A kind reader pointed out that there was a limited edition chocolate covered Payday bar out there. It took me a couple of months to find it (at the Walgreen’s down the road from me, that I don’t usually go to and only in the King size). Of course now that I’ve found it, I’ve seen it everywhere here in New York City.
Honestly, it seems like the perfect candy bar for NYC - it’s all brown and lumpy, just like Eighth Avenue, which is all torn up now. And it has a slightly abrasive but essentially sweet center plus it’s packed with nuts! I keeeed! I keeed! This is not the first time Payday has had a chocolate covered version in their repertoire, it was part of the line years ago (I think in the 80s). I doubt it’ll be the last time they bring it back.
I love Payday bars. They’ve got far more nuts than most other candy bars, and that’s a plus for me. The nuts on the bar are slightly salted and the nougat center is kind of crumbly and even though it’s sweet, it has a little bit of a caramelized sugar note to it. The chocolate covered Payday features milk chocolate. It’s rather sweet and pretty much overpowers the salty snap of the peanuts.
Payday bars are a good warm weather candy bar. They’re exceptionally satisfying and because they don’t have chocolate in them (the regular ones) there’s little worry about melting (and re-solidifying). They also pack a huge whallop of protein in them, which I find creates a very filling and satisfying snack. For those of us with low blood sugar problems, a sweet that has some protein in it will keep you from having a blood sugar crash.
As chocolate peanut bars go, I think I’d rather have some Peanut M&Ms or a Snickers Bar instead of a chocolate Payday. It’s not a bad bar, just not the most satisfying version of this combination out there.
UPDATE: It seems that this version was shortlived, but you can still find a mockolate (fake chocolate) covered version called Payday Avalanche that looks to be a permanent addition to the line. (So be aware that some comments to this review are actually referencing the fake chocolate version.)
I have seen them around here, but I have not tried one. My gut reaction was: “How is this different from a Baby Ruth”?
There is some caramel in there, but it’s more of a structural element whereas the Baby Ruth has rather noticeable caramel. Honestly, if you like Baby Ruth, stick with Baby Ruth. If you’re thinking, “my Baby Ruth needs more peanuts.” You might want to try one of these, fall in love and then be crushed when they discontinue them.
I haven’t seen any around my way (NJ) but will be looking for it.
Did you know that they make a Strawberry Milkshake Robin’s Egg? Do you plan on reviewing this product?
PS. I love your site. Your reviews are amazing.
I’ve been looking for these quite a while now. Gonna check my Walgreens, too. I was really hoping it would be a sweet-salty combo. I just love those two together.
inajeep & carver - keep looking, I know they’re out there. In fact, here in NYC, I’m even seeing them in the regular size.
jy - I’m pretty sure I would hate the Strawberry Milkshake Robin’s Egg ... I’m not a big fan of strawberry flavored things. But if I see them on sale after Easter, I might give them a go if the price is right.
I am so gald I came across this. My husband loved and misses the chocolate covered payday. Every year we visit Hershey, PA and would always hope to find them again. Now I know that I am looking for something that actually does exsist.
Thanks so much!
the chocolate payday has a great taste just cant find it in the stores in our town when will the chocolate payday be found in the stores and still love the old payday.
Chocolate PayDays are outrageous. I love them. I’m a PayDay fan anyway, my husband looks for them in the candy machine and work brings them home to me. Last week he saw the chocolate version and brought me 4 of them. I’m totally hooked. Now I’m on the lookout for them all over El Paso so I can stock up. They’re just unbelievable and I will be devestated when they disappear.
Wendy - it looks like the “chocolatey avalanche” version is a keeper - I didn’t see any “limited edition” on the wrapper.
Cybele, you’re right! I just checked the wrapper and didn’t see anything about it being limited. That’s the best news I’ve heard all day. Of course, this means I may have to dust off my treadmill if I keep eating them. But they’re definately worth it.
I have tried the new chocolate payday and it is great how do i find out where they are sold in my area.
Anita, I bet you can call and ask the Hershey Company, which makes PayDay. On the back of the candy bar it lists the phone number for questions or comments: 1-800-468-1714. I thought of emailing them to ask and make sure it wasn’t a limited edition thing but the website http://www.paydaybar.com doesn’t really offer a direct email to customer service. By phoning them you might make out better.
