Now and Later Candy, Original Fruity Mix – 96 Count Classroom Rewards and Trick-or-Treat Bowl Refills for Kids
Now and Later Candy, Original Fruity Mix – 96 Count Classroom Rewards and Trick-or-Treat Bowl Refills for Kids
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Why you'll love it
- Long-lasting chew experience that starts hard and softens slowly, extending enjoyment versus single-bite candies
- Bulk 24-pack with individually wrapped slugs makes sharing and portion control effortless
- Bold, vibrant fruity flavors (apple, grape, cherry, banana) in a single variety pack satisfy mixed preferences
- Nostalgic brand heritage since 1962 appeals to adults who remember the candy from childhood corner stores
- Affordable party candy option with a high piece count (96 individually wrapped pieces) for large gatherings
- No refrigeration or prep required — ready-to-serve convenience for spontaneous entertaining
- Surprisingly soft and easy to chew compared to typical Now & Later texture
- Freshness upon delivery
- Package arrived undamaged
- Reorder-worthy taste and value
Perfect for
- Bulk candy for kids' birthday parties and piñatas
- Individually wrapped lunchbox treats and school snacks
- Halloween trick-or-treat handouts and trick-or-treat bowl refills
- Long-lasting road trip and travel snack for kids
- Nostalgic chew snack for adults craving retro candy
- Party favor filler for goody bags and piñatas
- Sharing during card games as a social/snacking activity
- Small sweet snack for people on low-sugar diets
- Introducing to children as a shared parent-kid treat
Kick-start your taste buds with the long-lasting fruity flavor of Now and Later.
Designed to start out hard and end up soft, these iconic squares are loaded with bold fruity flavor
The individually wrapped candy pieces are easy to throw in your pocket or bag to enjoy either now or later.
Spread the love and share the square with your friends and family
Bold. Original. Long Lasting. Now and Later has been providing The Long Lasting Chew since its origin as a penny candy in Brooklyn in 1862. Now manufactured by the Ferrara Candy Company, Now and Later is available in a wide variety of unique fruit flavors in traditional (harder) and chewy (softer) taffy, so there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Product Information
ORIGINAL MIX: Now and Later Original Mix includes 24 4-packs of the long-lasting fruity, chewy candy you know and love. This variety pack features a mix of fruity flavors, such as apple, grape, cherry, and banana LONG-LASTING MIXED FRUIT CHEWS: Get the full Now and Later experience with this variety pack. Bold, fruity flavored bite-sized chews that start out hard and soften in your mouth over time to become chewy BOLD FLAVORS: Now and Later candies are long-lasting fruity candy chews that go from hard to soft. The fun lasts longer with Now and Later and its bold flavors and vibrant colors SHARE THE SQUARE: Individually wrapped pieces packaged in 4 count slugs, this candy bag is ideal to satisfy your fruity candy craving and share with friends. These sweet treats make the ideal party candy FRUITY, CHEWY, LONG-LASTING: Born in Brooklyn in 1962, Now and Later is the long-lasting chew that has been fueling generations as the cornerstone of the corner store. Enjoy all that Now and Later has to offer from Now and Later Original, Chewy, or Morphs
Package Dimensions : 9.88 x 6.61 x 1.5 inches; 15.73 ounces UPC : 041420082238 Manufacturer : Ferrara Candy Company Units : 14.9 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #1,676 in Grocery & Gourmet Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the individual Now and Later pieces wrapped safely for young children to handle?
Yes, every single piece in this 24-pack comes individually wrapped, so there are no loose sticky candies for little hands to grab from an open bowl. The wrapper keeps each slug sanitary until a parent or caregiver is ready to hand it out, which is ideal for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-age kids.
Is this bulk candy safe to leave in a child's lunchbox or bedroom snack jar?
Absolutely. The candy requires zero refrigeration and each piece is sealed in its own wrapper, so it stays fresh at room temperature inside a lunchbox, pantry, or bedroom treat jar. There's no prep, no melting mess, and no sticky residue on lunch containers.
Can I use this variety pack for a school classroom reward without worrying about allergens or choking hazards?
The individually wrapped slugs are a clean, single-portion reward that teachers can hand out one at a time, so portions stay controlled. The chewy texture and small size do pose a choking concern for very young children, so we recommend this pack for kids age 3 and up per typical chewy candy guidelines.
Does the long-lasting chew make this a better option than softer gummies for kids who eat candy slowly?
Yes, the signature Now and Later chew starts firmer and gradually softens in the mouth, so it lasts much longer than a single-bite gummy or chocolate. That extended chew time keeps kids engaged and satisfied, which parents love for slow eaters and car rides.
Will the mixed fruity flavors keep different kids happy at a birthday party?
That's exactly why this variety pack works so well for parties. With apple, grape, cherry, and banana slugs in the same bag, every child can pick a favorite flavor instead of arguing over one option, and the bright colors look festive on a party table.
Is this bulk Now and Later pack good for filling piñatas and goody bags at a kid's birthday party?
