Now and Later Watermelon Chews – Nostalgic Retro Candy Gift for Millennials and Gen X Adults, 24-Pack
Now and Later Watermelon Chews – Nostalgic Retro Candy Gift for Millennials and Gen X Adults, 24-Pack
Couldn't load pickup availability
Why you'll love it
- Individually wrapped pieces keep candy fresh and make portioning effortless for lunchboxes and trick-or-treat handouts
- Long-lasting chew that starts hard and softens slowly provides extended flavor and entertainment value beyond a quick dissolve
- Bulk 144-piece value pack offers a low cost-per-piece ideal for high-volume needs like Halloween or classroom rewards
- Multiple bold fruit flavors (Watermelon, Cherry, Apple, Banana) let buyers pick favorites or mix to satisfy a crowd
- Plant-based, allergy-friendly ingredient list appeals to households avoiding gelatin and animal-derived ingredients
- Heritage brand born in Brooklyn in 1962 triggers nostalgia and trust for adults who grew up with the candy
- Cherry flavor is considered the best
- Pineapple is a standout favorite flavor
- Large pack quantity (so many packs in one box)
- Bold and juicy watermelon flavor that is 'otherworldly'
- Super rich flavor and freshness
- Long-lasting flavor
- Soft texture that 'practically melts in your mouth'
- Easier to chew than traditional Now and Later (not a jaw workout)
- Perfect balance of chewy and tender
- Bold, juicy watermelon flavor that is perfectly sweet without being overwhelming
- Soft and chewy texture that feels easy on the jaw and 'melts in your mouth'
- 24-pack offers great value
- Fresh taste
- Candy can become soft in hot weather which some customers find gives perfect texture
Perfect for
- Pack as a sweet lunchbox treat for elementary-aged kids
- Hand out as individually wrapped Halloween trick-or-treat candy
- Fill party favor bags, goody bags, or piñatas with bite-sized chews
- Stash in a car cupholder or backpack for on-the-go snacking
- Share a bulk box at offices, parties, or gatherings where many people need a quick sweet bite
- Monthly personal stock-up purchase (buying a pack every month)
- Hiding candy around the house to prevent family members from eating it all
- Setting up a candy table for events
- Road trips
- Movie nights
- Hiding packs around the house to prevent family members from eating them all
- Stocking up as a long-term supply (buying every month)
- ORIGINAL: Experience Now and Later's Original formula. A bold, fruity flavored bite-sized chew that starts out hard and softens in your mouth over time to become chewy
- LONG-LASTING CHEW: Now and Later's long-lasting chew is perfect for taking the much needed pause in your day
- BOLD FLAVORS: Experience a burst of bold, fruit flavor in every piece of Now and Later candy. Treat yourself to delicious cherry goodness that lasts and lasts
- INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED: This box of Now and Later candies has (twenty-four) 24 .93-ounce individually wrapped cherry packs with 6 chewy pieces in each
- FUELING GENERATIONS: 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a good nostalgic gift for a millennial or Gen X friend who loves retro candy?
Yes, Now and Later has been around since 1962, so anyone who grew up in the 1980s or 1990s will instantly recognize the wrapper and the long-lasting chew. The bulk 24-pack makes it a generous, shareable nostalgia gift.
Can I ship this as a care package to a college student or deployed family member?
Yes, the individually wrapped chews ship well in a flat box and stay fresh for months at room temperature. Many buyers send these as taste-of-home care packages because the bulk quantity lasts an entire semester.
Is this candy appropriate to include in a holiday gift basket or stocking stuffer?
Absolutely. The 0.93-ounce sub-packs fit easily into Christmas stockings, Valentine's treat bags, and Easter baskets. The bright red watermelon wrapper also adds a festive pop of color to any gift presentation.
Can I give this as a hostess gift for a birthday party or housewarming?
Yes, a 24-pack wrapped with a ribbon makes a thoughtful, low-fuss hostess gift, especially for hosts who love retro candy or who frequently entertain. Pair it with a movie-night bowl for an easy themed present.
Is this a good last-minute birthday gift that ships fast?
Yes, because the bulk 24-pack is shelf-stable and ships without refrigeration, it is a reliable same-week or next-day delivery option. It is the kind of gift that feels personal without requiring a trip to the mall.
How does Now and Later compare to a fancier gourmet candy as a gift?
Gourmet chocolate or artisan taffy leans more elegant but costs three to four times more per piece. Now and Later wins on nostalgia, value, and shareability, which is why it is a favorite for casual gifting, office Secret Santa, and care packages rather than formal occasions.
Is this a better gift than gifting a single box of regular taffy or gummies?
A 24-pack delivers 144 individually wrapped chews at a much lower per-piece cost than a single boutique tin, so the recipient gets weeks of snacking rather than one sitting. For a candy-loving recipient, the bulk format feels more generous.
