Warheads is a brand of sour candy manufactured by Impact Confections. The candy was invented in Taiwan in 1975 and was first imported to the United States by The Foreign Candy Company in the early 1980s. For a while, "hot" versions of the candy were also available but proved to be less popular. They are currently distributed in the United States by Impact Confections and in Australia by Funtastic Limited. They proved to be very popular, especially with children; in 1999, Warheads were referred to as a "$40 million brand." [1] Impact Confections acquired the brand in 2004.
Warheads derive their strong sour flavor primarily from malic acid which is applied as a coating to the outside of the small, hard candies. The intense sour flavor fades after about 20 to 40 seconds. The hard candy itself contains the somewhat less sour ascorbic acid and citric acid. At the center of the hard candies is a small pocket of more malic acid.
Warheads are marketed as an "extreme" candy. The name "Warheads" comes from the notion that the sour taste of the candies is akin to a real warhead going off in one's mouth, and the brand's mascot, Wally Warheads, is depicted as a boy with puckered lips and a small mushroom cloud emanating from the top of his head. A driving force behind the candy's popularity were informal competitions among schoolchildren to determine who could withstand eating the largest number of Warheads at once.[2]
A warning is now included on Warheads packaging, as follows:
| “ | WARNING: Eating multiple pieces within a short time period may cause a temporary irritation to sensitive tongues and mouths.[3] | ” |
Current flavors
Past versions
Warheads distributed a hot version of their signature warheads, "HOT" Torture Scorchers, in four flavors for a limited time.
Warheads distributed a fizz version of their signature warheads.