milk Duds discontinued?

No. Milk Duds are still made by The Hershey Company, under license.

Questions and memories from readers

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Sources

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

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