Each Runts flavour is shaped like the fruit it is named after, a design choice that has stayed unchanged since the Willy Wonka Candy Company launched them in 1979.
History and the Willy Wonka Candy Company
The Willy Wonka Candy Company built its name on novelty and whimsy, and Runts fit that brief exactly: a candy that looked like the fruit stand rather than the sweet aisle. The brand passed through Nestle's ownership before its confectionery lines moved to Ferrara Candy Company, which still produces Runts today.
Why the Banana Flavour Tastes \"Off\"
The artificial banana flavouring used in Runts and several other American sweets is built around isoamyl acetate, a compound that closely matches the aroma of the Gros Michel banana. That was the dominant commercial banana variety until disease wiped out most crops mid-century, long before the Cavendish banana most people eat today became standard. The candy flavour never updated, which is why it tastes like a banana most of us have never actually eaten.
The Fruit Shapes and Flavours
- Banana — the most recognisable shape and flavour in the mix.
- Cherry — moulded as a small round cherry.
- Orange and strawberry — rounded out the original fruit line-up.
- Grape — appeared in later years, moulded as a tiny grape cluster.
Runts sit comfortably alongside other imported American candy and snacks.
Frequently asked questions
What is Runts candy?
Runts are small, hard fruit-flavoured candies shaped like miniature fruits, including banana, orange, strawberry and cherry, originally made by the Willy Wonka Candy Company.
When were Runts first made?
Runts were introduced in 1979 by the Willy Wonka Candy Company, a brand later owned by Nestle and now produced by Ferrara Candy Company.
Why does the banana Runt taste different from a real banana?
The banana flavour in Runts uses an artificial banana flavouring based on isoamyl acetate, which mimics an older banana variety rather than the Cavendish bananas sold today, giving it a distinct candy taste.