Food of the Seventies, Winner Suckers

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Description
Red cherry or grape suckers that cost a nickle. Open and find "Winner" on a strip of white paper and you get a free one. They may be a carry over from the 60's though. We used to get them at the drive in theater.
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User Stories and Comments

The following are comments left about Winner Suckers from site visitors such as yourself. They are not spell checked or reviewed for accuracy.

Tami - June 10, 2008 - Report this comment
I loved the old winner suckers and wondered if they still make them?
Judi - October 17, 2008 - Report this comment
I used to buy winner suckers on my way to school with my lunch money in the early 60's! I would love to have a grape one again! Do they still make them? I could'nt find them in the nostalgic candy stores online.
Charles McRae - October 28, 2008 - Report this comment
Those Winner Suckers were great! and I was just thinking about them, and that's how I came across this site. I wish someone could post a picture of them yes Cherry and Grape Flavored Only, and I won My share of them from a new box waiting to be opened, or the last three in box. Those were the Days. Sure would like to see a picture of one.
Don S. - January 09, 2009 - Report this comment
We got them at the movies and at the little junk-food/candy store across from our junior high. Does anyone know who made them?
Manuel N. - January 11, 2009 - Report this comment
I believe Tootsie Roll made them (was the hard candy part of the Tootsie Pop?) but have come across somewone who called them "Charms"
Pat - January 11, 2009 - Report this comment
I use to sell them as a fundraiser in the 70's trying to find them now. plz help..mbfyouthserv@aol.com
Lori - February 04, 2009 - Report this comment
I love the winner suckers, there was a store across from the elementry school, parents would give their kids 1.00 on their birthdays to take the whole class to the store, each kid would get a nickle..... we would always buy the winner suckers and hopefully get 2 or 3.....Would love to have one!!! They need to start making them again...
SANDRA - July 14, 2009 - Report this comment
WE SOLD WINNER SUCKERS IN OUR FAMILY STORE - THEY CAME IN GRAPE AND CHERRY AND THEY HAD BUMPY THINGS ON THE FRONT OF THEM.
CAROL R - July 18, 2009 - Report this comment
I LOVED THOSE WINNER SUCKERS GROWING UP AS A KID, WE USED TO BUY THEM AND IF WE FOUND A STICKER THAT HAD THE WORD WINNER ON IT WE WOULD GO GET ANOTHER CHERRY OR GRAPE SUCKER, I WISH THEY WOULD MAKE THOSE GREAT TASTING SUCKERS AGAIN PLZ
carol m - March 04, 2010 - Report this comment
i loved these and have been trying to find them for years. PLEASE, if anyone knows how or whre to get these. let me know.
carol m - March 04, 2010 - Report this comment
if anyone knows where or how to get these please let us know. it is a little bit of childhood that holds very fond memories for me and my sister.
Regan - March 24, 2010 - Report this comment
I have been looking for them too, can't locate them or remember the correct name. will continue to check for updates on this item.
drrob - March 29, 2010 - Report this comment
my family also had a neighborhood store across the street from the elementary school. we had winner suckers just like they are discribed. I have search high and low for them and also CHUM GUM, but have been unable to find them. WE also had peanuts that were spanish peanuts in a little round cylinder that some had money in waxed paper in the bottom. I can not remember what they were called, but they are a unique memory too! God Bless!
ron pinson - April 01, 2010 - Report this comment
in phx ariz i love those suckers but i think the name was pick-a-winner sucker
Pam - April 06, 2010 - Report this comment
Werent they called 'Im a winner" bumpy on one side smooth on the other and you got a winner pretty often. Loved them.
ron pinson - April 15, 2010 - Report this comment
is there anybody in the world that knows who made or sold the winner sucker, i can,t believe no one knows who made them
carol m - April 19, 2010 - Report this comment
i've only found one other person who remebers CHYM GUM. so at least i'm not nuts.
brenda's candie sundaes - June 30, 2010 - Report this comment
I make candie sundaes and I use suckers I WOULD SURE LIKE TO FIND THEM.
Tim - June 30, 2010 - Report this comment
Winner suckers were definitely around during the '60s. I used to get them at the Little League snack stand. One time I was buying one and I got 4 or 5 winners in a row - talk about luck!
mark - July 17, 2010 - Report this comment
winners were my favorit sucker for a nickel. they were replace with the sour pop from charms.
ps - July 17, 2010 - Report this comment
hat was wrong with my first coment.
mary - September 22, 2010 - Report this comment
Winner suckers were my favorite kind of lollipops!! I loved eating those everyday. If you know the name of the company who makes them, please let me know. They sold only grape and cherry. They were deleciious!! I would buy several at a time and win 2 or 3 free suckers. On the back it said, I'm a winner!! Those suckers are real--winners. I hope they start making them again.
