As the weather turns colder, I thought it would be fun to cover a near-forgotten treat from the 1980’s that will inspire warmer climates. This is one that first hit stores way back in 1982 and I’m excited to share the first known images of the packaging today. I believe this one has been unseen for nearly 30 years. So make the jump to check out Brach’s Coconut Hula Chews!
It may not yet be clear here on the site but I’ve been on quite the Brach’s jag this year, and with their groovy updated packaging hitting stores in 2014-2015, I don’t think that’s going to change. Since I’ve been re-enamored with the brand as of late, it’s especially fun for me to share this long-lost Brach’s treat from the 1980’s today.
Brach’s Hula Chews were introduced in 1982 as a multi-pack type item, available in large bags and a boxed offering. Here’s a newspaper circular ad/coupon announcing them:
Brach’s – Introduces Hula Chews – Hula Honolulu Sweepstakes – Save 25-cents coupon – newspaper circular – 1982
And here’s a better look at that clip-out coupon, which features images of the launch packages:
Brach’s Hula Chews – Save 25-cents – newspaper clipping coupon – 1982
I don’t have either of those packages in my archives, but I sure would love to find examples of them. From these small images – they look pretty slick. What I DO have however is the checkout isle-size or standard shelf size Hula Chews offering, which I believe was rolled out the following year in 1983. This would have been sold and stocked next to the Snickers bars and so on and according to my research, images of this wrapper have never been published online before – so this is a world premiere! Here it is:
Brach’s – Hula Chews – 1.75 oz candy wrapper – 1983
It’s amazing how simple and unadorned the packaging is. Even back then I think it was rare to find a wrapper design with so much negative space. I really dig it.
I found a television commercial for Hula Chews tucked within a YouTube video of 1980’s NBC promos. It’s a 2 1/2 minute video, but if you jump to 1:30 in, you can get right to the Hula Chews 30-second spot. It’s worth checking out as I suspect it’s also a commercial they wouldn’t get away with today:
I haven’t been able to confirm how long Hula Chews remained on sale, but I’ve found no evidence of them making it into the 1990’s. Chances are they lasted a few years and that was it.
Anyone recall trying Brach’s Hula Chews? I don’t remember encountering them myself and even if I had, I likely would have skipped them (I wasn’t a fan of coconut back then) so I’m curious to hear what other people thought.
And that’s everything I’ve got right now on the delightful 80’s treat that was Brach’s Coconut Hula Chews. See you next time!
I used to buy them regularly in the mid-late 80s (by the box.) I thought they were really good & a step-up from Mounds.
Jason,
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing the recollection and retro-review. 🙂
J
Hi Jason,
I just read your article on Hula Chews. I remember them from way back and probably one of the reasons I bought them was that I was in love,-and still am,- with
Hawaii and any mention of Hawaii. I have been there several times and also have a huge collection of hula dolls and Hawaiian LPs and CDs. Nice report!
Wally, thanks for your comment and recollections (and for the Hula Chews wrapper in today’s post).
I’ve never been to Hawaii (would love to make it there someday), but I will say that I have a fondness for candy wrappers with coconuts or palm trees on them.
It’s one of the reasons I always really dug the Nestle Calypso bar wrappers:
Nestle’s Calypso Bar!
http://www.collectingcandy.com/wordpress/?p=8671
I was a teenager when these came out. My mom and I could run thru a bag in no time. They were sweet and rich and totally delicious!!! I thought they were a nice change from Mounds because it was milk chocolate instead of dark, and they were bite size. Wish they were still available today.
My dad introduced these to me when I was a teen. He loved them and so did I! I wish I could find some now.