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Candy bars · 1970s

Whatchamacallit

Peanut-flavored crisp with a layer of caramel in a chocolate coating. First made in 1978 by Hershey.

Still made 1978

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

WhatchamacallitSINCE1978STILL MADE
Our illustration, not the real wrapper.
First made1978
Made by thenHershey
Made by nowThe Hershey Company
StatusStill made
TypeCandy bars

What it is

Peanut-flavored crisp with a layer of caramel in a chocolate coating.

The story

  • 1978: first made by Hershey.

Fun facts

  • Launched in 1978 with just crisp and chocolate; caramel was added in 1987.
  • Since 2008 the coating uses oils instead of cocoa butter, so it can no longer be called milk chocolate.
  • Its spin-off Thingamajig came and went between 2009 and 2012.

Is Whatchamacallit still made?

Yes. Whatchamacallit is still made, by The Hershey Company. Look for it at candy shops that stock old-fashioned candy, or search for Whatchamacallit on Amazon.

If you like Whatchamacallit

  • Reggie! bar (1978): Chocolate, peanuts and caramel, named after Yankees slugger Reggie Jackson.
  • Wonka Bar (1976): Milk chocolate with little pieces of graham cracker.
  • Marathon bar (1973): An 8 inch braid of chewy caramel coated in chocolate, with a ruler printed on the wrapper.
  • Nestle Alpine White (1986): A white chocolate bar dotted with almonds.

See every candy from the 1970s or all candy bars.

Frequently asked questions

When did Whatchamacallit come out?

Whatchamacallit was first made in 1978, by Hershey.

Who makes Whatchamacallit now?

The Hershey Company.

Is Whatchamacallit discontinued?

No. Whatchamacallit is still made by The Hershey Company.

Questions and memories from readers

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Sources

Checked October 22, 2026. Whatchamacallit 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

1973Blow Pop Still made 1972Bottle Caps Still made 1976Bubble Yum Still made 1976Everlasting Gobstopper Still made 1975Freshen Up gum Discontinued 1979Hubba Bubba Still made