David - September 27, 2010 - Report this comment
I went to school at Rockwood elementary in Ok city Ok. there was a little store across the street north of the school. I used to buy the winner sucker there along with munster bubblegum trading cards. I would really like to find these suckers again, they were awesome.
Sue - October 24, 2010 - Report this comment
I can't believe I found this site! I have been thinking about those suckers for quite a while now and like others would love to have another one. Fond memories. When you only had a quarter to spend on candy of course you would buy these suckers hoping to get more for your money.
Laurie - November 08, 2010 - Report this comment
I have been trying to find them myself...we used to get them at the little league field, in the sixties, in Compton, California. Cherry and grape, and yes, bumpy on one side, and the winning piece of paper inside, hopefully. LOVED THEM! (IThe name Charms came to my mind as well, but no luck in finding them)
Dino & Carol - November 18, 2010 - Report this comment
It's the little things in life isn't it! My wife and I talk about winner suckers all the time and the memories, did you ever rub them the bumps on your tongue and go ahh ahh ahhh. san diego
Baldwin - November 24, 2010 - Report this comment
I like many loved those suckers and the thrill of winning every now and then. What a sweet memory!
Karen D - December 26, 2010 - Report this comment
I remember the bumpy cherry & grape "winner" suckers too! My uncle would take me to a local saloon where he enjoyed a "light brown soda" and my sister and I would win one sucker after another! I guess that my uncle and I were both winners - since my aunt was Baptist and didn't believe in drinking.
D.O.T. - January 24, 2011 - Report this comment
I remember them as "Pick a Winner" suckers. I'd pay a dollar now,no prob.,mmmmmmmm.
D.O.T. - January 24, 2011 - Report this comment
I think they were bumpy to resemble a berry,like a blackberry or? not sure ,but sure would buy em if they came back. they were around at the same time as double cola and bubble up....
Dennis Gannon - March 14, 2011 - Report this comment
Winner suckers were the best. Candy was stronger tasting back then, the grape was very grape and the cherry was strong cherry. Sorta like the soda pops back then had real sugar and had a stronger kick instead of the bland syrup they have now.
Robin - March 24, 2011 - Report this comment
A fond childhood memory(Detroit). Good to know kids as far as California enjoyed them too. We would lick the bumpy side until it cut our tongue. Silly kids!!!
Rex Wheeler - April 30, 2011 - Report this comment
I loved getting them after Little League games in Fountain Valley, California in the 1970's. The "bumpy" front that simulated grapes was cool. Someone needs to market these again! I can't believe no one can nail down the company that made them!
Regina - June 08, 2011 - Report this comment
I have been telling my co-workers about these "Winner Suckers" for sometime now, but could never find them on the Old Fashioned Candy sites. I was beginning to think that I had imagined them. Those were the "Good Old Days" (in the 60's). My sister and I always look forward to going to the little country store in our community and buying these and hoping to get more for our money. Would love to see them come back. Wonder if they would still be called "Winner Suckers". Nothing seems to be free these days.
Bev - July 12, 2011 - Report this comment
I have been telling my children about these suckers. I purchased them in a small candy store near my school. I thought the bumps resembled grapes and I may be wrong about this, but the wrappers were red for cherry and purple for grape, but I thought both wrappers said "Grape Suckers" and also "Pick A Winner". I always thought it strange that the red ones said Grape, but I just thought it was because it had the bumps. I've looked. I'm guessing they are no longer made, but if the company, whoever it was, started making them again - wouldn't we all buy them and buy them for our children and grandchildren?
Kim Griffis LeBlanc - August 03, 2011 - Report this comment
Wow it sure is reassuring to know that there are other people who thought so much of these little big suckers back in little league concession stands!! man we should get together spread the love and good memories down to our children and grandchildren and patent this again!!
Van - August 14, 2011 - Report this comment
Ooooh!!! It is so nice to see I am not the only one who miss this favorite candy. I bought these as early as 1967. Never was without a couple at all time. For five cents I could win one to share
brandon - August 21, 2011 - Report this comment
i used to live on them at the little leage concession i would stand there and get a winner every other sucker, so i would end up with a pocket full of suckers and be in heaven for daze. heck one coke bottle refund and i could eat candy for two days in the 60's.
Pete - September 24, 2011 - Report this comment
I truly thought I was the only one that remembered these.
