Whoppers

Whoppers are a brand of malted milk balls sold by The Hershey Company in the United States. They were first introduced in 1949 by the Leaf Brands. Whoppers are made from malted milk, which is a combination of malted barley, wheat flour, and whole milk, that is dried and then mixed with other ingredients to form the center of the candy. This center is then coated with a layer of milk chocolate. Whoppers are known for their distinctive malted flavor and are sold in a variety of packaging options, including the traditional milk carton-style box, plastic bags, and in bulk.

History

The history of Whoppers begins in the early 20th century, with the creation of malted milk. Malted milk was originally developed as a nutritional supplement for infants. However, its pleasant taste quickly made it a popular ingredient in soda fountain drinks and candy. The original malted milk balls, from which Whoppers would later evolve, were introduced in the 1930s. In 1949, Leaf Brands began producing what is now known as Whoppers. The Hershey Company acquired the brand in 1996, further solidifying its presence in the American candy market.

Ingredients and Production

The primary ingredients in Whoppers include sugar, whey (milk), malted milk (malted barley, wheat flour, milk, salt, baking soda), and cocoa. The production process involves creating the malted milk center, which is then coated with chocolate through a process known as panning. During panning, the centers are tumbled in a drum while layers of chocolate are slowly added until the desired thickness is achieved.

Varieties

Over the years, Whoppers have been available in several varieties beyond the original malted milk flavor. These have included strawberry milkshake, peanut butter, and even seasonal varieties such as pumpkin spice. However, the classic malted milk flavor remains the most popular and widely recognized.

Cultural Impact

Whoppers have become a staple in American cinema, often associated with movie theater concession stands alongside popcorn and soft drinks. They are also a popular choice for Halloween treats and are included in many holiday-themed candy assortments.

Nutritional Information

Like many candies, Whoppers are high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation. A serving of Whoppers provides calories, carbohydrates, and a small amount of protein, primarily from the milk ingredients.

See Also

• Malted milk
• The Hershey Company
• Candy in the United States