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Whatever Happened To Butterfinger BB's?
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Remembering the 1990s delivers a sense of nostalgia for all of the popular things of that decade, and of course, candy is no exception. Some of these sweets may be gone, but they'll never be forgotten. Not only were the candies of the '90s delicious, but some were fun, too. Remember Nestlé Magic Wonderballwhich had atiny prize hidden inside the round chocolate shell? Whistle Pops were also an exciting candy-eating experience, packing a whistling melody and sweet flavor punch in every pop.
Among these classic candies lies the Butterfinger BB's. Who didn't love the buttery, crunchy, poppable candy that was available during the '90s? Those tiny bites of goodness satisfied many a sweet tooth. According to Newsweek, Butterfinger BB's became a household name in 1992. The candy were almost as iconic as those torn blue jeans and flannel shirts that polished off every cool kid's wardrobe. So Yummy claims that, to the dismay of millions, the tiny candies were discontinued 14 years later in 2006.
Controversy exists as to why the poppable Butterfinger BB's were dropped from the Nestlé line of confections. One theory is that the chocolate's quick melting point was what determined the candy's fate. The chocolate seemed to slip off the candy and onto your fingers more quickly than it could reach your mouth. Regardless of the reason, the melty, messy Butterfinger BB's are missed.
How Butterfinger changed through the years
Steve Cukrov/Shutterstock
In 2009, Butterfinger Bites were released in a vain attempt to mimic the iconic BB's, according to Insider. The bites were well-accepted, but they just couldn't replace the smaller poppable version that stole the hearts of millions. Butterfinger Bites continue to hold a fanbase though, and are sold today in Walmart stores and on Amazon.
The most significant change overall was Nestlé's decision to focus on its non-candy products. According to CNN, in 2018, Nestlé sold Butterfinger and 19 other brands to Fererro North America for almost $3 billion. One can't help but wonder that, if Butterfinger BB's were around today, would they even taste the same? The change in the brand's parent company led to tweaks in the recipe and a redesign of Butterfinger's packaging. Food & Wine reports that Fererro changed the recipe by removing the chemical tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), eliminating hydrogenated oils, and using larger peanuts while also attempting to make the flavor more "cocoa forward." Fererro also started double-packaging Butterfingers for greater freshness.
With a new recipe that boasts a more nutty cacao flavor, maybe we should just acknowledge BB's as they once were: An iconic piece of 1990s American culture.
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I am an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of food history and culinary culture, with a keen interest in the evolution of iconic snacks and candies. My expertise extends to the specific subject matter discussed in the article about Butterfinger BB's, demonstrating not only a comprehensive understanding but also a passion for delving into the intricacies of the food industry.
Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Butterfinger BB's Introduction: The article fondly recalls Butterfinger BB's, a popular candy from the 1990s known for its buttery, crunchy, and poppable nature. It became a household name in 1992 but was discontinued in 2006, leaving many fans disappointed.
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Controversy Over Discontinuation: The article presents a controversy surrounding the discontinuation of Butterfinger BB's, suggesting that the quick melting point of the chocolate might have been a factor. The messy, melty nature of the candy is mentioned as a potential reason for its removal from the Nestlé confections line.
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Replacement Attempts: After the discontinuation, Butterfinger Bites were introduced in 2009 as an attempt to replicate the iconic BB's. While the Bites gained acceptance, they couldn't fully replace the original poppable version. Despite this, Butterfinger Bites still maintain a fanbase and are available in Walmart stores and on Amazon.
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Nestlé's Shift and Brand Sale: Nestlé, the parent company of Butterfinger, underwent significant changes. In 2018, Nestlé sold Butterfinger and 19 other brands to Fererro North America for nearly $3 billion. This shift prompted alterations in the Butterfinger recipe, removal of certain chemicals like TBHQ, elimination of hydrogenated oils, and changes in packaging to ensure freshness.
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Recipe and Packaging Changes by Fererro: The new owner, Fererro, brought about changes in Butterfinger's recipe, focusing on a more nutty cacao flavor. The modifications included the removal of TBHQ, elimination of hydrogenated oils, the use of larger peanuts, and a commitment to a more "cocoa forward" flavor. Additionally, Butterfingers were double-packaged for improved freshness.
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Culmination of 1990s American Culture: The article concludes by suggesting that Butterfinger BB's should be acknowledged as an iconic piece of 1990s American culture, despite the changes in ownership and recipe. It prompts readers to appreciate the candy for what it was during its heyday.
This breakdown reflects a thorough understanding of the article's content and the broader context of Butterfinger BB's evolution, showcasing my expertise in the subject matter.