Jackie - September 27, 2011 - Report this comment
My grandparents owned a grocery store and when the candy would come in me and my cousin would get the box of suckers and open them up and take the winner strip off and close them up again....We were was so mean!!...lol
Sharon - November 03, 2011 - Report this comment
My sister and I would go to the little store on the corner of our street, in St. Louis, in the (60's)I remember so fondly, walking in the rain with our umbrellas, raincoats and little boots. Hoping to find a winner, on our favorite suckers. Yes, I loved the little bumps. Wow! truly those were the good ole days. Do anyone remember a gum that was out at that time named Gum Gum, it came in this blue and white paper, with just a little powder on it. That gum was the best.
DEE - November 16, 2011 - Report this comment
WHERE CAN I BUY A WINNER SUCKER? IF ANYONE KNOWS PLEASE SHARE. THANK YOU
Ken - November 19, 2011 - Report this comment
They were called Ikes Lucky Suckers
Chuck - November 19, 2011 - Report this comment
Thats what they were called, Thanks, Ken
JOYCE - November 21, 2011 - Report this comment
I LOVED THESE SUCKERS WHEN I WAS A CHILD AND LONG FOR THEM AGAIN. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE ANOTHER ONE AND I WOULD LOVE FOR MY GRANDCHILDREN TO TASTE THEM. THEY WERE THE BEST PART OF MY CHILDHOOD MEMORIES.
Cindy - November 26, 2011 - Report this comment
Oh my gosh, in the late 60's I would buy a winner sucker after every girl softball game I played.. At the snack shack, one time I won 5 or 6 in a row. Winner suckers were the best! Poway Cali, near San Diego... Those were the days
Carolyn - November 30, 2011 - Report this comment
OMGosh! For years I've thought I was the only one still thinks about the Winner Suckers!I loved those suckers! They would last so long. We had a gas heater in our house, and after I had ridden the school bus for 30 minutes (sucking on my Winner sucker the whole time), I would get warm and stick my sucker in the flames. It was awesome--made it even better, if that's possible! I want one right now--in Texas!!!
Loretta - November 30, 2011 - Report this comment
OMG, My sister-in-law and I were talking about these suckers this past weekend. I was saying that the bumps would hold extra flavor for some strange reason. lol, I am from Detroit and I can not find anyone that sells them. Please someone find out where they are. Cherry was my favorite.
Debra - December 18, 2011 - Report this comment
We would get these suckers at the corner store in East St. Louis, Illinois. What a blast from the past.
Scott - January 05, 2012 - Report this comment
Imperial Beach Ca.(most southwesterly city in the contenental US) little league from 69-73. the only compalintwas how to get the sticker off to eat it.
Priscilla - March 17, 2012 - Report this comment
I dream about"winner suckers" and "chum gum". It was nothing like going to our little neighborhood store on Saturdays. The suckers were wrapped in purple or red waxy paper. I loved running my tounge over the bumps on one side of the sucker. Oh and "chum gum". It was awesome. Made my Oklahoma childhood memorable. Wish both were available now.
Diana - March 21, 2012 - Report this comment
Bring these suckers back! kids these days don't know what they're missing.
wayne - April 22, 2012 - Report this comment
i remember them also, i used to unwrap them and look for the winner on the back before i did anything..Got them at a corner small grocery store on the way to grade school 60's and 70's ..
mills - May 25, 2012 - Report this comment
I believe it was charms, I remember getting them at the 7/11 in the 70s as a kid: try http://flickr.com/photos/jasonliebigstuff/4296782797/in/photostream
Paul G - June 20, 2012 - Report this comment
Love these Suckers as a kid! Couldn't wait to always Win one!
Dale - July 22, 2012 - Report this comment
I used to get these at the neighborhood corner store in St Paul, Minesota. Those were the days!
Joy - July 25, 2012 - Report this comment
When I was a kid I would buy a winner sucker at the corner store and sometimes I would get so many winners I would go home and trade with my brothers to do my after school chores, dishes or take out the trash those were the good ol dayz.
Ron J - July 29, 2012 - Report this comment
The gum was called Chum Gum it was powdery If I remember correctly it tasted like soap-lol
Ron j - July 29, 2012 - Report this comment
Does anyone remember the fudge bars(icecream) having a free printed on the stick?
Ron J - July 29, 2012 - Report this comment
How about a flying saucer that looked like paper that you could eat?
Terri - October 09, 2012 - Report this comment
I have looked everywhere for the winner suckers for years but haven't found them. We lived in Hawaii at the time so it was middle to late 60's when we were buying/winning them. I decided they were a local product finally but I guess not. Cherry was my favorite. Bring.Them.Back!!!!
