Sixlets. The iconic candy-coated chocolates with that delicious malty taste. But the name? Where does that come from? How it is related, even? Well today, I’d like to explain it to you.
So, why are Sixlets called Sixlets? Sixlets are called Sixlets due to the original packaging, when six pieces of candy used to included in a cellophane tube. The six colors included in each packet were: red, blue green, brown, yellow and orange.
Of course, the packaging is not the same these days.
Sometimes, you get Sixlets in bulk bags.
Other times you get them in individual packets.
Then there are the tubes of 8, or 20.
Nevertheless, it all makes sense when we go back to the origins of the brand.
What Are Sixlets?
Sixlets are small, round candy-coated chocolate-flavored candy. They come in various different colors. While each color is based on the same overarching flavor, they are somewhat distinguishable.
Some candy enthusiasts have likened the colors to the following:
- Orange – Orange.
- Yellow – Tutti-frutti/Lemon.
- Red – Cherry/ Cinnamon.
- Brown – Chocolate
- Green – Lime apple
- Blue – Blue Raspberry.
Who Makes Sixlets?
Sixlets are made by Oak Leaf Confections, a Chocolat Frey company based in Toronto, Canada.
However, the they were originally made by Leaf Brands, before that company was bought by Hershey in 1996, along with brands including Jolly Rancher and Milk Duds.
In 2003, a New-York based company called SweetWorks acquired the Sixlets brand and the right to sell Sixlets branded products under license.
Sweetworks are a a candy and chocolate manufacturer and an entity of Chocolat Frey (In 2014, Chocolat Frey, a Swiss chocolate manufacturer acquired SweetWorks).
What Are Sixlets Made Of?
Sixlets are made of a combination of sugar, palm oil, cocoa, corn syrup, carnauba wax, salt, colors and flavors.
The full ingredients can be seen below:
Sugar, Dextrose, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Reduced Protein Whey (Milk), Cocoa, Corn Syrup, Lecithin (Soy), Natural and Artificial Flavors, Tapioca Dextrin, Carnauba Wax, Salt, Colors (Yellow 5 & 6, Red 3 & 40, Blue 1, Titanium Dioxide, Yellow 5 & 6 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Blue 1 Lake).
Can You Still Get Sixlets?
You can still get Sixlets, at specialist online candy stores.
You can find them in 8 ball tubes, 12 ball tubes and 20 ball tubes and smaller packets.
My favorite place to buy Sixlets is over at OldTimeCandy.com.
However, you can also find listings over at Amazon.
From there, you can find Sixlets at other online candy stores, that specialize in retro candies and other hard-to-find confectionary items.
Related Questions
What is the difference between Sixlets and M&Ms?
The difference between Sixlets and M&Ms are mainly related to shape; M&Ms are flatter and smaller, whereas Sixlets are more rounded and larger.
How many Sixlets are in a 14 oz bag
There are roughly 450 Sixlets in a 14oz bag.
Hello, I’m Matthew, a candy expert and enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the candy industry. My passion for candy started at a very young age. Since then, I have worked in numerous, large candy stores, and have been fortunate enough to try out hundreds of brands of candies, different types and flavors. In addition to my work, I enjoy sharing my extensive knowledge with others, and decided to create Sugar Stand in order to do so. My mission is to make the world a sweeter place, one candy at a time.
