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Chocolate candies · 1940s

Whoppers

Light, crunchy malted milk balls with a chocolate-flavored coating, about three quarters of an inch across. First made in 1949 by Leaf Brands (an earlier version, "Giants", came from the Overland Candy Company in 1939).

Still made 1949

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

WhoppersSINCE1949STILL MADE
Our illustration, not the real wrapper.
First made1949
Made by thenLeaf Brands (an earlier version, "Giants", came from the Overland Candy Company in 1939)
Made by nowThe Hershey Company
StatusStill made
TypeChocolate candies

What it is

Light, crunchy malted milk balls with a chocolate-flavored coating, about three quarters of an inch across.

The story

  • 1949: first made by Leaf Brands (an earlier version, "Giants", came from the Overland Candy Company in 1939).
  • 1996: Hershey bought Leaf's North American candy business.

Fun facts

  • The first malted milk balls, "Giants", came out in 1939; the Whoppers name arrived on 15 December 1949.
  • They were first sold unwrapped, two for a penny.
  • Mini Whoppers came out in 2000.

Are Whoppers still made?

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

If you like Whoppers

  • Junior Mints (1949): Small rounds of creamy mint filling in a semisweet chocolate coating, with a dimple on one side.
  • York Peppermint Pattie (1940): A soft, cool peppermint center in dark chocolate.
  • Sixlets (by 1960): Little round, candy-shelled chocolate-flavored balls in a cellophane tube.
  • Mallo Cup (after 1936): A milk chocolate cup filled with whipped coconut marshmallow cream.

See every candy from the 1940s or all chocolate candies.

Frequently asked questions

When did Whoppers come out?

Whoppers were first made in 1949, by Leaf Brands (an earlier version, "Giants", came from the Overland Candy Company in 1939).

Who makes Whoppers now?

The Hershey Company.

Are Whoppers discontinued?

No. Whoppers are still made by The Hershey Company.

Questions and memories from readers

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Sources

Checked October 22, 2026. Whoppers 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

1946Almond Joy Still made 1947Bazooka gum Still made 1945Dots Still made 1940sFun Dip Still made 1949Jolly Rancher Still made 1949Junior Mints Still made