Food and Beverage
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.
Assorted flavors of Now and Later candies, a chewy taffy made by Farley’s and Sathers and sold in the United States. Image Credit:
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.
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.
- Official Now and Later Brand Page (Ferrara Candy Company)
- The History of Now and Later Candy – CandyHistory.net
- Now and Later Candy History – OldTimeCandy.com
- A Brief History of Now and Later Candy – Mental Floss
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Recipe of the Week
A Bold and Flavorful Al Fresco Favorite
Al Fresco Favorite: Warm breezes that linger longer into the evening, wafting appetizing aromas through the air can only mean one thing: it’s patio season. From casual porch gatherings to full-fledged backyard dinners, dining al fresco calls for vibrant dishes packed with flavor like Street Corn-Inspired Stuffed Sweetpotatoes.
A Bold and Flavorful Al Fresco Favorite
(Feature Impact) Warm breezes that linger longer into the evening, wafting appetizing aromas through the air can only mean one thing: it’s patio season. From casual porch gatherings to full-fledged backyard dinners, dining al fresco calls for vibrant dishes packed with flavor.
Inspired by the bold flavors of Mexican street corn, or elotes, these Street Corn-Inspired Stuffed Sweetpotatoes can serve as a hearty vegetarian entree, a colorful side dish to pair with grilled fare or the centerpiece of a casual build-your-own dinner spread alongside chilled drinks and easy conversation with loved ones. Providing a naturally creamy base, sweetpotatoes serve as the open-faced vessel for fresh (or frozen) roasted corn, lime juice, mayo, Greek yogurt, cilantro, jalapeno and Parmesan or cotija cheese.
Different from other potatoes using adjectives like white, red or russet to describe an entirely different vegetable, sweetpotatoes – one word as adopted by the National Sweetpotato Collaborators in 1989 to avoid confusion and make it part of the actual nomenclature rather than an adjective – are rich in vitamins A and C, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and potassium, all of which are good for overall health.
Find more recipes to elevate outdoor dining season at ncsweetpotatoes.com.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Street Corn-Inspired Stuffed Sweetpotatoes
Recipe courtesy of Crissy Caroll of Snacking in Sneakers on behalf of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
Servings: 2
- 4 medium sweetpotatoes
- 2 tablespoons light or regular mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain, nonfat Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise
- 1 lime, juice only
- 2 green onions, sliced1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/3 cup fresh shredded Parmesan or cotija cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked, corn removed from stalk or about 1 1/2 cups frozen or canned corn
- 1 jalapeno, seeds and pith discarded, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- To cook sweetpotatoes: Use fork to poke holes and place on microwave-safe plate. Microwave potatoes 6-9 minutes, depending on size, until tender. Set aside.
- In medium mixing bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt and lime juice until well combined. Add green onions, cilantro and Parmesan; set aside.
- Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and melt. Add corn then cook 2 minutes.
- Add jalapeno to skillet with corn, stir and cook 2 minutes.
- Add garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika and salt. Stir and cook 1-2 minutes, until corn starts to lightly brown.
- Remove from heat. Add skillet ingredients to bowl with mayo-yogurt mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Slice cooked sweetpotatoes open and stuff with corn filling.
SOURCE:
North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
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Last Updated on July 3, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Nourishing Our Heroes: Eight Years of Impact at Phoenix VA’s Veggies for Veterans
Pair Summer Favorites with a Simple
Potato Salad
(Family Features) Ideal for
neighborhood cookouts, quick family dinners and anything in between, potato
salad is a tried-and-true summer favorite. This version from Cookin’ Savvy
comes together in a snap so you can spend more time enjoying the sun and less
time in the kitchen. Pair this easy potato salad with more warm-weather recipe
inspiration found at Culinary.net.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhUIPGWfbrw?si=UJ2zY8g_aHMcWTsV&controls=0]
Potato Salad
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6
- 3 pounds
potatoes - 4 boiled
eggs, coarsely chopped - 2 dill
pickles - 1 tablespoon
garlic powder - 1 tablespoon
onion powder - 1 package
(2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces - 2 cups
mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons
mustard - salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- smoked paprika, for garnish
- Coarsely chop potatoes. In Dutch
oven, boil until fork tender. Drain then add coarsely chopped eggs and pickles. - Add garlic powder, onion powder,
bacon pieces, mayonnaise and mustard. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Mix well. - Transfer to large bowl and
refrigerate 1-2 hours. Garnish with smoked paprika.
