Nabisco Pom Poms were Delicious

The Nabsico candy known as Pom Poms held a special place in my heart during my childhood—a confection that spoke to my weakness for the exquisite blend of chocolate and caramel. I fondly recall slipping these delectable treats into the folds of my coat, smuggling them into movie theaters, and passionately advocating their superiority over Milk Duds to anyone within earshot.

While my recollections center solely on the Nabisco era of Pom Poms, their origin traces back to a pioneer of confectionery—the James O. Welch Company. The company's inception in 1927, situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, marked the genesis of an array of compact boxed candies that would soon find favor in the world of cinema. Among these offerings were the beloved Pom Poms, accompanied by Junior Mints and Sugar Babies.

A pivotal moment in the narrative occurred in 1963 when Nabisco acquired the James O. Welch Company. James O. Welch himself assumed a directorial role within Nabisco, maintaining this position until 1978. His son, James O. Welch Jr., took the helm as Nabisco's president. However, the winds of change swept through the confectionery landscape, leading to Warner-Lambert's purchase of the Welch brands in 1988. In 1993, Tootsie Roll Industries became the custodian of these cherished treats, with Junior Caramels carrying the torch forward.

Regrettably, Pom Poms have faded into the annals of time, though whispers suggest that the recipe lives on in the Nabisco candy known as Junior Caramels. Having sampled the latter, I can affirm their goodness, yet a touch of nostalgia has burnished the memory of Pom Poms into a status of unparalleled grandeur in my mind.

In the vast expanse of today's collective memory, Pom Poms stand as nearly forgotten relics. However, glimpses of their former glory remain—old advertisements and boxes occasionally surface in the online marketplace. Among my treasured Pom Pom memorabilia, one particularly niche gem stands out—a set of Puffy Stickers, each depicting a unique emblem, including that of Pom Poms. While this collectible may cater to a select audience, it serves as a precious artifact for devotees of this remarkable candy, should you manage to track it down.