Bulk confectionery is a method of commercially dispensing multiple small units of confectionery, either in manufactured bags with a fixed number of units per container, or by the amount of mass placed in a bag. The former is typically used in vending machines, while the latter is more common in retailers that specialize in selling confectionery. Some shops allow the customer to mix multiple types of bulk confectionery in the same bag, then purchase the mixture based on the total weight.
In the United States, some of these confections are called penny candy, and are sold by the piece in candy, soda fountain, and five and dime stores. In Britain, this type of candy is also referred to as pick 'n' mix.
Because of inflation and the decline of the penny's value, penny candy is more often sold for a nickel or a dime.[3] Penny candy is a tradition that became more uncommon after the 1960s as shopping patterns changed and the number of small mom-and-pop shops and general stores was reduced. Some of the older stores sold penny candy as well as lunchmeat and newspapers.[4] A resurgence of sorts has taken place as new stores sell candy such as the 48 flavors of Jelly Bellies in bulk by weight.