I haven’t had the easiest time finding them myself. In El Paso, they offer the king size bars at Circle K. Where my husband works they’re stocked in the candy machine, and all that candy comes from Sam’s Club. You might find them there, if you’re willing to buy them by the carton. I know I am.
I just noticed the bar in the photo on this site has Limited Edition on the wrapper. But I have the same king size bar in front of me (contrary to how that sounds, I am not eating them 24/7, it just happens to be on my desk) and mine doesn’t say limited edition. If anyone hears news about this or can answer this nagging question, please post it. Thanks!
The chocolate is over powering. I like eating the payday for the very reason it is not covered in rich chocolate. The delicate balance of peanuts and center nugget is greatly is thrown out of wack here. It is an ok candy bar. I preffer no chocolate
i think its sad that such a delicious candybar that they would not make it a permanent thing,
it seems everytime something good comes out and they get u to buy it and enjoy it they take it away..i am asking please just keep a good thing going. and make it to where we can buy them by bulk just like the regular paydays…thank you
and hoping you keep this in mind. dont take a good away!!!
The PayDay Avalanche is fantastic - its better than a Baby Ruth with more nuts than a Snickers.
It’s a sweet addition to the Hershey family.
The Pay Day Avalanche has become a permanent addition to Pay Day, however, the following is somewhat limited. If you want one tomorrow you can get one on every other check lane at Target
They are SO delicious. I work in downtown Newark and my office building’s vending machines are stocked with them. Between the lunches at Popeye’s Chicken and these chocolate avalanche Payday bars I feel myself becoming a fatass. LOL! Why does food that tastes so amazing, with such texture (I’m a BIG texture plus flavor nut!) be so awful for you? Rock on… -cc-
Has anyone seen the Peanut Butter Avalanche version? I’ve tried the Chocolate too, but wasn’t a fan since I view Pay Days as a non-chocolate candy bar. If I want chocolate, I’ll get something that is traditionally chocolate. But the Peanut Butter Avalanche is great, I highly reccommend it. There are fewer peanuts and therefore less crunch, but it’s still got enough caramel. And the peanut butter is nice and crumbly, making the whole bar softer. We bought what was remaining (12 bars) of the box in the gas station convenience store! Sadly, it’s limited edition also and I’ve only got 4 left :(
Danielle - I was looking at the Avalanche bar at the store this evening - I haven’t tried it yet, as the fake chocolate part puts me off (and if you want chocolate and peanuts and caramel, there are lots more options out there - Nutrageous being a pretty good one). I’ll keep an eye out for Peanut Butter!
I just tried a Baby Ruth tonight for the first time in probably 10 years ... it also has mockolate on it. What’s the world coming to?
For anyone who loves the Pay Day Avalanche they are currently on sale for $.33 per bar at Target. If you want to leave email feed back out the bar, try the Hershey website
i am looking for the chocolate payday,i really mis it,it’s really good.i am in san antonio,tx. 78229 it seems like nobody either no one has it,or ever heard of it. where can i buy like a box of it?
Ken - the milk chocolate Payday was a limited edition item.
They did make the “Chocolate Avalanche” version a regular item (which has fake chocolate on it, but as the commenters above attest, it’s apparently quite good).
You can buy it online at CandyFavorites.com. And Bertha, who must work for Target, says it’s available there. I just saw it at the 7-11 earlier this week.
Actually, guys, since the chocolate version came out, I cannot find the ORIGINAL anywhere! OUCH!! there goes my morning snack. HELP!! I am like rachel—I love it without chocolate—is this thing (it’s ok but just the same ol’ thing as everything else) taking over to replace the original?
I purchased the “PayDay KING SIZE Chocolatey AVALANCHE” bar at my local 99 Cents Only (http://www.99only.com) store just the other day so they are still out there.
I remember the 1980’s version when the bar was labeled as mfr’d by “STAAR” or “STARR” or somesuch but remember the chocolate being darker or thicker. I really liked that bar back then.
