The Candy That Made Us: Gas Station & Corner Store Snacks Every Gen X Remembers

Now and Later

It was a warm afternoon in the golden haze of summer, the air thick with sunshine and the unmistakable scent of asphalt after a rain shower. You could hear the bell jingle as you pushed open the door to the corner store, a tiny sanctuary filled with glass jars teeming with colorful sweets. The clinking of coins in your pocket felt like a million possibilities. Among the treasures lining the shelves, nothing beckoned quite like the bright, eye-catching wrappers of Now and Later.

Born in 1962 in Brooklyn, New York, by Phoenix Candy Company, Now and Later was a revelation for the taste buds. The candy's allure lay in its name, cleverly suggesting that you should “eat some now, save some for later.” Each taffy-like chew started off hard and then transformed into a chewy delight, a two-phase experience that kept kids reaching for more. The thrill of unwrapping each piece, revealing its vibrant colors, was akin to discovering hidden treasure. And at a mere 5 to 10 cents per piece, it was an affordable delight for any kid with a few coins jangling in their pockets.

The ritual was simple: you’d stash a handful in your jacket for later or trade them with friends during recess. The more adventurous kids would show off their collection of flavors—strawberry, watermelon, banana—popping them like little time capsules of flavor. Sure, sometimes your teeth would stick together, but that was part of the fun. You knew you were a Gen Xer if you ever found a forgotten piece of Now and Later at the bottom of your backpack, its wrapper crinkled and the candy a tad more pliable after a summer in the sun.

Fast forward to today, and while the brand has changed hands more times than some of us have changed our socks, Now and Later still lives on under the Ferrara Candy Company umbrella. The original hard variety remains a nostalgic nod to our youth, while new soft varieties have been introduced to cater to changing tastes. A quick visit to a convenience store will reveal them still in their vibrant glory, even if the price has crept up to around 25 cents per piece. But some things, like the sweet satisfaction of saving a piece for later, never change.

Lemonheads

If Now and Later was the candy for delayed gratification, Lemonheads were the zesty, sweet-and-sour burst of sunshine that made every trip to the corner store feel like a mini-vacation. Introduced in the same year as Now and Later, 1962, by Nello Ferrara, these tiny yellow spheres were a staple in every kid's candy lineup. The vibrant yellow box, smiling cartoon lemon face and all, was like a beacon in the candy aisle. You could easily buy a box for 5 to 10 cents and feel like a kid in a candy wonderland.

The experience of eating a Lemonhead was an adventure in itself. You’d pop one in your mouth, greeted by a crunchy outer shell before diving into the sweet, tangy center that made your taste buds tingle. It was both a treat and a challenge, testing your ability to withstand the sourness before the sweetness kicked in. And if you felt particularly daring, you could mix a few Lemonheads with Now and Later for the ultimate flavor explosion.

For many of us, buying a box of Lemonheads with our allowance was a rite of passage, a daily ritual as sacred as trading Pokémon cards. You knew you were a Gen Xer if you remembered the thrill of racing your friends to the store to see who could snag the last box. They were ubiquitous at the local movie theater, where you could munch on them while rooting for your favorite hero on screen.

Today, Lemonheads still hold their place in the candy universe under Ferrara Candy Company, and while the price may have risen to around $1.00 to $2.00, the joy they bring remains unchanged. The Heads family has expanded to include Grapeheads and Cherryheads, but let’s be real—nothing quite compares to the original Lemonheads.

Boston Baked Beans

Ah, Boston Baked Beans—the candy that sparked curiosity and delighted taste buds with its peculiar name and appearance. Introduced in 1924 by Ferrara Pan Candy Company, these candy-coated peanuts made their way into the hearts (and snack bags) of Gen X kids everywhere. For those unfamiliar with this sweet treat, imagine a red-coated peanut that looked just like the famed Boston side dish—only far sweeter.

With a delightful crunch and a sweet candy shell, Boston Baked Beans were a fascinating blend of flavors for a young palate. You might find yourself pouring a handful into your hand, feeling the smooth candy coating break away to reveal the nutty goodness inside. They were the sophisticated choice at the corner store, a candy that said, “I’m too mature for plain M&Ms.” For a pocket change price of 10 to 25 cents per box, you could indulge in a little taste of sophistication.

Gen X nostalgia tells us that savoring Boston Baked Beans was a rite of passage—a way to feel grown-up while still indulging that sweet tooth. You knew you were a Gen Xer if you ever had to explain to a friend that they weren’t actual baked beans but rather delicious candy-coated peanuts. Their playful name was never a deterrent; if anything, it made them more intriguing.

Today, Boston Baked Beans are still around, quietly maintaining their place in the pantheon of classic candies. You can find them in their classic theater box format at many stores, still priced around $1.00 to $2.00. They may not be the flashiest candy on the block, but they remain a beloved, if often overlooked, staple in the world of nostalgia.

Alexander the Grape

Candy lovers, rejoice! Let’s talk about Alexander the Grape, the playful grape-flavored gem of the Ferrara Pan family. Introduced in the 1970s, this candy was named as a pun on “Alexander the Great,” and for us Gen X kids, it was a delightful mix of historical humor and sweet indulgence. The small, tart, purple candies tasted like concentrated grape soda, and they were incredibly addictive. You could snag a box for just 5 to 10 cents back in the day, making it the ultimate pocket-friendly treat.

When you popped an Alexander the Grape into your mouth, it was like unleashing a burst of summer sunshine. The hard candy shell would crack open, revealing a sweet, tart interior that kept you coming back for more. It was a special rite of passage to trade these with friends, defending your choice of candy in the great debates over which flavor was best.

