Thursday, February 2, 2006

Zagnut

Do you ever wish that Chick-o-Sticks came in larger bars? Ever wish that Butterfingers didn’t come with that fake chocolate? Ever want a little coconut on your 5th Avenue?

image

Zagnut has been around for ages and was once proudly made by the Clark company in Pittsburgh alongside the more famous grandfather, the Clark Bar. For some reason when the Clark company was broken up the Clark bar went to NECCO and the Zagnut bar went to Hershey’s. I have no explanation for this. My guess is that Clark was struggling to stay afloat and of course couldn’t sell off their namesake bar as a way to raise capital.

The bar was first introduced in 1930. (The Clark bar came out in 1917.) In a weird way, we have the military to thank for many of our favorite candy bars. Confectioners were usually enlisted to create ration bars for servicemen as quick and easy-to-carry calories. Servicemen would often get a taste for the bars (most of which were made with nuts and chocolate for a balance of protein, fats and carbs) and introduce them to their families back home.

The Zagnut bar, like the Chick-o-Stick is a great summer alternative to the 5th Avenue, because it has no chocolate coating to melt. It’s a large, flattened log of honeycombed peanut butter and molasses crisp. The flavorful and smooth center has a nice sparkle of salt in it and the toasty coconut on the outside goes surprisingly well with the molasses and peanut flavors. There’s some sort of a peanut/white chocolate coating on the bar, just enough to get the coconut to stick. If anything, this bar seemed more like a 5th Avenue than a Clark. (That’s a compliment.)

It’s a solid, midrange performer when it comes to candy bars, a good backup when maybe you don’t want an Almond Joy or maybe want a little more crunch than a 3 Musketeers. I know some folks aren’t keen on them, but now that Hershey’s has them in their stable, I’m actually seeing them more often. Now all they have to do is replace the hydrogenated oils in there.

Other Reading: Taquitos.net review and here’s what the wrapper used to look like.

Name: Zagnut
    RATING:
  • 10 SUPERB
  • 9 YUMMY
  • 8 TASTY
  • 7 WORTH IT
  • 6 TEMPTING
  • 5 PLEASANT
  • 4 BENIGN
  • 3 UNAPPEALING
  • 2 APPALLING
  • 1 INEDIBLE
Brand: Hershey's
Place Purchased: 99 Cent Only Store
Price: $.33
Size: 1.75 ounces
Calories per ounce: 131
Categories: Peanut, Coconut, United States, Hershey's, Kosher

POSTED BY Cybele AT 2:00 pm Tracker Pixel for Entry    

Comments
  1. Chick-o-stick used to make a larger sized candy.  It was a little longer than an average candy bar, maybe 7-8”.  The only ones I can find now are the bags of the individually wrapped bite size pieces.

    Comment by john on 2/10/06 at 1:50 pm #
  2. I was wandering if anyone knows where i can buy zagnut candy bars my father in law loves them.. Can i stil buy them in stores?
    Thanks

    Comment by Melissa McCarthy on 11/11/06 at 11:15 am #
  3. try ebay.com they have them

    Comment by Brandon on 2/10/07 at 1:03 pm #
  4. I think the zagnut is by far one of the all time best candy bars ever made!! I remember eating them as a girl and what a treat they were, I still love them! I buy them at nationwidecandy.com

    Comment by Barbara on 12/28/07 at 6:43 am #
  5. Where are the Zagnut candy bars!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by Julie on 5/10/08 at 5:21 pm #
  6. found some in winnetka IL.at a gas station on greenbay rd.a couple yrs ago

    Comment by Donald W Springstun on 7/13/08 at 10:23 am #
  7. Zagnut…My favorite candy bar of all time.  Maybe because I was introduced to it at the town community pool by a girl in a bikini that I had a crush on when I was about 13 yrs old! It has a great taste and doesn’t melt. Hard to find them in local stores in the Orlando area.

    Comment by Greg on 8/13/08 at 8:49 am #
  8. i found zagnut,oh=henry,chic-o-stick and others at mejer grocery sstore mchenry il.still looking for big hunk candy bar

    Comment by Donald W Springstun on 8/13/08 at 10:28 am #
  9. I CAN’T FIND ZAGNUT CANDY BARS ANYWHERE IN CENTRAL NC….HAS ANYONE SEEN ANY??? I MAY HAVE TO ORDER ONLINE, BUT YOU HAVE TO BUY A CASE AT A TIME. I JUST WANT ONE OR TWO. I DON’T WANT TO BE A GLUTTON.

    Comment by DARLENE on 10/06/08 at 5:57 am #
  10. I love Zagnut, and it seems they were a bit more available ten years ago. Or at least here in KCMO. But last year on a trip to the Ozarks i found them in a small gas station on state hwy 7, near its junction with either DD or FF. I’d bought 6…on this last trip i got 10…i love this candy bar!

    Comment by C-4 on 10/09/08 at 2:48 pm #
  11. For Darlene:

    Try the gas station at exit 132 on I 40/85.  The one at the corner of Mt Hope Church Rd and Millstream rd.