There was a rumor I had heard that the PAYDAY mfr plant burned down and that was the reason the chocolate version stopped production. Any truth to that?
Wow—wikipedia is amazing. To answer my own question for those who are curious…
it wasn’t star, but either Hollywood Brands (likely) or LEAF.
This timeline excerpt from Wikipedia’s PAYDAY entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PayDay_(confection)
” * 1967 - Martoccio family sold Hollywood Brands to Consolidated Foods Corporation.
* 1980 - Fire destroyed the Centralia, Illinois plant. Production continued with help from L.S. Heath and Sons Company until a new facility could be constructed.
* 1988 - Hollywood brands was purchased by Huhtamaki Oy and became part of Leaf, Inc.
* 1996 - Hershey acquired Leaf North America confectionery operation from Huhtamaki Oy of Helsinki, Finland.
—-
So either the Chocolate PayDay-of-old was 1980 or earlier or the fire-burning-down-the-plant story wasn’t the reason they were short lived.
Interesting.
I tried one of your chocolate pay day about 2 weeks ago and i have truly enjoyed it. i don’t eat a lot of candy but would like to know where i can find some to purchase here in atlanta. I have been on the look out for the CHOCOLATE PAYDAY BAR.
I too am trying to find these for my mom. She mentioned in passing recently that the chocolate covered Payday was her favorite candy bar and I want to find some to put inside her Christmas stocking. Any ideas where you can find them now? I live in Colorado but at willing to by a case just so I have them for her for Christmas. Thanks!!!
I can’t find this payday anywhere I want to purchase a box. So if you no where please let me no.
I truely enjoyed the chocolate covered Payday’s
when I was younger. I haven’t seen any in years.
Could you please tell me where I can find some in
my area? Thanks Ginger
OMG this candy bar is my favorite I love chocolate and now that they came out with this chocolate payday Im in love
“I haven?t seen any around my way (NJ) but will be looking for it. Comment by inajeep on 4/11/06 at 12:54 pm”
I found a Chocolate Payday aka Avalanche, inside a vending machine in the Arts & Sciences building @ Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, in Pomona, near the NJT bus stop. It seemed to be a simple temptation, but in the past I had been disappointed by other special addition candies, such as the Snicker’s dark chocolate; just dark colored not semi-sweet flavored and almond bars; lack of almond flavor and texture.
The standard Payday is lightly salted crispy peanut pieces embedded in a not too soft, not too, sweet vanilla flavored nougat. The combination produced a nice contrast of crispy/salty and a not too sweet slightly chewy candy bar.
Unfortunately, the addition of the milk chocolate coating on the Payday, was a minus not a plus. To me, the flavors and textures cancelled each other and left a somewhat bland, sweet and soft result, a candy that more resembled a soft cookie bar, but without the cookie.
I could not agree more, JGadFly. The addition of the chocolate ruins the perfect balance found in the original. Hey, if you ever need to fill the “empty feeling”, the original is so filling it sustains for two hours. A GREAT breakfast in the car when you are late for work!
No other candy bar, including the “Power Bars” fill and satisfy quite THE ORIGINAL Payday. I am afraid the chocolate ones will turn new eaters off from the Perfect Candy bar!
The current chocolate payday is NOT the same chocolate that was used int he 80s. The 80s chocolate tasted better but did not stick to the candy bar as well. The current choc. Payday is OK. It does not taste like a BabyRuth
I am 90 years old and I can write pages on candy. I know about a 4 oz ten cent payday. The most tasty bar on the market. Chocolatey Payday is a better piece, not too easy to make. You have to know how to eat a payday made with consistant formula, not a recipe. I like good nuts, with out hearts and zero was once a good bar when its not overloaded with scrap. Pro nuts in zero don’t help it at all. Butter nut was a good bar as well as the black coated piece with the white center. Hollywood made some good pieces. Pay Day can be found at Walmarts many times on bottom shelf
were can i fine them now big mike c.e.o
I loved these candy bars and bought them every single time I saw a box in the hopes of them lasting for a long while.But nooooooooo. Baby Ruths are great but these were even better.
