Top Circus Peanuts Brands for a Nostalgic Snack Adventure

Circus peanuts, those nostalgic marshmallow candies with their distinct banana flavor, have been a favorite treat for many decades. They are often formed into the shape of a peanut, giving them their iconic look. Various brands have embraced the challenge of perfecting this classic candy, each with their own unique twist on flavor and texture. To explore the brands that stand out in crafting these whimsical confections, take a look below.

Illustration of circus peanuts

Best brands of circus peanuts in 2025

Spangler Candy

Spangler Candy, a leading producer of circus peanuts, manufactures approximately 32,000 pounds of these marshmallow candies per day. The company, which has been making circus peanuts for over a century, ensures high quality using ingredients like sugar, gelatin, and corn syrup. Despite being only about 5% of Spangler's business, circus peanut sales have seen a 10% increase in recent years, driven largely by nostalgia. Spangler also offers seasonal varieties, such as heart-shaped for Valentine's Day and Easter-themed shapes. The traditional orange, peanut-shaped version remains the best-seller.

Brach's

Brach's, although more renowned for its candy corn, is also a significant producer of Circus Peanuts, alongside other major manufacturers like Melster Candies and Spangler Candy Company. These companies have been producing Circus Peanuts for over a century, with Spangler Candy Co. alone producing 32,000 pounds daily since 1941. Despite the candy's divisive taste, it remains a nostalgic treat for many. The production process involves a complex mixture of sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and pectin, resulting in a marshmallow-like texture and banana flavor. Circus Peanuts are gluten-free, fat-free, and devoid of major allergens, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers.

Sathers

Sathers, although not as prominently mentioned as other brands, is associated with the production of circus peanuts through its parent company, Farley's & Sathers, which is one of the four main companies producing these candies. However, the primary producers that are well-documented include Spangler Candy, Melster Candies, and Brach's Confections. Spangler Candy, for instance, produces about 32,000 pounds of circus peanuts daily and has been manufacturing them since the 1930s. Despite the lack of specific data on Sathers' production volume, circus peanuts remain a nostalgic treat with a dedicated market share. Their sales have seen fluctuations, with a 10% increase in some years, highlighting their enduring presence. For more details on how circus peanuts are actually made.

Zachary Confections

Contrary to common misconceptions, Zachary Confections is not linked to the production of Circus Peanuts. The true leader in this segment is Impact Confections, which produces 80 percent of all Circus Peanuts in the United States. This prominent position was secured through their acquisition of the Melster Candies portfolio, solidifying Impact Confections as the principal manufacturer of this nostalgic candy.

SweetGourmet

Sweet Smiles, not SweetGourmet, is one of the notable producers of circus peanuts, offering a classic peanut-shaped marshmallow candy with a unique banana flavor and a soft, spongy texture. These circus peanuts are gluten-free, fat-free, and come in a convenient 6 oz resealable bag to maintain freshness. Each serving of three pieces contains 110 calories and is made with ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. The vibrant orange color and nostalgic appeal make them a favorite among those seeking a throwback to vintage candy shops. Despite the challenges in production, such as precise moisture control and a 24-hour drying period, Sweet Smiles ensures high quality in their circus peanuts.

Claeys Candies

Claeys Candies, although not explicitly mentioned as a leading producer, is not identified as one of the best producers for circus peanuts. However, the main producers of circus peanuts include Spangler, which manufactures about 32,000 pounds per day and considers circus peanuts to account for about 5% of their business, with sales increasing by 10% in recent years. Other notable producers are Dallas-based Brach's Confections and Melster Candies in Cambridge, Wis., with Melster's sales also on the rise despite the candy's mixed reception. The traditional orange, peanut-shaped version remains the best-seller, largely due to nostalgia. These candies are known for their unique taste, often described as banana-like, and their chewy texture. For more insights on circus peanuts, you can read the full article about this candy's intriguing story on the Spokesman website.

Century Snacks

Century Snacks is not identified as a producer of circus peanuts in the available sources. Instead, Spangler Candy is highlighted as one of the primary and longstanding manufacturers of circus peanuts, producing about 32,000 pounds daily and using a complex process involving sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and pectin. Spangler Candy has been making circus peanuts since the 1930s and ensures they are gluten-free and free of common allergens. The candies have a unique texture and are shaped like peanuts, despite being banana-flavored. They contain 147 calories per serving of five peanuts, with 35 grams of sugar.

Albanese Confectionery

Albanese Confectionery is not a producer of circus peanuts; instead, it is renowned for its high-quality gummies and chocolate-covered goods. Founded in 1983 by Scott Albanese, the company is celebrated for its 12 Flavor Gummi Bears and other innovative products, including the first probiotic gummi introduced in 2007 and the Ultimate 8 Flavor Gummi Bears, which won the NEXTY Consumer Choice Award in 2020. Albanese employs around 700 workers and ships to 41 countries, making it a global leader in the confectionery industry. The company is known for its commitment to high-quality ingredients sourced from American and European growers. Albanese's products are free from common allergens and have received numerous awards for innovation and quality.

Bonhoome

The leading producers of circus peanuts are Melster Candies, Spangler Candy Company, and Brach's, with Spangler producing about 32,000 pounds of circus peanuts per day and witnessing a 10% increase in sales in recent years. Despite no mention of a "Bonhoome" brand in the industry, these manufacturers have secured their positions as dominant players by consistently delivering unique, iconic confectionery flavors that continue to capture consumer interest. The popularity and production scale reflect the strong demand and enduring appeal of this nostalgic candy treat.

Candy Farm

Circus peanuts, a beloved and enigmatic candy, are notably produced by several companies, but Spangler Candy Company stands out as a leading manufacturer. Spangler, celebrating its 100th anniversary, has been producing circus peanuts since the 1930s and makes approximately 32,000 pounds of these candies per day. Despite being a small portion of their business, circus peanuts account for about 5% of Spangler's sales, with sales increasing by 10% in recent years. These marshmallow treats, shaped like peanuts but tasting like banana, are a classic American candy that has survived for over 200 years. Spangler's dedication to quality and consistency has made their circus peanuts a favorite among both children and adults.