Audrey - October 25, 2012 - Report this comment
I too miss the Winner suckers. I would love to give these suckers at my 50th high school reunion -- I think it would joyously add to our trip down memory lane. I'd place one at each table setting and ask our guests not to open them until we called their table numbers. We could give a gift to those who have the "winner" suckers. Does anyone know -- I think they were made by "Charms."
M Skinner - December 15, 2012 - Report this comment
I have a box that they came in. They were made by Pearson Candy Co., a division of W.R. Grace & Co. Culver City, CA 90230. Wish it was still full of grape suckers!
J Snow - January 10, 2013 - Report this comment
My sisters and brother used to get those cherry and grape winner suckers at a confectionary in Kirkwood, Missouri, near my Grandma's house. Just the thought of the flavors makes my mouth water.
Joey - February 08, 2013 - Report this comment
I remember thes delightful and wonderful true flavor and not all this other chemicals they addes to the candy now-a-days, my Sister when we lived in Missouri had to drag my brothers and I out of the store in Brashear, Missouri. We just walked in buy and enjoyed getting more and more and ...more.... yep really great flavors. Walked home alot just to stop at the store.!!! Now if we can get these back and loose some of the things that are not so good. remembering these are great. Thank you to whom ever puts them out again.
Bill - February 26, 2013 - Report this comment
I too can't believe I found this site. I was eating these suckers in the 50's and thought they were Pearson's suckers. We lived in an oil camp in isolated west Texas and the small corner store carried them. Everyone was a "winner" at one time or another. Long live the memories of North Cowden.
David - February 26, 2013 - Report this comment
In the 60's and 70's we got these at the little league baseball snack bars
Deb - March 08, 2013 - Report this comment
We had a little store by our grade school that sold them. I remember them as Ike's suckers but I remember more flavors. I know orange was in there. They had flat backs and the bumps on the front were just a border around the edge and they had winner messages in some of them.
Lee - March 08, 2013 - Report this comment
These suckers only came in grape and cherry. The wrapper was paper, not cellophane. They were wonderful, I bought them at the 'dairy way' on south Washington street in Wichita, Kansas. They had a big candy selection in the window and you ordered from the walk-up window.
Kathy - March 10, 2013 - Report this comment
I used to go to the Corner Market in Glenrock Wy and would try to figure out which one was a winner! They were the best suckers I have ever had. I so wish they would bring them back. I would get so excited when they opened a new box as I thought I would have a better chance of getting a winner. Those were the days!
Ken - March 18, 2013 - Report this comment
They were called, Ike's Lucky Suckers.
Lala Oopsie - March 26, 2013 - Report this comment
If I put these winner suckers up for sale, would any of you buy them from me? How much should I sell them for? I want to start selling them real----soon!!!! I'll leave my phone number and address so you can contact me. Thank You!!! sincerely, Lala Oopsie
Lala Oopsie - March 26, 2013 - Report this comment
Anyone want to buy some candy from Lala Oopsie? Please leave me a comment.
BBB - April 22, 2013 - Report this comment
If anyone makes these suckers again please make them exactly like they were made years ago. We will all know if they are smaller and don't taste the sme as we remember. Please, please, please. Thank-you!!!
First Lady - April 30, 2013 - Report this comment
Wow! amazing we are talking about this is class most people don't remember. My favor sucker looked forward to the winning sucker on the back.
vicki - May 26, 2013 - Report this comment
They were called PICK A WINNER suckers
Donna Claborn - August 28, 2013 - Report this comment
I called them winner suckers. They came in grape and cherry only and they had little bumps on the front were flat on the back. You had a chance to win a free one if there was a sticker on the back that said "Your are a winner". Someone please help me find them. I will buy many, many boxes.
Vickie - September 21, 2013 - Report this comment
Yep it was just "Winner Sucker" used to buy them at the Bobby Sox field in the 60's in El Cajon CA
Rick - November 06, 2013 - Report this comment
I grew up in Norco Ca. I too loved those suckers. I used to get them at Parmenter little league park. We could get a free one if we kept score on the old scoreboard.
Kelly - November 21, 2013 - Report this comment
I too have thought about these suckers for years. I've told my kids about them too. I'm going to contact the company that made them and ask them to consider making them again. They were so good and it was so much fun getting the winner. I would open mine in the store before I even walked out just incase I had the winner, I could get another one right then and there.
Debbie T. - December 28, 2013 - Report this comment
Please bring back the winner suckers. I loved them as a child.
Ray H - January 23, 2014 - Report this comment
My friends and I bought Winner Suckers in Odessa, TX as early as 1955-56 at a corner store near Sa Jacinto Elementary School. We would distract the owner and open the suckers to make sure we had winners before we bought them. Then we could always get 2-3 suckers for a nickel. Good suckers; good memories!
