Cherry Blossom Candy’s Farewell: A Bittersweet Goodbye to Canada’s Nostalgic Treat

In a bittersweet twist that leaves Canadian candy lovers amidst memories and melancholy, Hershey’s Canada has drawn the curtain on its beloved yet polarizing Cherry Blossom candy. As the world spins on, unyielding, the bright yellow boxes that adorned countless convenience store shelves are set to become relics of a sweet past.

Cherry Blossoms—with their distinctive maraschino cherry embedded in syrup, hugged by coconut flakes, roasted peanuts, and a chocolate embrace—have long been a staple of Canadian confectionery folklore. Yet, like all good things, this too must end.

The reason behind this decision remains a mystery, shrouded in corporate silence. A spokesperson for Hershey’s merely suggested, “Buy them now if you can and enjoy what’s left,” leaving fans to savor the final taste of nostalgia.

For some, the news is akin to “losing a grandma,” as one Quebec-based artist poignantly expressed. These candies were more than just a treat; they were untouchable objects that bridged generations, harboring memories tucked away in each bite. The Cherry Blossom wasn’t just a snack; it was a tradition wrapped in yellow and sold for a modest $1.60.

But not everyone is lamenting the departure. The candy’s unique flavor profile—once a treasured niche—isn’t universally adored. “I always thought they were old in every gas station,” quipped a Reddit user, questioning the candy’s appeal. Yet, even those who rarely indulged confess a looming void, a sense of something sweet lost to time’s relentless march.

Historically, the Cherry Blossom’s journey began in the late 1800s with the Walter M. Lowney Company in Boston, eventually finding its way north to Canada, where it became an emblem of Canadian sweets. A testament to its roots, the candy was first introduced in Montreal and later manufactured across various Canadian cities, a testament to its widespread reach and cultural significance.

However, the looming shadow of change finally catches up, as Hershey’s decision coincides with regulatory shifts—the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s ban on red dye No. 3. This controversial ingredient, long a staple in the Cherry Blossom’s vibrant allure, now faces the regulatory axe.

As stores deplete their Cherry Blossom stocks, Canadians are left to grapple with a bittersweet farewell. Social media is abuzz with nostalgia and opinions, as devotees share memories while skeptics rejoice the candy’s impending curtain call. Hershey’s decision marks the end of an era—an era flavored with syrupy sweetness and childhood memories.