Good and Plenty

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Good and Plenty (1900)

Good and Plenty is a brand of licorice candies that is one of the oldest branded candies in the United States. First produced in 1893 by the Quaker City Confectionery Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Good and Plenty is known for its distinctive pink and white capsule-shaped candies. The candy's outer shell is coated in a hard candy shell, which is flavored with a combination of licorice extract and sugar. The brand has become iconic in American candy culture, often associated with classic cinema and childhood nostalgia.

History

The inception of Good and Plenty dates back to the late 19th century, a period marked by rapid industrialization and the emergence of novel confectionery techniques. The Quaker City Confectionery Company, leveraging these advancements, introduced Good and Plenty to the American market as a novel licorice treat. Its popularity soared, in part, due to its unique packaging and marketing strategies. The candy was originally sold in boxes that were designed to be reusable, appealing to the sensibilities of the time.

In the mid-20th century, Good and Plenty began to be marketed with the character "Choo-Choo Charlie" in television commercials, further cementing its place in American pop culture. The character, a railroad engineer, was depicted enjoying the candy while operating a train, with the catchy jingle "Love my Good and Plenty!" playing in the background. This marketing campaign is credited with significantly boosting the candy's popularity among children and adults alike.

Composition

Good and Plenty candies consist of a licorice center made from the extract of the licorice plant, which is known for its natural sweetness and distinctive flavor. This center is encased in a hard candy shell, which is colored pink and white through the use of food dyes. The combination of the licorice interior and the sweet outer shell provides a unique taste experience that has been cherished by generations.

Cultural Impact

Over the years, Good and Plenty has transcended its status as merely a candy to become a part of American cultural heritage. It has been featured in various forms of media and is often associated with nostalgia for a bygone era. The brand has also been involved in various marketing campaigns that have utilized its iconic status to promote nostalgia and the simple pleasures of enjoying candy.

See Also

• Licorice
• Candy
• Confectionery
• History of confectionery