The Sweet Nostalgia of Wax Bottle Candy: A Sip of Childhood

Retro candy is immensely popular these days. Whether it’s the longing we have for simpler times, or just a fondness for yesteryear, vintage candy products seem to hold a special place in our hearts, and our sweet tooth! One candy that takes us on a trip down memory lane is the iconic wax bottle candy Nik-L-Nips. This childhood favorite of many has endured at least a century of candy fads and trends that seem to come and go.

Although these haven’t always been the most popular candy favorites, their appeal has remained timeless, delighting multiple generations of candy lovers. And thanks to social media apps like TikTok, plenty of new fans are just now discovering this nostalgic candy treat for the very first time! This has caused many suppliers to become severely oversold, and manufacturers are having a hard time keeping up with the current demand.

The History of Wax Candy

The history of Nik-L-Nips and other wax candies owes its existence to an unlikely source: the petroleum industry. In 1859, the first commercial oil well opened in Titusville, Pennsylvania, which sparked a revolution in energy and manufacturing. One of the byproducts of refining kerosene (a popular fuel for lamps) was paraffin wax. This versatile material quickly found its way into candles, sealing waxes, and even chewing gum.

By the early 20th century, paraffin wax had become a staple in the confectionery world. Its smooth texture and malleability made it perfect for creating fun, edible novelties. Enterprising candy makers saw an opportunity to turn this petroleum byproduct into something delightful. Fully refined, food-grade paraffin became the foundation for wax lips, mustaches, fangs, and, of course, the iconic Nik-L-Nips wax bottles.

Yes, you can even chew the wax! Made from food-grade paraffin, it’s completely non-toxic, but it’s still best not to swallow it. If you’re feeling adventurous, leave a little juice in the bottle before you start chewing. The leftover syrup adds a burst of fruity flavor, making the wax even more enjoyable to munch on. It’s all part of the fun, nostalgic experience that makes wax bottle candy so unique!

The Birth of the Nik-L-Nip

In my research, I’ve found that no one seems to know the exact date of Nik-L-Nips’ introduction to the market. One article I’ve found says 1908, but there’s no citation, or proof of that date. We do know that Nik-L-Nips were created in the early 20th century by Vinny Cavallo and marketed by W. & F. Manufacturing Co, Inc. until at least the 1970’s and early 1980’s.

If you made regular trips to the five and dime stores in the post-WWII era, you might remember Nik-L-Nips being sold in packs of 4 bottles for a nickel, (hence the “Nik” in their name). For a dime, you could get a pack of 8 bottles, cleverly called “Ten-¢-Nip”, or just “Ten-Nip”.

For the “Nip” part of the name, there are a couple of fun theories. Officially, it refers to the action of biting (or “nipping”) off the top of the bottle to get to the sweet syrup inside. But there’s also a playful nod to history that some think is the real culprit: during the Prohibition era (1920–1933), small bottles of liquor were often called “nips.” Since Nik-L-Nips were popular around the same time, it’s possible the name was a cheeky reference to those tiny bottles. Either way, it’s a fun bit of candy trivia that only adds to the charm of this nostalgic treat!

23. & F. Manufacturing also made a variety of other sweet, fruity candy syrup-filled products, including a wax six-shooter that came with a sheriff’s badge, a really long wax wiener dog called “Long Dog”, a bamboo chute, with 2 flavors of candy fruit juice, and a wax turtle called the “Penny Nip Snapper” that sold for just one penny!

They were also purveyors of wax candy lips, horse teeth, and a wax chewing gum musical instrument called the “Wowee Whistle.” But another company was offering them some stiff competition.

The Glenn Confection Company also began selling penny chewing gum novelties in the early 20th century, and these included many similar products to the W. & F. Manufacturing’s lineup. Their version of Nik-L-Nips were called “Sweet Sips”. They also sold wax tubes with liquid candy filling called “Super Slurpys”, wax frogs, wax swords, and even syrup-filled wax “Space Guns”.