SOURCE:
Nourishing Our Heroes: Eight Years of Impact at Phoenix VA’s Veggies for Veterans
Nourishing Our Heroes: Eight Years of Impact at Phoenix VA’s Veggies for Veterans
Food
Expert Entertaining Advice for Hosting Summer Soirees
Hosting Summer Soirees: For summer hosts across the country, few pairings are as timeless and crowd-pleasing as wine and cheese. Approachable, easy to find and naturally complementary, these warm-weather favorites are a perfect fit for a variety of occasions.
Expert Entertaining Advice for Hosting Summer Soirees
(Feature Impact) For summer hosts across the country, few pairings are as timeless and crowd-pleasing as wine and cheese. Approachable, easy to find and naturally complementary, these warm-weather favorites are a perfect fit for a variety of occasions.
At the end of the day, summer entertaining is about good food, good wine and creating a space where people feel welcome, according to sommelier Sam Capaldi, whose mission is to make wine fun and approachable.
“My ideal celebration is pretty simple: a few loved ones gathered on the patio, cheese boards in the center of the table, bottles of wine chilling on ice, music playing in the background and a card game that somehow gets way more competitive than anyone expected,” Capaldi said.
Whether it’s a backyard gathering with friends, a solo night watching reality TV or a spontaneous evening, Capaldi wants hosts to remember that the best pairings aren’t just what’s in the glass and on the board – it’s the people, moments and memories that come with them.
In partnership with Cracker Barrel Cheese, Capaldi is sharing simple tips for hosts looking to elevate their summer soirees without the hassle.
Make Entertaining Simple and Fun
The pressure to create the perfect tablescape, prepare an impressive meal and uncork an expensive bottle of wine can feel overwhelming. Instead, a simple text that says “Come over, I have wine and snacks,” can mean the world to a close friend or loved one.
One of Capaldi’s favorite reminders for hosts is they don’t need five different wines to serve alongside a cheese board. Instead, one or two are often more than enough. The key is choosing versatile wines that pair well with a variety of flavors and textures.
Create Memorable, Crowd-Pleasing Pairings
Elevate any gathering with some of Capaldi’s favorite approachable wine and Cracker Barrel Cheese pairings such as:
- A refreshing white wine, Sharp White Cheddar drizzled with spicy honey and potato chips. The bright acidity of the wine cuts through the salty chips and rich, savory cheese, creating a fresh and balanced bite.
- A fruity rosé, Extra Sharp Yellow and Sharp White Cheddar, garlic naan crackers, slices of prosciutto and a spoonful of strawberry jam. Rosé is incredibly versatile and plays well with the different flavors on the board, making it a perfect match for several different cheeses.
- Pinot grigio, pretzels and Vermont Sharp White Cheddar. The citrus notes and the bright acidity of pinot grigio cut through the richness of sharp cheddar, while its crisp finish keeps your palate refreshed between bites. Salty pretzels also help highlight the wine’s fruit notes, making every sip taste a little brighter.
Use Seasonal Additions for a Special Touch
Summer offers an abundance of fresh produce and seasonal flavors that can elevate any gathering without overcomplicating the occasion. Capaldi recommends adding frozen fruit to wine, such as strawberries, peaches or mangos to whites and rosés. The fruit helps keep the wine cold without watering it down and adds a subtle burst of fruit flavor.
When it comes to cheese spreads, a jar of spicy honey can quickly become a go-to ingredient. For a sweet-and-salty combination, try drizzling spicy honey over cheese then pair with potato chips or pretzels so your snack board offers a little bit of everything.
For more summer entertaining inspiration, visit CrackerBarrelCheese.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (wine and cheese plates)
SOURCE:
Cracker Barrel Cheese
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