Frankly..I have never been a Baby Ruth fan. Too much caramel, sticky, gooey. I used to like the crunch and butter of Butterfingers with the tight layer of chocolate you could bite off in chunks exposing the “cookie”, but, well, my old guy teeth realized they were just too much.
I do not eat a lot of candy…In fact, I don’t eat THE ORIGINAL Payday as a candy bar but as a FOOD GROUP! I wonder when science will prove it to be the perfect breakfast??? When my vending machine at work put in the Avalanche, I rebelled! Big note on the machine “ORIGINAL PAYDAY, PLEASE!!”...Hey, I am always cool with change as long as I am allowed a choice…Heeee…Enjoy, all.
Love them, love them, but can’t find them very often.. Lot of stores have not heard of the chocolate payday… Why not more on the open market….Healthy too.
Because the are not very good…A complete ruination of the original Payday….But, that’s just me…
Chocolate Payday far surpass any candy bar on the market. Live in in Illinois and they are really hard to come by/had my first one at Big Lots for 50 cents/this leads me to believe everyone doesn’t agree with me. Try one, you’ll be surprised!!
I’ve been pleasent surprized by the chocolate payday. To the point that I look for them every where. My first taste of the chocolate payday was from a well known convenient store whos name I will not give. Needless to say the store stopped caring the candy bar for the reason that it didn’t sell. Perhaps so, however I was hooked. So much that I would like to order from the factory. So that I won’t have to go threw the trouble of locating a distributor or other stores that carry the candy bar
Regards
We need the blog owner to post a 2ND photo of this candy to accurately reflect the new “chocolaty” packaging.
Mars is going to town on the difference between “real chocolate” and “chocolaty”—AS THEY SHOULD.
WE SHOULD DEMAND THAT CHOCOLATE PAYDAYS ARE JUST THAT—REAL CHOCOLATE! They taste much better and are healthier that way!
ref: https://secure.realchocolate.com/WhyRealChocolate.aspx
So, I guess I am the only person here to think the “Chocolate” ruins the original…I completely respect all other realities..In fact my deepest belief is….
Within all is Oneness, within Oneness All
Without is a being at OUR beck and call
Each step is a Yoga, a lesson to learn
And so may we grow as we yowl and we yearn
Life is pain, it is growth, it is longing and desire
Life is knowing this, wanting this, walking on fire
Each evolution of Spirit we choose
Can only ease closer to absolute truth
And that truth be simply-
Just one truth is sure:
That there is no one truth
Each One?s truth is pure
Reality changes as each one perceives
Truth flows between us as rivers ?round reeds
I see your beauty as you must see mine
For each is perfection in the bounty of time
So, enjoy that chocolatey thing, just DON’T TAKE AWAY MY ORIGINAL…
Almost all of us agree that the original should stay. The issue is virtually non-debatable.
The question on this page is what people think about the Chocolate and the Chocolaty versions.
Hear-Hear! for choices! Nuts alone or Nuts+Chocolate.
[edited by admin to conform to commenting policy]
Chocolate/Chocolaty or non-chocolate—the choice is still yours.
[edited by admin to conform to blog commenting policy]
Ok, Ok, I write with passion…I am not complaining. I totally agree that it must be real chocolate. I am simply, having had my lunch disappear in favor of the Avalanche and being sorely disappointed, presenting my hope that the other does not rid the world of the original.
If anyone wants to continue the “Path” discussion, say here and I will give you my personal email…I will present no more here…Chew On!!!
David - the “blog owner” did post a photo. Please read the update to the post. It’s here.
Steve - as pointed out, the Chocolatey Avalanche doesn’t “ruin the original” because the original continues to exist.
I’m closing comments here (and truncating some because I believe they violate what I consider a pretty liberal comment policy here but does include a Godwin’s Law clause). If you would like to continue this discussion, please join the forums.
Ohh i tried it just yesterday!!!
Boy,was it Good!!!!!!!!!!!
so chocolaty !!!!!!
YUM!!!
I “love” the chocolate Paydays,I really never buy the regular ones,the way I discovered them was from a sampling at Sams,I bought a big box after that.I love them but they are soooo hard to find,the Walgreens by me doesnt have them,sometimes I find them at Quicktrip (gas station)I adore the salt and chocolate combination,,,,I guess it is for my own good that they are hard to find,,,LOL
I love your Chocolate-covered paydays, but have a hard time finding them. Delicious! My favorite candy bar.
