Necco Wafers

What it is

Thin, chalky sugar disks sold in rolls, in flavors like lemon, orange, clove, cinnamon, wintergreen, licorice and chocolate.

The story

• 1847: first made by Oliver Chase, an English immigrant, using his lozenge-cutting machine.
• 1901: Chase and Company merged into the New England Confectionery Company (Necco).
• 2018: Necco went bankrupt; Spangler bought the brand.
• 2020: back on sale.

Fun facts

• First called "hub wafers" in 1847.
• Union soldiers carried them in the Civil War.
• Sold as "Necco Wafers" since 1912.
• Gone from 2018 to 2020 after Necco closed, then brought back by Spangler.

Are Necco Wafers still made?

Yes, again. Necco Wafers disappeared for a while and came back in 2020. Today they are made by Spangler Candy Company, Bryan, Ohio. Look for it at candy shops that stock old-fashioned candy, or search for Necco Wafers on Amazon.

If you like Necco Wafers

• Sweethearts (1901): Chalky, heart-shaped candies printed with short messages like "Be Mine", "Kiss Me" and "Miss You".
• Boston Baked Beans (by 1924): Peanuts in a hard, brick-red candy shell, shaped and colored like baked beans.
• Pez (1927): Small pressed sugar blocks that come out of a spring-loaded character dispenser.
• Red Hots (1930s): Tiny, hot cinnamon candies, a favorite for decorating cakes and cookies.

See every candy from the Before 1900 or all hard and tangy candy.