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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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Foodie News

illy Launches Art of Dining Series With Chef-Led Events Across Major U.S. Cities

illy has launched its Art of Dining Series, a year-long program pairing chef-led tasting menus with its signature coffee blend in major U.S. cities.

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photo of a healthy meal on wooden table top. Art of Dining Series,
Photo by Viktoria Alipatova on Pexels.com

illy is bringing coffee and fine dining together with its new Art of Dining Series, a year-long program featuring chef-led dining experiences in cities including Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The series launched in March with a dinner at Boia De in Miami and will continue with curated events built around custom tasting menus inspired by illy’s signature blend. One of the upcoming stops is set for June in San Francisco at Wolfsbane, where illy Chef Ambassador Rupert Blease will create a menu inspired by his own bespoke illy blend.

The company says the program is designed to create immersive, in-person experiences that connect guests with the illy brand through flavor, atmosphere, and hospitality. The launch also builds on illy’s broader gastronomy strategy, including its Chef Ambassador program and its role as the exclusive coffee partner of World’s 50 Best Restaurants for the past four years.

Founded in Trieste, Italy, in 1933, illy is known for its 100% Arabica coffee blend and global presence in more than 140 countries.

Source: illycaffè via PR Newswire

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Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

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Sustainably Sourced Staples for Family Favorites

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Living sustainably might include habits like recycling or composting, but you can go above and beyond by using food ingredients that are environmentally friendly in meals like a Seared Strip Loin with Linguini or Vietnamese Caramelized Beef Bowls.

Sustainably Sourced Staples for Family Favorites

(Feature Impact) Living sustainably might include habits like recycling or composting, but you can go above and beyond by using food ingredients that are environmentally friendly.

As a pioneer in humane and sustainable meat, Niman Ranch recently launched a Regenerative Organic Certified beef program sourced entirely from U.S. family ranches covering 105,000 acres today and with a roadmap to reach 250,000 acres by 2028.

Simply put, “regenerative” is a soil-first approach to farming that restores the earth rather than depleting it. This program bridges the gap between environmental stewardship and steakhouse-quality flavor so you can enjoy meals like a Seared Strip Loin with Linguini or Vietnamese Caramelized Beef Bowls.

The program sets the standard for a sustainable future in several ways:

  • Supporting American Ranchers: 100% U.S. grass-fed and finished, it provides a vital premium market for domestic family ranchers when over 95% of organic beef is currently imported.
  • Steakhouse Quality Meets the Gold Standard: By pairing elite angus genetics with Regenerative Organic Certified’s rigorous standards, the program delivers USDA-graded Choice and Prime marbling – a flavor and tenderness rarely found in the organic market.
  • Healing the Land: Through “high-frequency rotational grazing,” Niman Ranch cattle are moved across pastures in a way that restores soil health and promotes biodiversity.

Learn more by visiting NimanRanch.com.

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Seared Strip Loin with Linguini

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

  • 1          Niman Ranch Strip Loin Steak (6-8 ounces)
  • 1          teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional to taste, divided
  • 1          box (16 ounces) linguini
  • 1          tablespoon olive oil
  • 2          cups chopped fennel
  • 1          teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/3       cup chopped Castelvetrano (green) olives
  • 2          cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1          orange, zest and juice only
  • 1          goat cheese log (4 ounces)
  • 1/3       cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • pepper, to taste
  1. Pat steak dry and season generously with kosher salt. Heat grill pan or grill to medium-high heat. Grill steak until medium-rare (135-140 F), turning halfway through cooking, about 8 minutes total. Set aside.
  2. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Cook linguini according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining linguini in colander.
  3. In same pasta pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Cook fennel, red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon kosher salt over medium heat, stirring, until fennel is tender, 5-6 minutes. Add chopped olives, garlic and orange zest. Stir in orange juice and stir to combine. Set aside.
  4. Return drained linguini to pot. Crumble goat cheese on top and add reserved pasta water. Stir until pasta is evenly coated.
  5. Serve with slices of steak on top and garnish with fresh parsley.
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Vietnamese Caramelized Beef Bowls

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

  • 1          package (8 ounces) rice vermicelli noodles

Beef:

