The History of B-B Bats: The Classic Candy That Started in 1924
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If you remember walking into a neighborhood candy store and seeing rows of penny candy, you may remember B-B Bats.
These classic rectangular taffy pops have a history that reaches back to 1924, when they were introduced as an inexpensive treat sold for just one penny. For generations, B-B Bats became a familiar part of candy counters, corner stores, and the childhood memories of candy lovers across America.
Bring Home the Sweet Nostalgia of B-B Bats!
Craving that classic, long-lasting taffy texture from the old corner candy store? We keep our pantry fully stocked with fresh, authentic boxes of your favorite childhood lollipop treats.
The Beginning of B-B Bats in 1924
B-B Bats were created by the Fair Play Caramel Company, originally founded as the Ideal Caramel Company in 1914 in Johnson City, New York.
The company invented and patented B-B Bats in 1924. The candy was designed as a rectangular piece of chewy taffy mounted on a stick.
Where Did the Name B-B Bat Come From?
The name was connected to the candy's distinctive shape.
The rectangular taffy resembled a small baseball bat, which inspired the name B-B Bat. The unusual shape helped make the candy recognizable and gave it an identity that has lasted for generations.
B-B Bats and the Penny-Candy Era
Originally sold for one penny, B-B Bats became part of the classic penny-candy experience.
Children could walk into a neighborhood store and choose from an assortment of inexpensive candies. B-B Bats fit perfectly into that tradition because they were individually wrapped, easy to carry, and lasted a long time because of their firm, chewy texture.
For many people, the candy became more than just a sweet treat—it became part of the experience of growing up with penny candy.
Flavors, Colors and the Famous Chew
Over the decades, B-B Bats were available in a variety of flavors, including:
- Banana
- Strawberry
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
- Orange
- Licorice
The wrapper and taffy were traditionally color-coded to correspond with the flavor. For example, strawberry was associated with pink, while banana was associated with yellow.
Another defining characteristic was the texture.
B-B Bats were known for being firm and exceptionally chewy. They were the kind of candy that could last for quite a while—and, as generations of candy lovers remember, sometimes had a tendency to stick to your teeth.
The Companies Behind B-B Bats
Over the years, ownership and production of B-B Bats moved through several candy companies.
| Company | Location | Period / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fair Play Caramel Company | Johnson City, NY | Original creator and manufacturer |
| Gilliam Candy Company | Paducah, KY | 1990s |
| Sophie Mae | Atlanta, GA | Later ownership |
| Georgia Nut | Skokie, IL | Later ownership |
| Warrell Corporation | York, PA | 2009 |
| Runk Candy Company | Cincinnati, OH | 2012 |
This changing ownership is part of the story of many classic American candies. Brands could move from one regional candy company to another while retaining the basic candy that generations of customers knew.
The Runk Candy Company Era
The Runk Candy Company acquired B-B Bats and KITS in 2011, bringing the brands back into production after periods when they had been unavailable.
Runk continued the tradition of producing these nostalgic candies, but the company's eventual closure brought another major change to the B-B Bats story.
Production of B-B Bats ceased around 2021, when Runk Candy Company closed.
For fans of the candy, that marked the end of another chapter in the long history of B-B Bats.
The Return of B-B Bats
The story did not end there.
B-B Bats are once again being produced and distributed. Mega Candy Company manages the brand and distributes the candy, with the taffy pops manufactured in Mexico for the company.
The current lineup includes familiar flavors such as Chocolate and Banana, along with newer varieties including Cherry and Cotton Candy.
There have also been changes to the packaging and design. While the candy retains its familiar chewy character, the traditional wooden stick has been replaced with an easy-to-peel wrapper extension, designed to help keep the taffy soft while making it easier to enjoy.
A Classic Candy With a Long History
B-B Bats have survived more than a century of changes in the candy business.
From their introduction in 1924, through the penny-candy era, multiple changes in ownership, periods when they disappeared from production, and their eventual return, B-B Bats have remained a recognizable piece of American candy history.
For customers who remember buying penny candy as children, B-B Bats can bring back a very specific kind of nostalgia—the neighborhood candy store, the candy counter, and the fun of choosing a treat that cost only a penny.
Today, Michele's Pantry carries B-B Bats for customers who want to rediscover this classic candy or experience it for the first time.
And What About KITS?
B-B Bats have a companion with a similar place in candy history: KITS.
According to the history provided here, KITS are currently in production and are soon to be released, giving fans of these classic taffy candies another nostalgic treat to look forward to.