Thank you,
Linda Gilbert
Bryan, Ohio 43506
Help me find them in my area.
Vincent - this review is from 2006 and the real milk chocolate version is no longer made. The fake chocolate covered “Chocolatey Avalanche Payday” is also discontinued, though as of August 2011, you still might be able to find it in some clearance places like Big Lots or 99 Cent Only.
I am told you are NO longer making Chocolate covered Paydays. WHY???? It was the BEST candy bar ever. I have told many people about them. We look for them everywhere. PLEASE bring them back!!! It was the Best Candy Bar EVER!!!!!!!
Thank You!!!!
My Favorite!!!!!!!!!
I Want To Buy The Chocolate Payday Bars. I Live In Indianapolis Indiana. Please Email And Let Me Know Where I Can Find Them. Thank you Cindy Roberts.
The bar is no longer available; except from candy collectors… My suggestion is find paydays on sale and either chill overnight or stick them in the freezer (wrapped in plastic or wax paper)and follow the chocolate topping instruction… at the last… 30 seconds end of the Alton Brown Video. I would suggest using better chocolate chips with a recognizable cacao number,... Than Hersey’s Milk Chocolate did poorly on their on Avalanche Bars. And work quickly and don’t let the coating it get too, thick. it will will probably, crumble and fall of when bitten, by you. And work with confectioner gloves…and safety glasses…
Guittard Chocolate Company (Eye Candy)
http://www.guittard.com/chocolate_making.asp
Q: What are the cacao percentages in Guittard’s milk chocolate and semisweet baking chips?
A: The milk chocolate and semisweet baking chips are 30% minimum cacao and 43% minimum cacao respectively. They have extra dark chips which is 60+ cacao and will probably work better; as a flavor enhancer; in small quantities; once the original chips are melted.
Alton Brown’s Macroon Delight
http://on.aol.com/video/alton-browns-macaroon-delight-495339174
What happened to the chocolate payday? Its a sure winner. Can’t find them any where . I got a local True Valve to carry them. They could not keep them in stock.if they are discontinued please bring back.
Please tell me were I can find the chocolate covered payday candy bar.
Can you please tell me when these will come out again? A few of my co-workers have been searching for these for quite a while. If I could get them to them as a surprise it would be great. Thank you very much.
Angeline Alvarez
I wondering if it would be possible to make a payday bar with pecans or Walnuts on it? And call them something different.
Are you going to bring back the Chocolate Payday Bar? My wife and I love payday bars and really liked the chocolate one. We hope soon.
Thanks for your time,
Dan Greenway
You should come out with a naked payday! No peanuts for the people who can’t eat them or the people that just like the inside of the payday, like me! Let me know…..thank u!
Nuts and Flavoring Variable; depending on cook’s desired result…
Torrone: Recipe courtesy of Michael Chiarello
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michael-chiarello/torrone-recipe.html
PLEASE bring back the chocolate payday… It would easily be my favorite candy bar!
Its10 years later & still looking for the long lost ranger of the chocolate payday, who do we need to fight for the return of this so simple candy bar? It is time
Derrick—start a Facebook Group “It’s Time For a Return to a Real Chocolate Payday Candy Bar” and I’ll join it.
Let’s see how many people we can get!
When will you bring back the chocolate Payday? Those were the BEST chocolate candy bars EVER!!!!
Best candy bar I ever had. Wish you would bring them back.chocolate pay day. Let89
The chocolate Payday is by no ways new. I worked for a General Motors plant in Flint, MI. I retired in the early 90’s, & bought them all the time from the vending machine. After retiring I could not find them in stores. I LOVED THEM!! Why would they discontinue them? I will certainly be on the lookout for them. They are addictive, I would buy other candy bars & give them away just to get to the next Payday, to stock up on MY Paydays
I noticed the description that Cybele wrote was written when she was still bac east in NYC, though was was from Massachuetts..she moved to L.a. as us here know….I was never really into the regular Paydays myselkf…I love me some Pearson’s Salted Nut Rolls..
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