What is the main hesitation someone might have before gifting this candy?
The most common hesitation is that the chews are not chocolate or 'premium' feeling, so a gift-giver may worry the recipient will see them as low-effort. In practice, the nostalgia factor and the bulk quantity almost always outweigh that concern, especially for adults who remember the brand from childhood.
Will the candy arrive in giftable condition, or will the box be dented in shipping?
The sub-packs are individually sealed, so even if the outer box shows shipping wear, the candy inside stays clean and fresh. Many gift-givers simply transfer the sub-packs into a basket or gift bag for a polished look.
Is the packaging festive enough to gift as-is, or do I need to repackage it?
The original box has a bright, recognizable Now and Later design, so for casual gifting it is presentation-ready. For a more polished look, slide the sub-packs into a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon.
Can I split the 24-pack into smaller gifts for multiple people?
Yes, the individual sub-packs are designed for exactly that. You can build several small gift bags, stocking stuffers, or coworker treats from a single bulk box, which makes it one of the most economical multi-gift purchases available.
Is this a thoughtful gift for someone who lives a vegetarian or plant-based lifestyle?
Yes, the plant-based, gelatin-free formula makes Now and Later a welcome option for vegetarians who often have to skip traditional gummy candies. It is one of the few chewy candies that fits a plant-based household without a special order.
I am worried the recipient will not like watermelon — is there a better flavor to gift?
Watermelon is the most popular flavor in the lineup, but if you are unsure, look for the cherry or pineapple variety which are also customer favorites. Buying the 4-flavor variety pack is the safest bet when gifting to someone whose preferences you do not know well.
Is this a good Valentine's Day gift for a coworker or classmate?
Yes, the 0.93-ounce sub-packs fit perfectly inside Valentine's cards and treat bags, and the red watermelon wrapper feels on-theme for the holiday. A single 24-pack covers an entire office or classroom with one to two pieces per person.
Will older relatives (parents, grandparents) enjoy receiving this as a gift?
Adults aged 53 and up often have strong Now and Later nostalgia from the 1970s and 1980s, so it is a surprisingly touching gift for an older parent or grandparent. Pair it with a handwritten note about the memories and it becomes a sentimental, low-cost present.
Is this gift a good value compared to other bulk candy gift sets?
At 144 pieces per box, the per-piece cost is significantly lower than most pre-packaged candy gift towers, which often hold only 12 to 24 pieces. For anyone buying on a budget, the value-per-impression ratio is hard to beat.
How do I store Now and Later Watermelon candy so it stays fresh?
Store the unopened sub-packs in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight. The individually wrapped pieces stay fresh for many months at room temperature, and you only need to open the outer box when you are ready to grab a sub-pack.
Can I freeze Now and Later chews to make them last even longer?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture becomes very hard and can change the chew. For long-term storage, a sealed pantry at room temperature is the best choice.
How should I portion the bulk 24-pack for everyday snacking?
Use the 0.93-ounce sub-packs as natural single servings — one sub-pack per lunchbox, snack, or break is the easiest system. Keep the rest of the box sealed and only open a fresh sub-pack each time to maintain freshness.
Does this candy fit inside a standard school lunchbox or thermos pocket?
Yes, the 0.93-ounce sub-packs are slim and sized to slip into the side pocket of most insulated lunch bags and the snack compartment of bento-style boxes. They also fit easily in a standard brown paper lunch sack.
Is this candy safe to pack in a child's backpack or sports bag without crushing?
Yes, the plastic wrappers are durable and the chews are forgiving under light pressure, so they hold up well at the bottom of a backpack. Avoid placing them under heavy water bottles or textbooks, which can deform the sub-packs.
What exactly comes in the box when I order this product?
You receive one outer box containing 24 individual 0.93-ounce sub-packs, with 6 wrapped chews per sub-pack, for 144 chews total. Nothing else is required to start using the product — the candy is ready to eat as soon as you open a sub-pack.
Is this candy safe for people with common food allergies?
The plant-based formula is free of gelatin, dairy, and nuts, but it does contain corn syrup and artificial colors. Always read the full ingredient panel on the package if you or someone in your household has a known corn, dye, or other sensitivity.
How do I know if the candy has gone bad or is no longer fresh?
Check the best-by date on the outer box, and inspect each wrapped piece for an intact seal and normal color. If a piece has an unusual odor, discoloration, or a torn wrapper, discard it. Properly stored, the chews stay fresh well past the printed date.
What is the difference between Now and Later chews and traditional taffy or gummy candy?
Traditional taffy is a pulled sugar candy that stays sticky and stretchy, while gummy candy is made with gelatin and dissolves relatively quickly. Now and Later chews use a plant-based, low-tack formula that starts firm and softens slowly, giving a much longer chew without the jaw fatigue or sticky mess of taffy.
