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Now and Later: The Candy That Taught Us Patience (and Stuck to Our Teeth)

A nostalgic look at Now and Later candy, its history, bold flavors, and why cherry remains a childhood favorite for generations.

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Vintage Now and Later candy wrappers featuring cherry and assorted fruit flavors

Assorted flavors of Now and Later candies, a chewy taffy made by Farley’s and Sathers and sold in the United States. Image Credit: Evan-Amos

Now and Later candy has been a staple of American childhood for generations, known for its bold fruit flavors and famously long-lasting chew. First introduced in 1962, the candy became a cultural icon of corner stores, schoolyard trades, and after-school treats. Among its many flavors, cherry stood out as a fan favorite—delivering a rich, lingering taste that made Now and Later more than just candy, but a shared memory of growing up.

A Candy Built to Last

Now and Later candy was introduced in 1962 by the Phoenix Candy Company, and its name was more than clever branding. It was a promise. You could enjoy it now—and still be chewing it later. Unlike many candies that dissolved quickly, Now and Later were intentionally firm, almost stubbornly so. They softened as you chewed, rewarding patience with long-lasting flavor.

That firmness became part of the experience. You didn’t rush a Now and Later. You worked through it.

Cherry: The Standout Flavor

While the brand offered plenty of bold fruit options—grape, apple, strawberry, watermelon—cherry stood apart. It wasn’t subtle. It was rich, sweet, slightly tart, and unmistakably artificial in the best possible way. Cherry didn’t fade quickly either. It lingered, coating your taste buds and staying with you through the entire chew.

Ask anyone who grew up with Now and Laters, and many will tell you the same thing: cherry was the one you hoped to pull from the pack.

A Ritual, Not Just a Candy

Now and Laters weren’t just eaten—they were managed. Some kids warmed them in their pockets to soften them. Others bit off tiny pieces to make them last longer. There were unspoken rules: don’t pull too hard, don’t rush it, and never assume you’d be done in five minutes.

In a way, Now and Later taught a small lesson in patience—long before we had endless scrolling, instant gratification, or same-day delivery.

A Cultural Snapshot of Childhood

Candy like Now and Later represents a time when small pleasures mattered. A quarter or a dollar could buy a moment of joy that lasted through recess, the walk home, or an afternoon bike ride. You didn’t need a screen or a subscription—just a square of candy in a bright wrapper.

It’s no coincidence that Now and Later remain deeply nostalgic for people who grew up in the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s. They’re tied to a physical, tangible childhood—one where time moved slower and experiences lasted longer.

Still Around, Still Remembered

Though ownership of the brand has changed over the years, Now and Later still exist today, and the flavors remain recognizable. But for many, the real magic lives in memory: that first bite, that stubborn chew, and that unmistakable cherry taste that refused to quit.

Some candies are forgettable. Now and Later—especially cherry—weren’t.

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They didn’t just give us something sweet.

They gave us something to hold onto.

Want to get the full story? The links below dive deeper into the history of Now and Later candy, its flavors, and why it’s still remembered decades later. If this sparked a few childhood memories, they’re worth checking out.

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Recipe of the Week

Easy Game Day Sliders Recipe: Simple Salami Sliders for Tailgating

Make game day easy with Simple Salami Sliders. This quick recipe uses everyday ingredients for delicious tailgating food ready in just 25 minutes.

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Last Updated on December 31, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Easy Game Day Sliders Recipe: Simple Salami Sliders for Tailgating

Easy Game Day Sliders Recipe: Simple Salami Sliders for Tailgating

Keep Your Focus on the Action with an Easy Game Day Winner

(Family Features) When spicy dips and saucy wings sound a little too overwhelming for your next game day gathering, turn to a simple yet still delicious solution. These Simple Salami Sliders can make game day planning a breeze with pregame ease and just a few everyday ingredients for the perfect snack at kickoff. Find more tailgating and homegating recipes at Culinary.net. 17701 SimpleHamAndSalamiSliders detail embed

Simple Salami Sliders

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6
  • 1          package slider buns
  • 8          slices Swiss cheese
  • 8          slices salami
  • 8          slices ham or other deli meat
  • 1          stick butter, melted
  • 1          tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2          tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1          tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1          teaspoon onion powder
  • 1          teaspoon garlic powder
  • everything bagel seasoning (optional)
  1. Heat oven to 350 F.
  2. Halve slider buns, creating top and bottom portions. Set top portion aside, leaving bottom portion in original container. Place bottom portion and container in baking dish to prevent sticking.
  3. Layer Swiss cheese, salami and ham then cover with top buns.
  4. Mix melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Parmesan cheese, onion powder and garlic powder. Pour over sliders.
  5. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes then remove foil, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, if desired, and bake, uncovered, 10 minutes.
collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Culinary.net
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Link: https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/

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Pair Simplicity and Flavor with Seafood Pasta

Seafood Pasta: Simplifying family dinners after the holiday season starts with easy recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor. To save time heading into the new year, add a recipe to your repertoire like Shrimp Spaghetti.

