What it is
Hard candy with tiny pockets of pressurized carbon dioxide that crackle and pop on your tongue.
The story
- 1976: first made by General Foods chemists Leon Kremzner and William Mitchell (invented in 1961).
- 1986: back on sale.
Fun facts
- Invented in 1961, test-marketed in Canada in 1974 and launched in the US in 1976.
- The rumor that "Little Mikey" from the cereal ads died from Pop Rocks and soda was false.
- General Foods stopped making it in 1980; it came back in 1986.
Are Pop Rocks still made?
Yes, again. Pop Rocks disappeared for a while and came back in 1986. Today they are made by Zeta Espacial S.A. of Barcelona (sold in the US by Pop Rocks Inc. of Atlanta). Look for it at candy shops that stock old-fashioned candy, or search for Pop Rocks on Amazon.
If you like Pop Rocks
- Pixy Stix (1959): Sweet and sour flavored powder in a paper straw.
- Candy necklace (1958): Little pastel candy rings strung on elastic to wear and nibble.
- Wonder Ball (mid-1990s): A hollow milk chocolate ball with little candies hidden inside, plus a collectible sticker.
- Wax lips (mid-1900s): Big red lips molded from flavored wax.
See every candy from the 1970s or all novelty candy.
Frequently asked questions
When did Pop Rocks come out?
Pop Rocks were first made in 1976, by General Foods chemists Leon Kremzner and William Mitchell (invented in 1961).
Who makes Pop Rocks now?
Zeta Espacial S.A. of Barcelona (sold in the US by Pop Rocks Inc. of Atlanta).
Were Pop Rocks discontinued?
Yes, for a while. They came back in 1986 and are made today by Zeta Espacial S.A. of Barcelona (sold in the US by Pop Rocks Inc. of Atlanta).
Questions and memories from readers
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Sources
Checked October 22, 2026. Pop Rocks is a trademark of its owner; this page is not connected to the maker. How we check our facts.