For a while, all was good in the candy world. But alas, the 1990s brought change, and Alexander the Grape was rebranded as “Grapeheads.” While still tasty, the magic seemed to wane as the playful name and packaging transformed into something more generic. You knew you were a Gen Xer if you ever lamented the loss of that cheeky cartoon grape character, the one who made historical references cool.

Fast forward to today, and in a delightful twist, Alexander the Grape has been revived by Lou Pagano II, the great-grandson of the original Ferrara Pan founder, through his 1908 Candy Company. Now marketed as a chewy candy rather than the original hard candy format, it still sparks nostalgia with its playful name. Prices range from $2.00 to $3.00, but the thrill of seeing that familiar name again brings back a flood of cherished memories.

The Corner Store Is Gone

Reflecting on those sweet days spent at the corner store, it’s hard not to feel a tinge of sadness at how much has changed. Once bustling with the laughter and chatter of children, these cherished establishments have largely disappeared, replaced by gas stations and online shopping. The thrill of choosing the perfect candy with a handful of pocket change has been overshadowed by convenience and the digital age.

But those memories remain, etched in the corners of our minds. The excitement of racing to the store with friends, the overwhelming array of colorful candies, and the sweet, sticky satisfaction of indulging in our favorites are treasures we hold dear. They remind us of simpler times, where a few cents could unlock a world of joy.

A Sweet Reminder

Much like those penny candies taught us that small things add up—those few cents spent could turn into a bag full of joy—life insurance works the same way. A small monthly amount could provide big protection for the people you love.

What Candy Would YOU Bring Back?

What candy from your childhood would you bring back if you could? Drop us a line on Facebook and let’s reminisce together!

Frequently Asked Questions

Now and Later — Is it the same as it used to be?

Still in production under Ferrara Candy Company. Available in original 'hard' and newer 'soft' varieties. Dozens of flavors available including classic fruit flavors and newer options. Widely available at convenience stores, dollar stores, and grocery stores.. Originally introduced in 1962 by Phoenix Candy Company (Brooklyn, New York). Created in Brooklyn, New York in 1962 by Phoenix Candy Company. The name was meant to suggest eating some 'now' and saving some for 'later.' The candy has changed ownership more times than almost any other candy brand: Phoenix to Beatrice Foods (1978), to Huhtamaki Oy of Finland (1983, merged under the Leaf name), to Nabisco/LifeSavers division (1992), and finally to Ferrara. Now and Later started as a hard chew that softened, but modern versions also include a 'Chewy' variety that's soft from the start. The original pieces were larger and harder than today's version. Brooklyn-born and bred, the candy was a fixture of New York City bodegas for decades.

Lemonheads — Is it the same as it used to be?

Still in production under Ferrara Candy Company. Available in original and expanded flavor lines. The 'Heads' family branding was consolidated in the 1990s when Alexander the Grape became Grapeheads, Cherry Chan became Cherryheads, etc.. Originally introduced in 1962 by Ferrara Pan Candy Company (created by Nello Ferrara). Nello Ferrara named the candy after seeing his grandson's lemon-shaped head at birth. Made using the 'cold panning' process where layer upon layer of sugar and flavoring are added to a revolving pan until the candy reaches the desired shape and size. The companion candies Alexander the Grape and Cherry Chan were rebranded as Grapeheads and Cherryheads (respectively) in the 1990s to create a unified 'Heads' brand family. Cherry Chan was renamed partly due to concerns about the original name's cultural sensitivity. Lemonheads were introduced the same year as Now and Later (1962), making it a banner year for corner store candy.

Boston Baked Beans — Is it the same as it used to be?

Still in production under Ferrara Candy Company. Available in the classic theater box format and bulk bags. A quiet but persistent seller that has maintained its place in the candy aisle for a century.. Originally introduced in 1924 (Ferrara Pan version; candy-coated peanuts date to 1875 by Necco) by Ferrara Pan Candy Company (Salvatore Ferrara, 1924). Salvatore Ferrara originally sold candy-coated almonds called 'confetti' at his Chicago bakery before pivoting to mass candy production. The Ferrara Pan name comes from the 'panning' process -- rolling peanuts in a revolving pan while pouring in coloring, flavoring, and candy sugar coating. Boston Baked Beans were a companion product to Red Hots, using the same manufacturing technique. The Necco company started selling candy-coated peanuts as 'Boston Baked Beans' around 1875, making the concept over 140 years old. Ferrara's version became the standard-bearer. The name references the famous Boston side dish purely for the visual similarity -- the candy has nothing to do with actual baked beans.

Alexander the Grape — Is it the same as it used to be?

The original Alexander the Grape was rebranded as Grapeheads by Ferrara Pan in the 1990s (still available). In 2018, Lou Pagano II, the great-grandson of the original Ferrara Pan founder, launched 1908 Candy Company and revived the Alexander the Grape name -- but as a chewy candy rather than the original hard candy format. The revived version ran a 'Make America Grape Again' promotional campaign.. Originally introduced in 1970s (Ferrara Pan), sold 1981-1991 under the Alexander the Grape name by Ferrara Pan Candy Company. The candy was sold under the Alexander the Grape name from 1981 to 1991. In the 1990s, Ferrara Pan rebranded all their fruit-flavored candies under a unified 'Heads' naming convention: Alexander the Grape became Grapeheads, Cherry Chan became Cherryheads, and Lemonheads kept its name. Cherry Chan was renamed partly due to cultural sensitivity concerns about the original name. In 2018, Lou Pagano II (great-grandson of Ferrara Pan founder Salvatore Ferrara) started 1908 Candy Company and brought back the Alexander the Grape name. The revived version is a chewy candy rather than the original hard candy, which has been controversial among nostalgic fans.