Linda - February 08, 2014 - Report this comment
We bought them in Upper Michigan in the late 60's/early 70's. They were a nickel and you hoped for a seoncd one!
Cynthia - June 09, 2014 - Report this comment
I cannot believe all the comments are exactly how I feel about this sucker. I drew a picture and sent it to my sister, and she recognized it too just didn't know the name. but I remember how the wrapper was folded nice and flat in the back. This site has made my day
Barry Pearson - October 16, 2014 - Report this comment
We sold the Pearson Candy Co. and stopped making the Grape Suckers and It's-a-Winners about 1973. We were located in Culver City, California. I've considered producing them again but, the cost of specialized machinery is very high. Sincerely B W Pearson Questions: barrywpearson@yahoo.com
Mike Dean - January 11, 2015 - Report this comment
Loved those suckers, late 60's during Little league in San Diego. Missing regal crown sours, and Bubs Daddy rope gum. A nickel got us a lot of candy then.
Lynn R - January 22, 2015 - Report this comment
Such wonderful memories of Bobby Sox softball games concession stands in Spring Valley, Ca. I would buy these in grape or cherry and hope for a winner! I got good at feeling the back of the sucker with my thumb nail and finding the winners out of t he box. What great memories!
Tanis - February 02, 2015 - Report this comment
I used to get them at the drive in in Mason, Texas. I got them because I usually picked a "winner" and ended up with several pieces of candy instead of one piece of candy. I'm ready for another one! Please make them again!
Pamela Jackson - February 15, 2015 - Report this comment
Wish someone would bring them back the would be good fund raisers for schools and churches.
Kathy W. - March 02, 2015 - Report this comment
I loved the winner suckers! One time we bought an entire box of them and took them on a camping trip. I believe they were made by Ike's in Utah, but I can't find them anywhere now. Such a yummy and nostalgic treat--I'd love to be able to find them again.
Debbee - March 14, 2015 - Report this comment
I miss the "lucky' cherry and grape Winner Suckers😄 Loved going back into Bob's grocery in Vidor, Texas to present my winnng stripe of paper👍👍🐝🐝
Doris C. - June 17, 2015 - Report this comment
I loved the grape and cherry flavor Winner suckers. We had a corner store named Taylor Grocery store and we would stop at the store after school to buy a winner sucker and if you was lucky enough to chose a winner sucker with a sticker you would get a free one. I missed those days in the 70's. The candy back then was Good!!!
Rachelle - October 08, 2015 - Report this comment
Ah...memories from childhood. Loved the Winner suckers.
Jim - October 18, 2015 - Report this comment
My sister loved them. We buy each other candy from our past. Clove,Blackjack and Beemans gum. She said to me yesterday find me the Winner suckers we use to get at your little league games. I had no idea that so many of us were out there. Is there anyone making them?
Lara - October 21, 2015 - Report this comment
CHARM was name with dots on wrapping.
Shannen - October 23, 2015 - Report this comment
I did ALOT of research for my aunt over these cause she spoke so highly of them and wanted to find them for her. So I found out that when Pearson Candy Co sold the puck a winner suckers became Charms sweet pops. I hav a picture But this sight won't let me download it but you can go to www.oldtimecabd.com and look up charms sweet pops. They now come in a few more flavors but supposedly they taste the same. Good Luck every on I hope that helps you out.
nancy brooks - December 02, 2015 - Report this comment
I was just laying here thinking about the Lucky suckers. They were raspberry and grape. I was raised in a little town called SPRING city in mo.there was a little store called cornells. And we bought the suckers there.. for five cents.
LA MIMS - April 08, 2016 - Report this comment
WE SOLD THESE IN OUR FAMILY STORE BUT 10 YEARS EARLIER THEY WERE MY FAVORITE . I BOUGHT THEM AT REV. RAY SHOULDERS PARTY STORE IN DETROIT ON FENKELL AVE. AND QUINCY. I ALWAYS WON, ALMOST EVERYDAY.
Scott W. - April 28, 2016 - Report this comment
The elementary school, Frank Parent, that I went to in L.A. during the mid 1960's had these at their annual Halloween carnival. I loved the cherry ones and I especially loved the bumpy side! Soooo good! I really wish someone would find the original molds & remake them.
