You know how it goes – you're planning a candy-themed birthday party, working on a school project, or just craving sweets and wondering "what candy starts with A?" As a lifelong candy enthusiast (some might say addict), I've tasted pretty much every sugary treat out there. Let me walk you through the delicious world of candies beginning with A, from classics you forgot about to new finds.
Finding candy that starts with A isn't just trivia – it solves real problems. Maybe you're filling an alphabet-themed pinata, creating candy bouquets by letter, or settling a family debate. Honestly, when my nephew asked me this last month during game night, I realized how tricky it is to recall them all! So I dug deep – tasting, researching, even visiting old-school candy stores – to create this definitive guide.
Must-Know A-List Candy Classics
These are the heavy hitters – the candies most people recognize when thinking about candy that starts with A. They're widely available and have stood the test of time.
Almond Joy & Hershey's Version
That iconic jingle says it all: "Sometimes you feel like a nut..." Introduced in 1946 by Peter Paul, this coconut and almond bar covered in milk chocolate remains a top-seller. The Hershey's version (since they acquired the brand) stays remarkably true to the original. You'll find these everywhere – gas stations, grocery stores, vending machines. Price usually runs $1.25-$1.75 per full-size bar.
Personal confession? I always pick coconut flakes out of my teeth for an hour after eating one. Worth it though. For true fans, try freezing them – the texture becomes incredible.
AirHeads: The Stretchy Sensation
These chewy, tangy taffy-like bars exploded onto the scene in the 1980s. With flavors like Cherry, Watermelon, and Mystery (which tastes like blue raspberry to me), they're a lunchbox staple. They're super affordable too – usually under $0.50 per piece if bought in bulk packs. Find them in multipacks or giant single bars at:
- 7-Eleven and Circle K convenience stores
- Walmart candy aisles
- Cinema concession stands
- Online bulk retailers like CandyWarehouse
My hot take: Blue Raspberry AirHeads reign supreme. The White Mystery flavor? Overrated – tastes like sweetened chalk to me.
Abba-Zaba: The Sticky Legend
This taffy with peanut butter center debuted in 1922 and feels like biting into candy history. The black-and-yellow packaging hasn't changed much. It's harder to find than mainstream candy – try specialty candy shops or online retro candy stores. At about $1.50 per bar, it's a nostalgia investment.
Word of caution: This stuff will yank fillings out. Seriously, warm it in your hands first unless you want a dental bill.
Specialty and International Candies Starting With A
Beyond the mainstream lies a fascinating world of global and artisanal candies that start with A. These often require hunting but deliver unique experiences.
Aero Bars: The Bubbly British Import
Created in England in 1935, these Nestlé chocolate bars contain thousands of tiny air bubbles that melt uniquely on your tongue. The Mint Aero is legendary, but newer flavors like Orange and Coffee exist. You'll find them at:
- World Market stores ($2.50-$3.50 per bar)
- British specialty shops
- Amazon international food sections
Last Christmas, I mail-ordered some for my brother who studied abroad. He teared up – apparently they fueled his college all-nighters.
Anis de Flavigny: French Elegance
These delicate violet-scented anise seeds encased in sugar have been made in France since 1591 using traditional copper kettles. They come in beautiful decorative tins ($8-$12) and make perfect gifts. Find them at upscale grocers like Whole Foods or specialty boutiques.
Acid Drops: For Hardcore Sour Lovers
These British hard candies deliver an intense citric acid punch. Warning – not for the faint-hearted! My first try made my eyes water uncontrollably. Imported bags cost $4-$6 online or at old-fashioned candy stores.
| Specialty Candy | Country | Approx. Price | Purchase Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anis de Flavigny | France | $8-$12 per tin | Medium (specialty stores) |
| Aero Bars | UK/Canada | $2.50-$3.50 per bar | Easy (international aisles) |
| Acid Drops | UK | $4-$6 per bag | Hard (online import) |
| Aplets & Cotlets | USA (Northwest) | $7-$9 per box | Medium (regional) |
Retro and Vintage Candies Beginning With A
These nostalgic treats feel like time capsules. Finding candy that starts with A from your childhood can be emotional – I nearly cried when I rediscovered Astro Pops years later.
Astro Pops: The Space-Age Classic
These conical layered lollipops with concentric flavor rings (cherry, lime, banana) screamed 1970s futurism. Production stopped in 2001 but resumed recently. You'll pay about $8 for a 4-pack online. Worth mentioning though – digging the last bits out with your tongue always felt vaguely dangerous.
Atomic Fireballs: The Cinnamon Bomb
Introduced in the 1950s, these remain the ultimate test of spice tolerance. That intense cinnamon heat builds for about sixty seconds before leveling off. Available everywhere for pocket change (around $0.25 each). Pro tip: Don't crunch these – you'll unleash cinnamon Armageddon in your mouth.