    Comment by Tom on 10/12/08 at 4:01 pm #
  12. Looking for Zagnut Bars in Oregon….....

    Comment by Nancy on 1/21/09 at 4:58 pm #
  13. where in oregon are you nancy?

    Comment by don on 1/22/09 at 3:06 am #
  14. check out your local true value or country grocer,gas station.

    Comment by don on 1/22/09 at 3:20 am #
  15. I live in Pittsburgh, where the Zagnuts were born, and I can’t find them!  My dad loves them.  Besides on-line, does anyone know where I can find them here in Pittsburgh??

    Comment by Marsha on 2/08/09 at 7:33 am #
  16. I believe Wegmans sells them.

    Comment by scott on 2/17/09 at 2:43 pm #
  17. I FOUND ZAGNUTS AT THE BP GAS STATION ON SOUTH FAYETTEVILLE STREET. THE ONE ON THE CORNER OF FOSTER STREET AND SOUTH FAYETTEVILLE ST. YUMMY!!!!!!

    Comment by DARLENE on 2/18/09 at 5:28 am #
  18. Where can I find Zagnut candy bars in Northern New Jersey?

    Comment by Gary on 3/02/09 at 3:13 pm #
  19. ZAGNUT is available at the Park Place deli in New Brunswick, NJ.

    Comment by Tim on 4/11/09 at 5:05 pm #
  20. Where can I find Zagnut bars in Los Angeles, CA?
    I love them!!!
    They used to sell them at Universal City Walk, but not anymorePlease Help.  grin

    Comment by Jay on 8/11/09 at 1:55 pm #
  21. Cybele's avatar

    Jay - I’ve heard that they have them at a shop called Rocket Fizz in Burbank - 2112 West Magnolia Blvd. (Also a location in Camarillo.)

    Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if they had it at Powell’s Sweet Shoppe in Long Beach, but you might want to call first it if it’s a trek.

    Comment by Cybele on 8/17/09 at 4:00 pm #
  22. Thanks Cybele!!!!

    I went to Rocket Fizz in Burbank and they had Zagnut bars along with lots of other good stuff!!!

    The people who worked there were great!

    Thanks again!

    Comment by Jay on 8/21/09 at 8:06 am #
  23. Zagnuts can be found in Oregon at Haggen’s stores.

    Comment by SteveW on 10/29/09 at 12:34 pm #
  24. Zagnut bars are great.  They were always a favorite from when I was a kid.  It’s too bad they aren’t sold like other candy bars.  The last time I bought any was at our local “99 cent” store and that was 2 or 3 years ago. The store workers even made comments about how many customers were happy to be able to buy them, and how long it had been since they’d been able to do so. 10/31/09

    Comment by Penny on 10/31/09 at 10:48 am #
  25. zagnut bulk at Mast General Store

    Comment by doug n on 1/24/10 at 10:12 am #
  26. I went for about 12 yrs and could not find Zagnut
    bars in Georgia.  About 3 months ago I found them
    in Family Dollars in 3 towns.  Once a week I would get 3 bars and when I got home I ate them all.  About a month ago Family dollars around
    me and in South Carolina stopped setting almost like they were recalled.

    Comment by Robert D on 2/07/10 at 4:53 pm #
  27. Can’t find them any where here, does anyone know where to find them around the Waco, Texas area. was introduced to them by a friend and fell in love and now I cant find them, they really hit the spot when I’m craving something sweet.

    Comment by Katie on 2/10/10 at 9:26 am #
  28. Does anyone know where to buy them locally in Louisville, Kentucky?

    Comment by Kelly on 2/13/10 at 3:27 am #
  29. Bristol, Pa. Amish Market (off Route 13 on Green Lane) has them!!! I couldn’t find them for a few years then I discovered these mini Zagnuts at one of the Amish candy stores. Yippee!!! All is right with the world again! Ha!Ha! P.S. They also have ‘to die for’ donuts at the bakery, fresh baked goods, great meats, all kinds of homemade salads and desserts, etc. This is in addition to their kindness and service!

    Comment by PEG HAMBRECHT on 2/25/10 at 11:38 am #
  30. they sell zagnut bars at Michaels craft store

    Comment by stevie lucas on 8/20/10 at 5:32 pm #
  31. They have them in a lot of sotres here in Southeaster CT. We actually have them in the snack machine at work. We also have some terrible dark chocolate clark bars. Don’t waste your money on those.

    Comment by Wilko on 8/30/10 at 11:21 am #
  32. where can I find some zagnut bars in

    Ft lauderdale,fl.  thanks

    Comment by gwen on 9/04/10 at 10:38 am #
  33. The Clark company came to an end because of several factors. Sadly the family inheritors had no pride or interest in salvaging the company.Instead of expanding to meet the demand for the candy they floundered and argued until it was too late and then sold each bar to the highest bidder. Some things are worth more than money and the zagnut bar is worth a lot to those of us who love it beyond reason.

    Comment by Teri on 9/11/10 at 6:53 am #
  34. Zagnuts were indeed born in Pittsburgh. However, you didn’t know what happened to D.L. Clark. I can tell you.

    Clark company went bankrupt and its assets were sold off.

