Who likes Peanut Chews? For over 100 years this candy combination of peanuts and chocolate have been a popular snack. Did you know Peanut Chews were invented in Pennsylvania by Jewish Romanian immigrant David Goldenberg in 1917? The sweet treat was originally developed for use by the U.S. military as a ration bar during World War I. The high-energy, high-protein recipe and unique taste made it popular with the troops. Initially introduced as a full-size candy bar, Goldenberg’s changed the product to small individual pieces in the 1930’s. The brand has been passed from Goldenberg to Goldenberg for generations until the company was sold to Just Born candy in 2003. The Just Born company attempted a rebrand in 2004, which included a new appearance and the removal of the Goldenberg name on the candy wrapper. This was met with a significant drop in sales leading to the ultimate return to packaging that resembles the original and re-adding the name ‘Goldenberg’s’ on the wrapper. Did you also know that Just Born founder and candymaker, Sam Born was a Jewish Russian immigrant? Like Goldenberg’s, Just Born is a family-owned Pennsylvania candy company that manufactures Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales, Peeps and more. Well, that’s a wrap for today and a bit of sweet Jewish history.
