14 Discontinued Wonka Candies That Felt Legendary Then Got Pulled Anyway
Willy Wonka’s candy empire gave us some of the wildest, most imaginative treats ever to hit store shelves.
Things like chocolate-covered peanut butter bites and peel-and-eat ice cream pops confections felt like pure magic in your mouth.
But just like a golden ticket, their time in the spotlight didn’t last forever, and one by one, they vanished from candy aisles, leaving behind only sweet memories and a whole lot of nostalgia.
1. Oompas
Picture a candy-coated chocolate and peanut butter bite that was basically M&Ms’ cooler, bigger cousin.
That was Oompas, launched in the early 1970s and named after the factory workers themselves.
They packed a satisfying crunch and a creamy center that made them instant favorites.
Sadly, by 1982, they disappeared from shelves, leaving fans wondering why something so good had to go.
2. Super Skrunch Bar
Super Skrunch was the underdog chocolate bar that dared to challenge the mighty Nestlé Crunch.
With peanut butter, crisp rice, and a chocolate coating, it brought serious crunch and flavor to the table.
Introduced in the 1970s, it got a name tweak to just Skrunch in 1980, but that didn’t save it.
By 1981, it was gone, proving that even the tastiest competitors sometimes lose the battle.
3. Wonka Donutz
When the 2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie hit theaters, Wonka Donutz rolled onto shelves right alongside it.
These weren’t actual doughnuts but chocolate-covered candies with sprinkles and a truffle-like center that tasted like a dessert dream.
Kids went wild for the novelty, but the hype didn’t last. By 2013, low sales sealed their fate, and they quietly disappeared.
4. Xploder
With embedded popping candy that fizzed and crackled with each mouthful, Xploder was the candy bar that literally popped in your mouth.
It was part chocolate bar, part science experiment, and totally unforgettable. Later variations like Tinglerz tried to keep the magic alive, but the novelty faded fast.
As a short-lived hit, Xploder became more of a legend than a staple.
5. Dweebs
In essence, Dweebs were Nerds that hit the gym and got bigger, boxed in dual compartments for double the flavor fun.
Launched in the 1990s, they offered the same tangy crunch but in a chunkier, more satisfying form. Kids loved the idea of mixing flavors or eating them separately.
Unfortunately, Dweebs only stuck around for a few years before vanishing.
6. Chewy Runts
Runts were already legendary for their tiny fruit shapes and intense flavors, but Chewy Runts took things to a softer level.
Instead of the hard crunch, you got a chewy, fruity bite that felt easier on your teeth. They carved out their own fanbase who preferred texture over snap.
But in 2014, they got the axe, leaving chewy candy lovers heartbroken.
7. Kazoozles
With each pull and bite, the chewy, packed candy ropes known as kazoozles tasted like a fruit explosion.
Their soft texture and bold flavors made them a go-to snack for road trips and movie nights.
But eventually, they got reworked and rebranded into SweeTarts Ropes, losing their original identity in the process.
8. Tart ‘n’ Tinys
Tiny, tart pellets known as “Tart ‘n’ Tinys” had a powerful sour punch despite their diminutive size. They were perfect for anyone who loved that lip-puckering zing in a portable form.
Wonka discontinued them, leaving a sour candy-sized hole in fans’ hearts. Luckily, Leaf Brands later revived them, giving nostalgic candy lovers a second chance.
Still, nothing quite beats the original Wonka version for those who remember the glory days.
9. Wonka Bar
Nothing felt more magical than unwrapping a real-life Wonka Bar, the candy that brought Roald Dahl’s story off the page.
First launched in 1975, it had a rocky start with production hiccups but made a comeback in 1988.
For years, kids everywhere dreamed of finding a golden ticket inside. Yet by January 2010, Nestlé pulled the plug, citing declining sales.
10. Peel-A-Pops
The ice cream innovation known as Peel-A-Pops was similar like peeling a banana, except it was frozen, fruity, and far more enjoyable.
Available in banana and grape flavors, they were a summer sensation that kids couldn’t get enough of.
The peel-and-eat gimmick made them feel interactive and totally unique. But in 2019, they melted away from freezer aisles for good.
11. DinaSour Eggs
DinaSour Eggs were massive, dino-themed jawbreakers that took forever to finish and came with layers of color and flavor.
Kids loved the prehistoric branding and the challenge of conquering such a giant candy. They were a staple of the early 1990s, often found at candy counters and convenience stores.
Eventually, they went extinct, discontinued and largely forgotten.
12. Wacky Wafers
Coin-shaped and flavored, Wacky Wafers had a fruit-like flavor and a nostalgic candy store appearance.
They came in wild flavors like banana, watermelon, and green apple, each one a nostalgic bite. Nestlé discontinued them under the Wonka brand, much to fans’ dismay.
Thankfully, Leaf Brands brought them back, keeping the wacky spirit alive.
13. Punkys
These were the neon-speckled, rough-textured candies that screamed late-1980s cool with every handful.
They came in sweet and sour fruit flavors, offering a bumpy, sugar-crusted bite. Their bold look and tangy taste made them stand out on candy shelves.
But low sales and their similarity to SweeTarts led to their quick disappearance.
14. Tangy Bloops
Tangy Bloops were a sour, fruity throwback that had a devoted following in the 1970s and 1980s.
Their tangy kick and chewy texture made them a favorite for anyone who loved a little pucker with their sweetness. They weren’t as flashy as some other Wonka candies, but they had a loyal fanbase.
Over time, they faded out, lost to shifting tastes and new candy trends.