    Comment by Lawrence on 10/03/10 at 10:41 pm #
  35. Where can I get Zagnuts in Las Vegas? I have been here for two years and haven’t found one. I bought boxes of them as I was traveling from Florida to Las Vegas, knowing they would be hard to find here

    Comment by starlin bradford on 12/01/10 at 6:01 am #
  36.   Where can I find a zagnut candy bar in or around the park hills Missouri area.

    Comment by Bill on 4/05/12 at 4:41 pm #
  37. Where can I find the zagnut candybar in the Park Hills Missouri area

    Comment by Bill on 4/05/12 at 4:44 pm #
  38. I just had my first zagnut… I have to admit, I’ve seen them recently, just never tried one…. OMgosh…. I bought two last night. I will definately be buying more (eating in moderation of course) Love, love, loveeee them…

    Comment by Steve Koon on 5/03/12 at 12:02 pm #
  39. @STEVIE LUCAS- You said AGNUTS can be found @ Michaels craft stores? Only in certain areas? Where are you writing from?

    Anyone know where I can locate the Zagnuts around Riverdale, GA THANKS!  smile

    Comment by Vickie Crow on 6/12/12 at 7:55 am #
  40. They can be found in Liberty SC at the Stop-a-minit.  I think other locations sell them as well.

    Comment by Me on 9/14/12 at 12:36 pm #
  41. Where can I buy zagnut candy bars in Williamsburg, Va?

    Comment by Jen on 12/22/12 at 1:05 pm #
  42. ZAGNUT candy bars are sold at Cracker Barrel Restaurants($1.19) 2 oz. bar, in Lexington, KY.

    Comment by Daisy on 7/26/13 at 11:06 pm #
  43. Found ZAGNUTS at most Sheetz gas stations in PA $1.29.  Love Emmmmmm

    Comment by Denise on 8/15/13 at 10:50 am #
  44. Opie’s Candy Store in Mt. Airy, North Carolina has some great magnets.

    Comment by leanna on 1/31/14 at 6:54 pm #
  45. where can I find a store in St. Augustine, florida,  that sells Zagnut candy bars?

    Comment by bobbi on 12/02/14 at 5:28 am #
  46. Melissa McCarthy: You’re not the now famous actress are ya?:) Everyone…I remember , like so many others, the chicken logo, but when it was feared that someone might think a gross fried chicken snack ( LOL) that was dropped. Forgot TOTALLY about Zagnut bar…

    Comment by SteveCarras on 1/09/15 at 12:49 am #
  47. Zagnut bars are one of my favorites. I discovered them while watching my favorite movie, Beetlejuice. They are hard to find, but sometimes our local gas stations (ac&t or sheetz) will carry them. When they do, I buy 4 or 5 at a time and slowly stock up! I’m not a fan of coconut, but the combination makes a surprisingly good candy!

    Comment by jwag on 3/05/15 at 12:47 am #
  48. zagnut can be found at Cracker Barrel.

    Comment by Karen on 6/07/15 at 7:59 am #
  49. Zagnuts can now be found in Oregon at Lolli and Pop candy store at Washington Square Mall in Tigard… unless I continue to buy them all. Ask the store manager Liz to order you a case and she will set it aside for you.

    Comment by Steven on 1/27/16 at 11:45 pm #
  50. Where can I find Zagnut locally?

    Comment by Traci Attman on 3/01/16 at 8:29 pm #
  51. Would love to find zagnut candy bars that I don’t have to buy in bulk.  Thanks!!

    Comment by Norma McClellan on 8/29/16 at 4:27 pm #
  52. Where can I get Zagnut bars in NYC?

    Comment by Rick Hill on 4/06/17 at 5:46 pm #
  53. My Mom loved these & I’ve noticed how hard they are to find. She use to get them at the local drug store in the town where we grew up in West Virginia. Have never seen one in the last 47 years in California where we live, but did find them in West VA/VA when we were back for a visit just a few years ago. Crazy that they are so sought after so yummy to this day yet impossible to find??? Why??? I always talk about them….but can’t find them…...

    Comment by Diane Buzzard on 4/13/17 at 3:59 pm #
Commenting is not available in this channel entry.

Next entry: Hershey’s Raspberries ‘n’ Creme

Previous entry: Silver Bear Toffee




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT

FEEDS

CONTACT

  • .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
  • Here are some frequently asked questions emailed to me you might want to read first.

EMAIL DIGEST

    For a daily update of Candy Blog reviews, enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

CANDY RATINGS

TYPE

BRAND

COUNTRY

ARCHIVES

Meticulously photographed and documented reviews of candy from around the world. And the occasional other sweet adventures. Open your mouth, expand your mind.

 

 

 

 

Facebook IconTwitter IconTumblr IconRSS Feed IconEmail Icon

COUNTDOWN.

Candy Season Ends

-2537 days

Read previous coverage

 

 

Which seasonal candy selection do you prefer?

Choose one or more:

  •   Halloween
  •   Christmas
  •   Valentine's Day
  •   Easter

 

image

ON DECK

These candies will be reviewed shortly:

 

 

image