Dave S. - July 25, 2016 - Report this comment
They were made by Pearson Candy Company, Inc. out of Culver City, California not the Pearson Candy Co from the midwest. Used to get them at the little league snack shack back in 1960-1963. You can Wiki it.
brenda - August 05, 2016 - Report this comment
Yes I would look to get a coin or paper saying I get a free one. They were shaped like an ear of vorn
DPH - October 31, 2016 - Report this comment
we would get the after the Little LEAGUE GAMES IN THE MID 60"S FROM THE SNAKE BAR 5 CENTS COULD NOT BEAT IT. THEY LOOKED LIKE AN OLD TIME REFLECTOR ON A BIKE
Andrea Pederson - January 24, 2017 - Report this comment
We used to buy Winner Suckers at the Scera Pool in Orem Utah. I think they were made by Ike's Candy in Salt Lake City, Utah. They went out of business many years ago. Ike Hall's brother, Ralph Hall owned a candy company in Manhattan Beach California called Kay's Candy that also made colorful wrapped and swirled rainbow looking suckers, but not the Winner sucker.
Vic - February 16, 2017 - Report this comment
I am so glad that I came upon this blog. I too have such fond memories of these lucky suckers. In a time when candy was a rare treat, winning an additional candy was DOUBLE the pleasure. I would most definitely buy them again.
Kathy Bezyack - February 23, 2017 - Report this comment
my father owned a grocery store back in the day. He sold the winner suckers on his counter at the store. I too would love to purchase a box of these. I forgot who made them? Any clue?
Letty Cruz - March 30, 2017 - Report this comment
I thought I was crazy, why is there no trace left? They were so delicious! The flavor was so intense, the wrapper was wax paper. The bumps and the smooth back, the white sticker on the back. Brings back memories.
Manny - June 09, 2017 - Report this comment
We always got them at the little league field snack bar we use to sprinkle salt too give it the sweet & Salty taste it was the Bomb ! 😋
Margie Wichita, KS - July 20, 2017 - Report this comment
I loved, loved, loved,these suckers and it seemed like I was winning a sucker every other time after I bought one. Come on, somebody help us find the manufacturer of this candy. It would be nice to find them again.
Cathie - August 08, 2017 - Report this comment
I loved these! I've been wondering about them for years! I'd really like a grape one again. I got them as a kid on the way to school at a drugstore in Grand Rapids MI. I found something on Wikipedia about them but it doesn't look like I can post the link. Look up Pearson Candy Company. They are called It's a Winner Suckers.
Chuck - August 09, 2017 - Report this comment
We used to get them as our after game treat when I played Little League Baseball. It was in San Diego 1968-1969 time frame.
Pam - October 12, 2017 - Report this comment
I used to get these catty-corner from my elementary school in Collinsville, OK. You had to have a note from a parent to cross the street to M.R. Grocery on the corner. The kids called it Mr. Grocery. The old man or woman who worked there(or maybe owned) would unwrap the sucker right there and if it was a winner, they would rip off the paper hand you the sucker right then. Now people would be appalled if someone did that--so many germs! Those germs were tasty!
JoeG - October 28, 2017 - Report this comment
I remember them being Ike's Lucky Sucker. Am I wrong?
LJB - January 24, 2018 - Report this comment
I also remember them as “Pick a Winner.” We bought them at the H&H on Cleveland Ave. in San Diego, 60s. It’s possible that the brand name varied by sales area, accounting for the different names reported above. If you traded in two pop bottles, you could buy one :)
ecliff - February 04, 2018 - Report this comment
I heard from a candy store owner that the company that made them went out of business, & the recipe is lost.
DarinD - March 31, 2018 - Report this comment
The public swimming pool concession stand sold them 10 cents each or 3 for 25 cents and honored the "winner" strip on the back of the winning suckers. So glad to see others that remember them.
Angie - May 11, 2018 - Report this comment
My favorite candy as a kid! Been looking for them for years but couldn’t remember the name. I remember going to uptown with my friends during noon recess, which I wasn’t supposed to do, buying a sucker with the winner sticker and not taking it because I didn’t want my mom to find out I had gone uptown!
Maureen - July 01, 2018 - Report this comment
They were called "Winner" suckers, just as others have said. Each sucker cost a nickel. The flavors were grape and cherry. If you found a sticker on your unwrapped sucker, you got a free one. I bought them at a Circle K near my house. I, too, have looked for them for years...unsuccessfully. Phx.