Funny story about Atomic Fireballs – in fifth grade, I dared Bobby Miller to eat three simultaneously during silent reading time. Let's just say... fire drills have quieter alarms. Mrs. Thompson banned candy for a month. Sorry, Bobby.
Andes Mints: The After-Dinner Staple
Those distinctive green-wrapped chocolate mints appeared in restaurants nationwide starting in 1950. A 4.67oz box sells for $3-$4 at supermarkets. They're perfect for baking too – my chocolate mint brownie recipe uses crushed Andes (email me for it!).
Top 10 Candies Starting With A: The Ultimate Ranking
Based on flavor, availability, and nostalgia factor, here's my definitive ranking of candies beginning with A:
| Rank | Candy Name | Why It Shines | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Almond Joy | Perfect texture balance | Coconut + chocolate + crunch |
| 2 | AirHeads | Best value + variety | Tangy fruit chew |
| 3 | Aero Bars | Unique melt-in-mouth bubbles | Light chocolate/mint |
| 4 | Andes Mints | Sophisticated flavor | Cool mint chocolate |
| 5 | Atomic Fireballs | Iconic heat challenge | Nuclear cinnamon |
| 6 | Abba-Zaba | Nostalgia factor | Taffy + peanut butter |
| 7 | Astro Pops | Visual appeal | Layered fruit flavors |
| 8 | Anis de Flavigny | Artisanal quality | Floral anise |
| 9 | Acid Drops | Extreme sour punch | Lemon/lime + acid |
| 10 | Aplets & Cotlets | Northwest specialty | Fruit/nut Turkish delight |
Controversial opinion: Mounds bars should've made this list since they're Almond Joy's coconut-only sibling, but technically their name doesn't start with A. Still great though!
Where to Buy Candy That Starts With A
Finding obscure candy beginning with A requires strategy. Here's where I hunt:
Physical Stores: Start with big chains like Walmart (mainstream choices) or Target. For retro candy, try Cracker Barrel – their old-fashioned candy barrels hold surprises. World Market excels at international options like Aero bars.
Online Treasure Troves: Sites like CandyWarehouse and OldTimeCandy let you search by letter. Amazon has international sections. For ultra-rare finds, eBay collectors sometimes sell vintage sealed packages (expect premium prices).
Regional Surprises: If traveling, visit local candy makers. In Washington state, stop at Cashmere's Liberty Orchards for fresh Aplets & Cotlets ($7/box) – those apple and apricot nuggets roll in powdered sugar right before your eyes.
Candy That Starts With A: Your Questions Answered
What candy starts with A that's gluten-free?
Several options! AirHeads are gluten-free (confirmed by manufacturer). Almond Joy and Mounds bars lack gluten ingredients too. Always check labels though – manufacturing changes happen.
Are there sugar-free candies beginning with A?
Andes makes sugar-free mint chocolates using maltitol. Some specialty shops carry sugar-free Acid Drops using artificial sweeteners. Taste-wise? They're okay... but you taste the compromise.
What candy that starts with A is vegan?
AirHeads qualify (no animal products). Most Atomic Fireballs are vegan despite their red color (uses artificial dyes). Avoid anything with milk chocolate or gelatin – that rules out classic Almond Joy and Abba-Zaba (contains honey).
Which candies that start with letter A are nut-free?
AirHeads (all varieties), Atomic Fireballs, Andes Mints (though made in facility with nuts), and Astro Pops. Almond Joy obviously contains almonds – serious allergies require extreme caution with shared equipment.
Pro Tip: When searching online, use variations like "candy beginning with A" or "candies starting with A" to uncover more results. Include "retro" or "vintage" for discontinued items.
Why do so many people search for candy that starts with a?
Beyond trivia games, it's practical: alphabet-themed weddings, baby showers (A names), candy buffets organized by letter, or creating personalized gifts. Teachers also use them for educational activities. When organizing my niece's A-to-Z candy birthday, finding quality options was crucial!
Creative Ways to Use A-Candies
This isn't just snacking material – candies starting with A inspire creativity:
- Baking: Crushed Andes Mints transform brownies. Chopped Almond Joy elevates cookies.
- Cocktails: Rim glasses with crushed Atomic Fireballs for spicy margaritas.
- Gifts: Assemble "A-list" baskets with Almond Joy, Andes, and AirHeads.
- Decor: Fill glass vases with colorful AirHeads for edible centerpieces.
Final Thoughts
Candy that starts with A offers remarkable diversity – from mass-market chocolate bars to delicate French anise treats. Whether you're reliving childhood memories with an Astro Pop or discovering international gems like Aero, these sweets carry stories in every bite. Next time you're candy shopping, grab something starting with A – it might just become your new favorite. And if you find Abba-Zaba? Share the location! Mine's running low...
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