Yes, this is one of the most popular budget-friendly piñata stuffers and goody bag fillers because you get 96 individually wrapped pieces for under the cost of most novelty candies. The wrappers mean piñata candy stays clean even if it lands on the ground, and kids can trade flavors after the party.
How many children can this 24-pack serve at one birthday party?
With 96 individually wrapped slugs, you can comfortably serve 15 to 20 kids with leftovers for take-home treats. For larger parties of 30 or more, most hosts buy two bags so every child gets four to five pieces.
What age is this chewy candy appropriate for?
Now and Later chews are recommended for children ages 3 and up due to the firm, chewy texture that can be a choking risk for toddlers. School-age kids, tweens, and teens are the sweet spot where the long-lasting chew becomes a fun feature rather than a challenge.
Will my child actually like these flavors, or should I buy a different brand?
The Original Mix features the four most-loved Now and Later flavors — apple, grape, cherry, and banana — which have been kid favorites since 1962. If your child enjoys fruit-flavored chews like Airheads or Jolly Rancher chews, this variety pack will almost certainly be a hit.
How does Now and Later compare to Airheads or Jolly Rancher chews for kid lunchboxes?
Now and Later lasts significantly longer in the mouth than Airheads because it starts hard and softens slowly, so kids get more chew time out of each piece. The individually wrapped slugs also pack more neatly into a lunchbox than flat Airhead bars, and the bulk 96-count price is typically lower per piece.
Is this a healthier candy option for kids compared to chocolate bars?
Now and Later is a fat-free fruit-flavored chew, so it contains no chocolate, no dairy, and no nuts, which makes it a smart option for kids with those allergies or for parents avoiding milk chocolate in lunchboxes. It's still a sugar candy, so we recommend it as an occasional treat rather than a daily snack.
My child has braces — is chewy candy like this safe for them?
Orthodontists generally advise against very sticky or very firm chewy candies for braces, and Now and Later falls into the firm-chew category that can stress brackets and wires. If your child has braces, we suggest checking with their orthodontist before adding these to lunchboxes or party favor bags.
I'm worried about my child eating too much sugar from a 96-piece bulk bag in the house — should I portion it out?
That's a smart move, and the individually wrapped design makes portion control effortless. Many parents pre-sort 2 to 3 pieces into small containers for the week and store the rest of the bulk bag out of sight, which keeps consumption reasonable and the candy fresh.
How should I store Now and Later Candy after opening the bulk bag?
Keep the candy in its original bag or transfer it to an airtight container, then store it in a cool, dry place at room temperature. There's no need to refrigerate it, and keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat will preserve the chewy texture and bright fruity flavors for months.
How long is the shelf life of this Now and Later bulk pack?
Now and Later has a long shelf life of roughly 12 to 18 months when stored properly in a sealed bag at room temperature. Always check the best-by date printed on the package for the most accurate guidance, and reseal the bag tightly after each use to extend freshness.
Can I freeze Now and Later Candy to make it last even longer?
Freezing isn't necessary and isn't recommended, because the cold can change the chewy texture and make the pieces overly hard. The candy stays fresh for many months at room temperature in a sealed bag, so freezing offers no real benefit and may actually harm the eating experience.
Is this candy compatible with people who have nut, dairy, or gluten allergies?
Now and Later is generally considered nut-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free, but formulas can change, so always read the most current ingredient label on the package before serving anyone with a serious allergy. The Ferrara Candy Company also publishes allergen information on its official website for cross-contamination details.
Does this candy work for vegetarian or vegan diets?
Now and Later is typically free of animal-derived ingredients and is widely accepted as vegetarian, though vegans should verify the current ingredient list since some formulations may use confectioner's glaze or other animal-based coatings. The package label is the most reliable source for the latest formulation.
What exactly comes in the box when I order this product?
You'll receive one 14.9 oz resealable-style bulk bag containing 24 individually wrapped 4-packs of Now and Later Original chews, totaling 96 individually wrapped slugs in apple, grape, cherry, and banana flavors. Nothing else is needed to enjoy the candy — it's ready to eat straight out of the bag, and you can purchase additional bags, candy bowls, or treat bags separately if you want to scale up for a party.
Is Now and Later Candy safe to eat past the printed best-by date?
The candy is usually still safe to eat shortly past the best-by date, but the texture may harden and the fruity flavors can fade over time. For the best chew experience and taste, we recommend consuming the candy before the printed date and storing the bag sealed in a cool, dry place.
Are the wrappers on the individual pieces safe for children and pets?
The food-grade wrappers are designed to be safe for human handling, but they are not food and should be discarded immediately after unwrapping. Keep the bulk bag out of reach of pets, because the candy itself contains sugar and ingredients that aren't formulated for dogs or cats, and swallowed wrappers can cause digestive issues.
What is the difference between Now and Later Original chews and Now and Later Extreme chews?
The Original line features the classic four fruity flavors — apple, grape, cherry, and banana — in a soft, slow-softening chew that has been around since 1962. The Extreme line uses sour flavoring and a more intense chew texture for fans who want a stronger taste experience. If you want the nostalgic, true-to-brand flavor, the Original Mix in this listing is the right pick.
