A Long-Awaited Return
After 14 long years of being off the market, Altoid Sours, the beloved tangy candy that captured the hearts (and taste buds) of fans everywhere, is making a dramatic comeback! Fans of the discontinued treat have been clamoring for their return since the product was shelved in 2010, and now, the iconic sour mints are finally returning to stores.
A Fan Favorite Revival
For years, Altoid Sours have held a special place in candy lovers’ hearts. Known for their intense sour flavor and unique packaging in colorful tins, they gained a cult-like following before being discontinued. The sudden disappearance left fans devastated, leading to online petitions, social media campaigns, and even eBay listings where the rare tins were sold at sky-high prices.
Why Were They Discontinued?
Back in 2010, Altoid Sours were pulled from production, with the Wrigley Company, the parent brand, citing declining sales as the reason. Despite this, their absence only seemed to grow their popularity. Fans speculated that the decision was premature, as their passion for the product remained strong even years after it was taken off shelves.
The Power of Nostalgia
The resurgence of Altoid Sours can largely be credited to nostalgia. The rise of retro candy revivals has seen many companies bringing back discontinued products as a way to tap into consumer sentimentality. The demand for Altoid Sours never truly died, and it seems that the company finally recognized the market potential for their return.
Fans Celebrate the News
As the news of the comeback spread, social media lit up with excitement. Tweets and posts flooded the internet, with users expressing their joy over the return of their favorite candy. Longtime fans who have missed the sour punch of the mints are eagerly anticipating getting their hands on a fresh tin and experiencing that iconic flavor once more.
What to Expect
Although the return date has not been officially announced, Altoid Sours are expected to be reintroduced with the same bold, sour flavors that fans remember: Sour Apple, Sour Raspberry, Sour Lemon, Sour Mango, and Sour Tangerine. The classic, pocket-sized tins will also remain, keeping the original aesthetic that made them a favorite for candy lovers and collectors alike.
A Sweet (and Sour) Future
As Altoid Sours prepare to make their grand re-entry, the excitement only continues to build. Fans new and old are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to relive the lip-puckering experience that defined a generation of sour candy lovers. With their return, Altoid Sours are proving that sometimes, fan loyalty and nostalgia can bring even the most missed products back to life.
Nostalgic Sweet Makes a Comeback
Fans were upset when this beloved candy disappeared from shelves — but it’s finally making a comeback a decade after it was discontinued. Altoids Sour first hit stores in 2001 and was discontinued nine years later in 2010. Since then, devoted fans have started several change.org petitions to bring it back. Every Cracker Barrel Old Country store location has a retail section filled with nostalgic sweets and memorabilia.
The iconic candy confirmed to The Post that the candy “will also be available to all retailers nationwide who want to carry it.” The Snekolator noted that Altoids will no longer manufacture the candy, resulting in a new name. Iconic Candy, a family-run business that specializes in reviving discontinued favorites, will now produce it under the Retro Sour name.
Retro Sours Brings Back Classic Flavors
On August 30, the iconic candy announced the launch of Retro Sours, a new candy line in three flavors: citrus, tangerine and mango. The candies are similar to the long-lost Altoids Sours that fans have been talking about online since 2010. Justin Klinger, assistant VP of creative and marketing at It’s’Sugar, told TODAY.com that the candies are available at all It’s’Sugar stores, along with other retro favorites including Ouch! Bubble Gum, Cry Baby Wax Soda Bottles and Strawberry Cream Savers.
Snickolator reported that fans have been clamoring for the candy to return “nonstop” and that the company plans to use the original recipe to recreate the iconic candy flavor. The New York Post has confirmed that Retro Source will be sold exclusively at Cracker Barrel’s Old Country stores under a different name, with mango, tangerine and citrus being brought back to please nostalgic candy lovers.
Fans React to the Resurgence
The candy’s return has sparked mixed reactions on Snekolator’s Instagram. “Not like that. We want the OG packaging too,” one user commented, while another said, “So excited! This iconic candy is bringing back all the classics. Now I wish they could make a Fruit Stripe gum with its 10-second flavor.” One fan even joked, “The roof of my mouth hurts just thinking about them,” recalling the candy’s sour punch.
Originally developed in England as “Jacob’s Aromatic Peppermint Lozenges,” Altoids began as a medicinal treatment for indigestion and headaches. Later, they became popular as a stylish breath freshener in their iconic tin packaging. The iconic candy clarified that Retro Source is not affiliated with the original manufacturer, Altoids or the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, but will still recreate the classic candy flavor across the country.
