5 Vintage Candies You Can Find At Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel is one of those chains you instantly think of when the words “comfort cooking” spring into your head. The whole vibe of Cracker Barrel welcomes a warm and cozy vibe into your appetite. Between the types of dishes served, like biscuits and gravy and fried chicken, and the cottage decor they have adorning all the walls, when you walk into the front doors of a Cracker Barrel you truly feel like you’ve entered into your grandparents’ home ready to relive the memories of childhood and eat some delicious food.

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But, a lengthy menu isn’t the only thing that brings people far and wide to Cracker Barrel. There’s a whole Old Country Store that contains a ton of goodies you can pick up on your way out (or in) so you’ll remember your visit forever. There’s a ton of merchandise and knick-knacks to keep you busy, but it’s the selection of old-school candy that really captures your attention. There are whole walls dedicated to the kinds of candy that were popular in those quaint corner candy stores decades ago, so if you’re really looking for a nostalgic experience, make sure you visit the store at some point during your visit. We’ve compiled a list of five of the best nostalgic candies Cracker Barrel sells that’ll truly make you feel like you stepped into a time machine. Bon appetit!

Jimmie Stix

Jimmie Stix comes from the candy company Boyer and once you bite into one you immediately realize why the young boy on the wrapper is throwing his hands up in joy. These things are sweet, savory, and all around delicious. The “stix” are pretzel rods coated in both a full layer of chocolate and a second layer of peanut butter. These are similar to those Flipz pretzels, but because they have both peanut butter and chocolate, they reign supreme.

Horehound Sanded Drops

Horehound Sanded Drops have a pretty intense name, but the flavor is actually quite soothing. These hard candies are made with horehound herb, which tastes like a combination of mint, root beer, and licorice. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like black licorice, you might want to avoid them (the flavor can be very polarizing), but if you’re a fan, these coated drops are a sweet way to scratch that itch.

Butter Mints

You might recognize these pastel-colored mints in a big bowl near the checkout register at restaurants. People love to grab a handful on their way out the door for a sweet post-dinner refresh while they venture home. These mints have a subtle minty flavor, so they won’t knock your socks off like Listerine strips, but it’s the texture that truly shines. They dissolve in your mouth and coat your tongue, leaving the gentle flavor lingering long after.

Zagnut Bar

If the name “Zagnut” doesn’t ring a bell, certainly “Hershey” does, and that’s exactly the company behind this classic candy bar. This crunchy bar is composed primarily of crushed peanuts, but there’s a wonderful coating of toasted coconut flakes on the outside that adds a touch more sugary flavor to every bite. This candy bar also made an appearance in Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice.”

Mary Jane

Not to be confused with tootsie rolls (they are the same shape and color, after all), Mary Jane candy is known for its yellow and red wrappers with an adorable little child (presumably Mary) printed on each piece. Unlike the chocolate flavor of a Tootsie Roll, however, molasses and peanuts join forces for a deep, nutty taste. But, similar to a Tootsie Roll, as well as other taffy-like candy, these things are prone to stick in your teeth, so pick up some toothpicks on your way home, as well.