Both companies have long been defunct, but their legacy lives on through the Nik-L-Nip brand and the Wack-O-Wax brands that have been acquired by Tootsie Roll Industries. Tootsie has invested in a selection of retro candy brands over the years, and their massive market presence has allowed many of the iconic brands of yesteryear to live on to this day, where they otherwise might have disappeared completely. We see this as an admirable action that has likely saved their memory for future generations yet to come!

Wax Bottle Candy’s Growing Popularity Today

Wax bottle candy is having a major moment, and it’s not hard to see why. These nostalgic and fun treats are capturing the hearts of both longtime fans and new generations alike. Thanks to social media platforms like TikTok, edible wax candy is trending like never before, with customer demand skyrocketing. Whether it’s the fruity flavors of classic Nik-L-Nips or the sour candy twist of Cry Baby bottles, wax candy offers a unique candy experience that’s as playful as it is delicious!

At Redstone Foods, we’re proud to offer a wide selection of wax candies that bring back the magic of old-fashioned candy. From individual packs to bulk candy options, we’ve got everything you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, or stock your candy shop with these favorites that are selling fast! Let’s take a closer look at some of our top picks.

Nik-L-Nip Wax Bottles

Nik-L-Nip Wax Bottles are the ultimate nostalgic and fun treat! These iconic wax bottles are filled with a sweet liquid center of fruity syrup. Just bite off the top, slurp down the delicious juice, and chew the wax bottle to get the full experience. Just don't swallow the wax!

(Pro Tip: cut the bottom of the bottle with your fingernail to get every last drop out of the bottle!)

Each pack contains 8 bottles, but they’re also available in 4-packs for those who want a smaller taste of nostalgia. They’re perfect for parties, gifts, or just reliving your childhood!

Nik-L-Nip Wax Bottles Bulk

Looking to stock up on this fast-selling favorite? Our bulk container of Nik-L-Nip Wax Bottles comes with a whopping 18 pounds of these edible wax candy delights. Filled with sweet fruity flavors, these bottles are a hit at candy stores, parties, and events. Whether you’re a retailer or a superfan, this bulk option ensures you’ll never run out of this old-time candy classic.

Nik-L-Nip Cry Baby Sour Wax Bottles

For those who love a tangy twist, Nik-L-Nip Cry Baby Wax Bottles deliver a mouth-puckering sour candy experience. Each bottle is filled with a sour liquid center that’s bursting with bold, fruity flavors. Bite, sip, and chew your way through all 8 bottles, or grab the 4-pack for a smaller dose of sour fun. These are perfect for sour candy enthusiasts and anyone looking to add a little zing to their day!

Wack-O-Wax Lips

Timeless, fun, and always a delight, Wack-O-Wax Lips are a cherry-flavored classic. These edible wax candy novelties let you play dress-up now and chew later. Whether you’re hosting a retro-themed party or just looking for a laugh from your fellow third graders, these wax lips are a nostalgic and fun addition to any candy collection!

Wack-O-Wax Fangs

Get ready to unleash your inner vampire with Wack-O-Wax Fangs! These cherry-flavored wax novelties are perfect for Halloween, costume parties, or just adding a little mischief to your otherwise normal day. Like their wax lip counterparts, these fangs are edible wax candy that’s as fun to play with as it is to chew. They are a must-have for anyone who loves to embark on a playful candy experience at a moment’s notice!

Wax bottle candy is more than just a treat – it’s a trip down memory lane, a playful candy experience, and a reminder of simpler times. Whether you’re sipping the sweet liquid center of Nik-L-Nips, puckering up with sour candy Cry Baby bottles, or having a laugh with Wack-O-Wax Lips and Fangs, these edible wax candy classics bring joy to every bite!

At Redstone Foods, we’re proud to offer a wide selection of wax candies that capture the magic of old-timey retro candy. From individual packs to bulk candy options, we’ve got everything you need to satisfy your sweet tooth or stock your store with these favorites that are currently in high demand.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for an account with us online today or give us a call! Dive into Redstone Foods’ extensive collection of nostalgic treats and discover why we’re America’s favorite candy distributor. Your taste buds (and your inner child) will thank you!

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