  • 2          cloves garlic, grated
  • 1          thumb ginger, peeled and grated
  • 2          tablespoons fish sauce
  • 4          teaspoons light brown sugar
  • 1          tablespoon lemongrass paste
  • 1          tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1          pound Niman Ranch ground beef
  • 1          tablespoon vegetable oil

Dressing:

  • 4          tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4          tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2          tablespoons lemongrass paste
  • 2          tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2          teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
  • 2          tablespoons vegetable oil

Salad:

  • 8          ounces butter lettuce leaves
  • 8          ounces carrots, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
  • 1          English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly crosswise into half-moons
  • 1          bunch fresh mint
  • 1          bunch cilantro
  • chopped roasted and unsalted peanuts
  • 1          lime, cut into wedges
  1. Cook vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Set aside.
  2. To prepare beef: In medium bowl, whisk garlic, ginger, fish sauce, brown sugar, lemongrass paste and lime juice until blended. Add beef and mix until well blended. Marinate 15 minutes.
  3. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Add beef and cook, breaking up using wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until beef is dark and caramelized, 10-12 minutes.
  4. To make dressing: In small bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, lemongrass paste, brown sugar and sriracha, if desired. Whisk until sugar dissolves. Slowly stream in vegetable oil, whisking, until dressing is thickened.
  5. To prepare salads: Divide noodles between four shallow bowls. Arrange caramelized beef, lettuce, carrots, cucumber, mint and cilantro in bowls then drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with peanuts. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing on top.
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SOURCE:

Niman Ranch

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Say ‘Yes, Please’ to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch

Tne Grilled Cheese of the Year: A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade in recipes like The Protein Powerhouse and The Classic.

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Say 'Yes, Please' to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch

Say ‘Yes, Please’ to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch

(Feature Impact) A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade.

It’s also safe to say nostalgia is delicious and addicting, which is why Borden Cheese is sharing not one, but two, prize-worthy recipes, one of which packs a protein punch and another that’s a pure classic, perfect for spreading smiles and happy bellies.

Protein, Please: The Protein Powerhouse is the Grilled Cheese of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a protein-packed masterpiece designed for the modern appetite. Featuring a creamy, dual-cheese combo of mild cheddar and Borden Mozzarella Cheese Melts, the sandwich is melted over 5 ounces of tender sliced chicken breast and delivers more than 40 grams of protein and about 8 grams of fiber when paired with the right bread. Served with a tangy Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard “powerhouse sauce” and pressed between golden, crispy bread, this grilled cheese isn’t your ordinary melt. It has been transformed into a massive protein boost.

Tried n’ True: While modern flavors and trends are delicious, nostalgia is too. In fact, a whopping 20,000 fans cast their votes for America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese, asserting a fervor that’s unmatched when it comes to their perfect melt, and awarded The Classic the title of “America’s Favorite.” This comforting recipe pairs extra sharp melts with American singles on sliced white bread for a perfect, ooey-gooey bite that reminds you the cheese truly “makes” the sandwich.

VisitBordenCheese.com/grilled-cheese-day for other ooey-gooey grilled cheese recipes created for 2026.

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The Protein Powerhouse

  • 1          tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2          slices bread fortified with protein and fiber
  • 2          Borden Mild Cheddar Slices
  • 1          slice Borden Mozzarella Melts
  • 5          ounces sliced chicken breast (deli-shaved or thinly carved)

“Powerhouse” Sauce:

  • 2          tablespoons non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1          teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
  1. Heat griddle to medium heat. Butter bread. Layer cheeses and chicken on top of bread.
  2. Place bread on griddle and cook until lightly toasted. Flip and cook other side.
  3. Remove sandwich from skillet or griddle.
  4. To make powerhouse sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well blended. Slice sandwich in half and drizzle with Powerhouse sauce.
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The Classic

  • 1          tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2          slices white bread
  • 2          slices Borden Extra Sharp Melts
  • 2          slices Borden American Singles
  1. Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Spread butter on one side of each slice bread.
  3. Place cheese slices on unbuttered side of bread. Top with other slice of bread with butter facing upward.
  4. Place sandwich on skillet or griddle and cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Using spatula, lightly press sandwich down gently while cooking to melt cheese better.
  5. Remove from skillet or griddle and slice in half.
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SOURCE:
Borden

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

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