The Sweet History of Jolly Ranchers: From Ice Cream Shop to Candy Aisle Icon
Few candies are as instantly recognisable as Jolly Ranchers. With their bold fruit flavours, bright colours, and long-lasting taste, they’ve become a staple of American sweets for generations. But the story behind these famous candies is sweeter than you might expect.
Let’s take a look at how Jolly Ranchers went from a small-town idea to one of America’s most loved candies.
Humble Beginnings in Colorado
Jolly Ranchers started in 1949 in Golden, Colorado. The company was founded by Bill and Dorothy Harmsen, who originally ran an ice cream shop. They chose the name “Jolly Rancher” to create a friendly, welcoming Western image — something that felt wholesome and neighbourly.
To help keep business steady during colder months, the Harmsens began selling hard candies alongside their ice cream. These candies quickly became popular because of their strong fruit flavors and long-lasting taste.
Soon, candy sales were doing so well that the company shifted its focus away from ice cream entirely.
The Rise of the Hard Candy
By the 1950s and early 1960s, Jolly Ranchers had become known for their square, individually wrapped hard candies. Unlike many sweets of the time, Jolly Ranchers were famous for their intense flavors rather than subtle sweetness.
Classic flavors like:
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Watermelon
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Green Apple
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Cherry
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Grape
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Blue Raspberry
became favorites across the United States. Kids loved how long the candy lasted, while adults enjoyed the nostalgic flavours.
Moving Production and Growing Nationwide
In 1966, the Jolly Rancher company moved production to Wheat Ridge, Colorado, to keep up with demand. Just a few years later, in 1969, the brand was sold to Beatrice Foods, helping the candy reach an even wider audience.
Then in 1996, the brand became part of the Hershey family when Hershey acquired Leaf North America, the company that owned Jolly Ranchers at the time. This move helped cement Jolly Ranchers as a major player in the American candy market.
Expanding Beyond Hard Candy
While hard candies remain the most iconic version, the brand has expanded over the years to include:
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Gummies
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Sour versions
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Chewy candies
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Jelly beans
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Lollipops
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Drink mixes
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Gelatin desserts
Limited-edition and seasonalflavours also keep fans excited, with occasional returns of discontinued flavours creating buzz among candy lovers.
A Candy That Became Pop Culture
Jolly Ranchers have become more than just candy — they’re part of American pop culture. They’re common in Halloween trick-or-treat bags, movie theaters, road trips, and office candy bowls. Many people have strong memories tied to their favorite flavor or trading candies with friends.
Some flavours have even developed loyal fan bases who passionately debate which colour is best.
Why Jolly Ranchers Still Matter Today
In a world full of new candy releases and trends, Jolly Ranchers remain popular because they offer something simple and reliable: bold flavor that lasts. Their long shelf life and nostalgic appeal make them especially popular for American sweet shops around the world.
For customers outside the USA, Jolly Ranchers represent a classic American treat — colourful, fun, and unmistakably sweet.
A Lasting Legacy
From a small Colorado ice cream shop to an international candy favorite, Jolly Ranchers have had a long and successful journey. Over 70 years later, they continue to bring bright flavors and sweet memories to candy lovers everywhere.
And for many fans, unwrapping a Jolly Rancher still feels like opening a little piece of American candy history.