Doug - October 09, 2018 - Report this comment
They were called "It's a winner". they were made by Pearsons candy company. Nestles took them over. Pearsons were known for their "Nibs" candies. They were 5 cents and were bumpy on the front and smooth on the back with a white paper that said "It's a Winner".
ronnie - October 28, 2018 - Report this comment
the winner suckers were my favorite suckers,i was very lucky picking the winner sucker,sometime picking two winners,the old mean store clerk started hiding them from me saying they were sold out,because i was picking all the winners from newly open boxes.so i went to the candy counter on the days old mean Joe was not working and picked more winners.ha ha
Susan - February 06, 2019 - Report this comment
Winner suckers are showing up as made by the Charms company. The picture I have is red and purple cellophane white lettering and white dots. The ones I remember were wrapped in a wax paper like tootsie roll pops come in. I'm told you can still buy them. When I find out where, I will post the information here
Sandra - February 26, 2019 - Report this comment
Charms suckers do not have the raised bumps (resembling cherries or grapes), and are flatter and smaller. The original winner suckers are not made anymore. Wish someone would start making them again and they'd be an instant success. Time for a new candy revolution! I bought them in late 1950's in Utah! Let me know if you can find any, or want to joint venture and produce them again!
Richard Thompson - March 23, 2019 - Report this comment
This is great. I was just searching for a picture of the winner suckers. I used to buy them at my Little League baseball park snack bar for 5 cents. That was around 1968-1972.
carol - May 07, 2019 - Report this comment
The suckers were made by Pearson Candy Co a division of WR Grace & Co Culver City CA 90230. They were not made by Charms
Robert Bobby Hawes - May 10, 2019 - Report this comment
Yes! Everyone is right! Red & Purple with bumps on the front side and smooth back surface for the "Winner" sticker placement! Absolutely, "Candy's Greatest Invention!" I will always miss those and I've been looking vigorously on the internet for a photo of them so far, no luck at all
Denise - July 30, 2019 - Report this comment
I loved the Winner suckers! So delicious and such fun memories. I used to buy them (early 70’s) at a little diner called Lucy B’s in Desloge, Missouri that was across the street from my elementary school. Cherry (red) or Grape (purple). Bubbled top and smooth flat back. If you got a white sticker on the back with winner on it, you got a free one. Told my kids all about these. Wish they still made them. So much fun to read everyone’s memories of them.
Serena Lowman - October 24, 2019 - Report this comment
several of my family members in Michigan owned mom and pop stores along the coast of Lake Huron. Sometimes we would visit my favoriteGreat Uncle Bill’s store with his family lived by. We snuck into the store and we ever so gently opened up suckers until I got a winner! That was so fun and sweet!!!
Therese from Phx. Arizona - November 12, 2019 - Report this comment
They were so good. The cherry was my favorite. I wish we were able to still buy them. No other sucker today comes close. I love them still.
Dennis Connolly - December 16, 2019 - Report this comment
I use to buy them at the baseball games, loved it when I'd get a free one!
T Beckwith - March 16, 2020 - Report this comment
The Pearson Candy Company made the 5 cent "Winner" sucker in the 60's and 70's. It was later renamed "Charms" or "Charm pops" but no longer had the "winner" slip on the smooth side of the sucker. Ebay has an original box for sale (as of 3/16/2020) for $75.00! Yes that's seventy five bucks!
MsLynn915 - April 16, 2020 - Report this comment
I was sitting here tonight with my husband talking about winner suckers. It took us a minute to come up with the name so I googled it and found this site. A real blast from the past. Us baby boomers are really into the winner suckers. Wish I could have one right now.
Allison Roy - April 25, 2020 - Report this comment
I think about these suckers and the memories of my childhood in the 70’s. They were my favorite!!!! I didn’t realize there were others like me missing and wanting them.
A. Ashby - May 08, 2020 - Report this comment
I remember theses back in the 1970's. They tasted so good and it was exciting when you won a free one! Such good memories!
R Maldonado - October 23, 2020 - Report this comment
Winner sucker used to get them at Salty’s in Monahans,Texas in the 60’s.
Robin - January 03, 2021 - Report this comment
I’m from Oakland Ca., We used to buy them from the corner store 3 blocks from our house, and one block from the school. I won many winner suckers in my day!! My cousins and I would go to the store after school and buy them! What a joy it was to open it up and be a winner, get a free sucker, and open that up and win again!
Carol - January 19, 2021 - Report this comment
I also fondly remember the grape and cherry winner lollipops & that unique textured surface. Five cents each and I bought them at “Toy and Patio” a small local store in Sierra Madre California, where my friends and I went as often as we could to buy as much candy as we could. This was 1969.
Georell - February 05, 2021 - Report this comment
Our Tastee Freez in a little Eastern MT town Sold them for a nickel and I loved them so — they lasted forever! I would buy more in a heartbeat.