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Pair Simplicity and Flavor with Seafood Pasta

Pair Simplicity and Flavor with Seafood Pasta

(Family Features) Simplifying family dinners after the holiday season starts with easy recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor. To save time heading into the new year, add a recipe like Shrimp Spaghetti to your repertoire. It’s a perfect winter warmup that makes kitchen duty a cinch while bringing loved ones to the table. Find more quick dinner solutions by visiting Culinary.net. 17702 ShrimpSpaghetti detail embed

Shrimp Spaghetti

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6
  • 1          pound spaghetti noodles
  • 2          tablespoons butter
  • 1/4       cup avocado oil
  • 1          package (12 ounces) raw shrimp
  • 2          tablespoons garlic powder, divided
  • 1          teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1          cup chicken broth
  • 1/2       cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4       cup heavy cream
  • 1          teaspoon onion powder
  • 1          cup frozen or fresh spinach
  • bread, for serving
  1. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
  2. In skillet over medium heat, add butter, avocado oil and shrimp. Mix in 1 tablespoon garlic powder and paprika. Remove shrimp after they begin to turn pink; set aside.
  3. Add chicken broth, Parmesan, heavy cream, remaining garlic powder, onion powder and spinach to skillet; mix well. Add shrimp back to skillet to finish cooking. Mix in noodles and serve with bread.
collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Culinary.net
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Link: https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/

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Easy Bites for the Big Game

Easy Bites: Whether you’re tailgating with friends or hosting a watch party at home, every football fan needs a game plan to crunch, dip and cheer their way through opening kickoff, halftime and right down to the final play of the game. These Burger Bowls feature all the classic ingredients of a great burger, just without the bun. Pulled pork, another tailgating treasure, gets an instant upgrade with the crunch of a fresh coleslaw topper and zesty pickled celery and jalapenos on the side.

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Easy Bites for the Big Game

Easy Bites for the Big Game

(Family Features) Whether you’re tailgating with friends or hosting a watch party at home, every football fan needs a game plan to crunch, dip and cheer their way through opening kickoff, halftime and right down to the final play of the game. Some of the best game day grub is hearty and savory but adding layers of flavor and texture can take recipes to the next level. For example, these Burger Bowls feature all the classic ingredients of a great burger, just without the bun. A tasty option for gluten-free guests or those who are cutting carbs, the bowls are made with Dandy Iceberg Lettuce from Duda Farm Fresh Foods, which boasts a legacy of quality, innovation and consistency in fresh produce cultivation since 1926. Pulled pork, another tailgating treasure, gets an instant upgrade with the crunch of a fresh coleslaw topper and zesty pickled celery and jalapenos on the side. The winning play is to use crisp, fresh celery for the best flavors and a satisfying crunch with every bite. Since celery is 95% water and high in fiber, it leaves fans feeling comfortably full and ready to root for their favorite team. This season, keep your snacks fresh and healthy while winning prizes like product coupons and gift cards to stock up for the next game through the Dip It to Win It Sweepstakes. Visit dudafresh.com to learn more and find additional game day recipes. 17761 detail embed1

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Pickled Celery and Jalapenos

Recipe courtesy of The Adventure Bite Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 hours Servings: 9-10
  • 4 1/2    pounds pork shoulder or Boston butt
  • 26        ounces sweet and spicy barbecue sauce
  • 1/2       tablespoon garlic
  • 1/2       tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper
  •             fresh sandwich buns
  •             Dandy Celery, cut and pickled
  •             jalapenos
  •             coleslaw (optional)
  •             potato salad (optional)
  •             baked beans (optional)
  1. Place pork in slow cooker.
  2. Mix barbecue sauce, garlic and pepper. Pour over pork shoulder.
  3. Cook on low 8 1/2-10 hours or high 6-7 hours.
  4. Shred meat and serve on buns with pickled celery and jalapenos. Top with coleslaw, if desired. Serve with potato salad or baked beans, if desired.
17761 detal embed2

Burger Bowls

Recipe courtesy of Casa de Crews Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 Burger Bowls:
  • 2          cups French fries, homemade or frozen
  • 2          tablespoons olive oil
  • 1          small yellow onion, diced
  • 1          pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1          teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1          teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 1/2       teaspoon black pepper
  • Dandy Iceberg Lettuce, shredded
  • 2-3       Roma tomatoes, diced
  • pickle chips or spears, chopped
  • cheddar cheese, shredded
Burger Sauce:
  • 1/3       cup mayonnaise
  • 2          tablespoons ketchup
  • 1          tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
  • 1          tablespoon pickle juice
  • 1          teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1          teaspoon onion powder
  • 1          teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
  1. To make burger bowls: Cook French fries according to package directions.
  2. In medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and saute until translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add ground beef to skillet, breaking up meat with spatula. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper; brown until cooked through. Drain and discard excess liquid and grease.
  3. To make burger sauce: In jar, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika well to combine.
  4. Assemble bowls with layer of shredded lettuce, 3-4 ounces ground beef, diced tomatoes, pickles, cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup fries.
  5. Drizzle with burger sauce and mix well.
  6. Tip: Burger sauce can be made in advance and stored in refrigerator in jar with airtight lid.

Easy Bites for the Big Game

SOURCE: Duda Farm Fresh Foods

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Link: https://stmdailynews.com/culvers-thank-you-farmers-project-hits-8-million-donation-milestone/  

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