A loyal reader, Pete V, left a comment on my last post:
I was recently in the deep South and came across some huge "Zero" candy bars (white nuget and almonds). The bar was like 10oz – massive. I’d like to know more about the Zero candy bar and its origins. Please advise.
Thanks for writing, Pete, and always keep reaching for jackass food products, of which the Zero bar is certainally one. A quick Google search led me to the Hershey site and amongst much rambling on about old time candy companies being swallowed up by the almighty Hershey Chocolate Concern, the following passage answers your question nicely:
Since 1931 the ZERO candy bar has developed a very loyal consumer base. The unique combination of ingredients makes this bar a one of a kind. The name ZERO is believed to come from the bar being originally marketed as a cool, tasty treat; or as cool as Zero degrees. Some consumers still today enjoy ZERO candy bars frozen.
FROZEN Zero bars? As if the white "fudge" outer shell wasn’t forbidding enough at room temperature, someone decided that the zero bar should be marketed as if it were a piece of frost stuck to the side of your freezer. And to back up the claims of the original marketing campaign claiming the Zero was a cool tasty treat, check the vintage wrapper:
Pretty cool (sorry) and it would make a mighty fine T-shirt, too. Note the low, low price and the offer for "a real steam engine that runs". Ah, Zero, you were once so proud and mighty, now you are the laughing stock of the candy world, unknown to youngsters, mocked by many adults. Your packaging is not what it once was, but still pretty cool. While I don’t eat you, the world would not be the same without you.
As for the 10 oz. version, Pete- you were in New Orleans, right? I’m wondering if a few Hurricanes may have made the 3.4 oz. King Size variety appear to be the size of a strip steak. If a 10 oz. version does exist, it seems as it must be manufactured strictly for use in drunken bets. I’m wondering if any other food products can make that claim. Come to think of it, I did see Microwave Pork Rinds at Wal-Mart the other day, but even my iron-clad stomach churned at the sight of them.
Name: Sun Drop