In 1964, storied British author Roald Dahl published his most famous children’s book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Since then, a number of story follow-ups and movie adaptations have continued from the original story, which is about an eccentric candy factory owner and the children who unwittingly compete for successive ownership of it.

One such legacy of the book, however, has been the embracing of “Wonka” as a brand for candy with silly names, colorful concepts, and delicious, straightforward chocolate. Wonka candies do vary in terms of how scrumdiddlyumptious they are, but when it hits on a treat, it really knocks the taste out of the park.

10 Pixy Stix

Coming in dead last is definitely Pixy Stix. It’s hard to even argue that this is a candy in the first place! Many Wonka aficionados have been duped into thinking a colorful, straw-esque tube indicates candy is inside.

Instead, it’s really just powdered sugar. The idea behind Pixy Stix is “What if candy could be eliminated in favor of a straight sugar delivery mechanism?” There is no appeal to Pixy Stix beyond an instant, rapidly falling sugar high. This candy would be better off fictionalized.

9 Everlasting Gobstopper

Just barely edging out Pixy Stix is the equally deplorable Everlasting Gobstopper. Based on the candy concoction from the story of Willy Wonka, Everlasting Gobstoppers find their appeal in layers of flavor and color that reveal a cherry center.

To this, no question needs to be posited beyond, “Why?” What is the appeal of a “jawbreaker” type of a hard candy? Everlasting candy that will either hurt the bones in one’s face or consume their entire day’s plans has no intrinsic appeal.

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8 Fun Dip

Returning to candies that are literally just colored sugar with few other (if any) ingredients, Fun Dip clocks in towards the bottom of this ranking, too. Again, what is the appeal? It’s just sugar! Just buy sugar! Why does it have to be Fun Dip?

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The only thing that puts Fun Dip above the Pixy Stix is that it at least encourages candy eaters to slow down the sugar consumption by using a wooden stick to scoop it. It’s better than just straight up pouring it into one’s throat.

7 SweeTarts Ropes

Licorice is one of these snacking treats that is only tasty for a couple bites and it otherwise becomes exceedingly quick to get sick of it. SweeTarts Ropes, the Wonka version of licorice that infuse cherry and fruit punch flavors are no different.

There’s a couple redeeming qualities to the SweeTarts Ropes, but they’re ultimately little more than an interesting flavor shake-up to a proven brand. It’s like turning Frosted Mini Wheats into blueberry treats. Sometimes, original is best.

6 Bottle Caps

Bottle Caps are okay as far as candies go, but they definitely deserve to be in the middle of the pack. The varying flavors (including orange and grape to shake up the standard cherry proclivity for the wonky Wonka) definitely give Bottle Caps points.

However, the candy is too devoted to its soda-based origins to stretch too highly up the list. Candy is sugary and all-consuming enough without adding soda flavors and textures to the mix. Take a note from SweeTarts, Bottle Caps.

5 Laffy Taffy

On the surface, Laffy Taffy might seem as disgusting a candy as Pixy Stix or Fun Dip. However, the Airheads-esque chewy rectangular candies are actually pretty underrated.

No, they’re not aesthetically pleasing, but they do have a wide variety of flavors for all taste buds, including basic tastes like green apple and banana to more obscure ones like pumpkin doughnut and apple crisp. The Laffy Taffy candy is versatile! (And the world knows how bizarre fictional flavors can be in real life.)

4 SweeTarts

As mentioned in the Bottle Caps entry, SweeTarts largely accomplishes what Bottle Caps strive to do, but in a much more effective (and less revolved around soda) capacity. SweeTarts are disc-type candies that are focused on the flavors.

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Expanding the flavor palette, SweeTarts embrace lemon and lime tastes to enhance the tangy sensibility of the candy. They’re very similar to Wonka’s Spree candies, but something special sets a Spree apart.

3 Wonka Bar

Sometimes, the classic is the classic for a reason. A Wonka bar (and its golden ticket) is what drives the first act of the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory story, as the Bucket family appreciates the flawless, smooth taste of the world famous chocolate bar.

The Wonka Bar in real life is also pretty scrumdiddlyumptious. Granted, it’s in a consistent state of flux, as brands discontinue it and revive it constantly. However, when it’s available, the graham cracker and chocolate blend is to die for.

2 Nerds

Despite the solid development of the Wonka Bar, the Wonka candy company has always thrived with its fruitier candy flavors, as opposed to its chocolate creations. As such, Nerds come in at second place on the scrumdiddlyumptious charts.

Nerds come in many flavors, but everyone knows that strawberry and grape is the best combination. As tiny pebbles of candy, Nerds can come in the form of a solid handful with a crisp bite and a perfect texture. Nerds come in small boxes, but they go a long way.

1 Spree

Lastly, the Sprees have to rank at number one on any barometer of Wonka candies. They’re one of the best candies around, regardless of brand! What puts the Spree above a SweeTart is that it has the candy coating on the outside that blends the sucking nature of the candy with a delicious, chewy finish.

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Leaning a touch towards sour territory, Sprees embrace cherry, orange, lemon, lime, and grape flavors (with occasional variances) and are one of the more underrated candies. As far as Wonka creations go, Sprees are the best for their simplicity and their extra punch of taste.

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