Milky Way candy bars have graced our taste buds for decades, their existence so deeply rooted that it’s challenging to fathom a time without them. As one of the most enduring creations from the Mars corporation, this delectable chocolate bar made its debut in 1923 and holds the distinction of being the company’s oldest candy bar still delighting consumers. With its luxurious blend of milky chocolate, velvety caramel, and delicate nougat, Milky Way’s flavors evoke a sensation reminiscent of turtle ice cream. However, the sweet secret lies in its inspiration: malted milkshakes.
In the early 1920s, malted milkshakes were all the rage, emerging as a beloved treat of the era. The story traces back to William Horlick, a resident of Chicago, who, in 1882, revolutionized the culinary landscape by pioneering the process of drying milk and melding it with malt. During this period, milk production was transitioning into large-scale operations, and the regulations for pasteurization had not yet been widely adopted, rendering milk consumption a risky endeavor. In response to these challenges, Horlick introduced “Horlick’s Food,” tablets of malted milk, marketed as a healthful dietary supplement. These tablets experienced a surge in popularity during the late 1800s, partly thanks to the Temperance Movement.
The concoction swiftly found its place at soda fountains throughout the United States, captivating the palates of soda enthusiasts. It is in this vibrant culinary milieu that Milky Way bars emerged, initially marketed as “a double malted milk in a candy bar.” Over time, the candy empire altered its advertising strategy, steering toward celestial associations, aligning the bar with outer space. Today, Milky Way is promoted through more contemporary means, often featuring limited-time flavor variations. Nevertheless, the candy bar’s origin story as a malted milkshake-inspired delight endures, a sweet reminder of its timeless appeal.