Tim mcwha - March 19, 2021 - Report this comment
Can’t believe no one has a picture of one. Loved them as a kid in the mid to late 60’s. Bumpy on one side and flat on the other with a sticker on the flat side that said “winner” if you were lucky! If you showed it to the clerk, you got to pick another. They were Blue or Red. Can’t find them online, dang it. I did find Astro pops which came along much later, good but not as good.
Ron - April 17, 2021 - Report this comment
My daughter was just telling me my granddaughter got a job at the little league snack bar, which made me think of back when I worked at mine in the 70’s. We didn’t get paid, but we could take a free winner sucker! That was enough for me so I worked there whenever I could. Trying to find a picture but it seems that’s an impossible task. Too bad, those are very fond memories.
Ernie - July 16, 2021 - Report this comment
I remember as a 12 year old in the 1970's I bought a Charm sucker with a "free" sticker on the back...I got the free sucker and it also had a a "free" sticker...I got 3 suckers for the price of 1...ahh, the good ole days.
Cecmtz - February 06, 2022 - Report this comment
Those suckers were raspberry and grape. They were not charms. Wish I could find them
Charlie - March 17, 2022 - Report this comment
A lot of the guys in my neighborhood have told me that my wife is a "winner sucker" I hope they're just pulling my leg :(
Dajjer - May 08, 2022 - Report this comment
Thanks Ronnie for the history lesson. Pearsons candy needs to update their website because 50 years later we all still remember. Its a winner was the go to candy when you had little funds and wanted to go to the movie theater. the Sucker sometimes lasted the whole movie.
paul - December 07, 2022 - Report this comment
what about the orange wax whistles that kids chewed
Harvey - December 22, 2022 - Report this comment
The brand for the Winner suckers you are talking about was Pearsons. I loved them.
macdoesit - January 29, 2023 - Report this comment
They were called Charms Pops, Wild Cherry and Grape. I have a picture.
KATIE - March 02, 2023 - Report this comment
I WAS TELLING MY HUSBAND HOW WE WOULD BUY THE WINNER SUCKERS BEFORE SCHOOL AND IT WOULD LAST ALL DAY BUT THE BEST PART WAS WINNING.I COULD BARELY FIT THE SUCKER IN MY MOUTH. FLAT ON ONE SIDE AND BUMPY ON THE OTHER. LOVED BOTH FLAVORS BUT MOSTLY GRAPE BECAUSE THE BUMPS REMINDED ME OF GRAPES. LOL MISS THOSE FOR SURE.
David from Santa Barbara - April 02, 2023 - Report this comment
I have a pic of a surfer holding one. From a page from a surfer magazine. It looks like the grape flavored one.
David from Santa Barbara - April 02, 2023 - Report this comment
I agree that the name of one of the two available suckers was “Pearson’s Grape Sucker” and the display box advertised “Pick a Winner!” It wasn’t a Charms candy.
David from Santa Barbara - April 04, 2023 - Report this comment
Barry Pearson. You show your email above. I tried and it came back undeliverable. Please add a useable email address. I have a question. Thank you.
Young from Detroit - May 09, 2023 - Report this comment
Just won a bet with my Daughter, and the bet was a sucker and i had a flashback to the old winner suckers.
Tanner - October 22, 2023 - Report this comment
I was addicted to “its a winner” suckers. Grape was best, but lived cherry too. If only I could find them again. Loved the bumps. If only I knew back then I would took a picture 🥲
Donna from Oklahoma - October 30, 2023 - Report this comment
I cannot believe there are so many people who know what Winner Suckers are! I could not remember their name until I just put in the question about one side of them being molded like a bunch of grapes! OHSOGOOD! I loved Winner Suckers. Can we still get them anywhere?
Terry - November 28, 2023 - Report this comment
Oh my goodness!!! This has made my day! Winner suckers have been in my mind for years! My mother was a candy lady in the neighborhood, and got her can’t from Wayne’s candy company here in Memphis,Tn. I still love them even though I haven’t had one since the late sixties, she died in 1970. Another sucker I loved was the Corn Sucker!!!
David - September 22, 2024 - Report this comment
Those suckers sure were so good and i won a few suckers as well. The TG&Y store by my house sold them. Someone here mentioned that brachs made them but not sure on that and another person here also claimed that it was made by Pearson who makes Nut Roll bars. Last I'd seen the Winner Sucker was at a tourist general store at San Diegos Old Town about ten years ago so I'd guess hard to find but still around.
Kris - October 12, 2024 - Report this comment
They were called Charms Pops. Getting a winner was like hitting the lottery.
Jodi - October 15, 2024 - Report this comment
Pearson's Winner Suckers! I remember them just as fondly as all the people here. There is a photo on Google of the box.

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