The Unknown Global Snack Empire Behind Sour Patch Kids

Many popular food brands are part of larger corporate families you might not recognize. For example, Campbell's owns Prego and Rao's pasta sauces, along with Goldfish Crackers and other products gained through its 2023 Sovos acquisition. The candy aisle has similar giants, including the company behind Sour Patch Kids, a favorite Halloween treat praised by many dessert enthusiasts.

Sour Patch Kids, famous for their sour-then-sweet flavor, have changed hands multiple times and are now owned by Mondelz International. This makes them part of a portfolio alongside Cadbury chocolate and Halls cough drops. While Mondelz may not be a familiar household name, many of its brands are staples in kitchens worldwide.

When Kraft split, Kraft Foods Inc. kept the North American grocery products, while Mondelz took control of snacks and confections. Today, Mondelz owns 42 brands, many of which are likely already in your pantry. For instance, Oreo joined the company through Krafts 2000 acquisition of Nabisco, which also included Chips Ahoy, Honey Maid Graham Crackers, Ritz Crackers, Triscuit, and Wheat Thins. Mondelz also owns Halls, which Cadbury acquired in 2002, and BelVita, originally brought into Kraft in 2007. In 2022, Mondelz expanded its portfolio further by acquiring Clif Bar for $2.9 billion, aiming to grow its reach in the energy bar market.

Sour Patch Kids originated in Canada in the 1970s, created by Frank Galatolie. Initially called Mars Men, the candies were shaped like little martians to reflect the eras fascination with space. Their popularity led to their introduction in the U.S. in the 1980s under the new name, Sour Patch Kids. Over the years, the brands ownership moved from Jaret International to Cadbury-Adams, then to Kraft Foods, and finally landed with Mondelz International in 2012.

Although Mondelz owns Cadbury via the Kraft acquisition, Hersheys holds the license to produce Cadbury chocolates in the United States. This creates a unique overlap, connecting Sour Patch Kids to other major candy brands like Reese's, Kit-Kat, and Mounds. The complex history of Sour Patch Kids and its ties to Mondelz adds an interesting layer to the candys story, making it all the sweeter for fans.

Author: Zoe Harrison