17 Candy Commercials That Made No Sense But Worked
These candy ads were bizarre, confusing, and somehow made us want sugar immediately.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Candy commercials have never been known for subtlety, but some took weirdness to a whole new level. Dancing mascots, surreal storylines, and commercials that barely explained the candy still managed to make our mouths water. Here are 17 candy ads that defied logic but nailed the sweet tooth.
1. Skittles – “Taste the Rainbow”
Jonathan J. Castellon on Unsplash
From a man turning into Skittles to sheep singing in a field, this campaign thrived on pure nonsense. Nothing ever explained why tasting the rainbow meant anything, but it worked.
2. Starburst – “Berries and Cream”
Via Tsuji on Flickr
A little man in Victorian clothes dancing and singing about berries and cream made zero sense. It was both catchy and unsettling.
3. Mentos – “The Freshmaker”
Lucas Santos on Unsplash
People solving life problems with Mentos and over-the-top smiles felt like a fever dream. A flat tire? Sit on it and eat a Mentos.
4. Sour Patch Kids – “First They’re Sour, Then They’re Sweet”
Willis Lam on Flickr
Tiny candy people committing light crimes, cutting hair, spilling drinks, then hugging you after? Makes no sense logically, but it perfectly captured the candy’s flavor shift.
5. Reese’s – “There’s No Wrong Way to Eat a Reese’s”
Kfarren23 on Wikimedia Commons
The ads showed absurd ways to eat a peanut butter cup: upside down, backward, even frozen in a block of ice. None were realistic, yet it made you crave one immediately.
6. Twix – “Two for Me, None for You”
Coldbolt on Wikimedia Commons
Commercials framed Twix as a selfish treat with nonsensical scenarios where people hoarded their candy. The logic was flawed, but the takeaway was clear: Twix is too good to share.
7. 3 Musketeers – “Fluffy Chocolate Adventure”
Bodo on Flickr
Their commercials often featured floating candy bars in dreamlike worlds. It didn’t explain anything about the taste, but the light, bouncy visuals sold the “fluffy” vibe.
8. Snickers – “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry”
Shyam Mishra on Unsplash
While this one had a clear message, the execution was hilariously absurd; random celebrities turning into grumpy people mid-football game or in a random office.
9. M&M’s – “They Do Exist!”
PickPik
Talking candies running from people trying to eat them was a strange premise. It didn’t make you think of chocolate; it made you laugh.
10. Pop Rocks – “Exploding Fun in Your Mouth”
Jamie on Flickr
Explosions, rockets, and cartoon chaos filled these ads. Eating the candy was nothing like that, but it made kids beg for a pack.
11. Airheads – “Play With Your Food”
ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ on Wikimedia Commons
Commercials featured people’s heads literally turning into balloons or transforming in wild ways. It was surreal and nonsensical, but the candy name made it believable enough.
12. Hubba Bubba – “Big Bubbles, No Troubles”
Mike Mozart on Flickr
The premise was that huge bubbles solved every problem; kids floated away from bullies or escaped sticky situations. It was totally illogical but visually unforgettable.
13. Ring Pop – “Wear Your Candy”
Alyssa L. Miller on Flickr
The concept of candy jewelry is odd enough, but the commercials treated it like a high-fashion accessory. Kids flaunting edible bling made no sense, yet it became a playground staple.
14. Jolly Rancher – “Keep on Sucking”
Willis Lam on Flickr
The tagline alone was questionable, and the commercials leaned into surreal fruit characters whispering or stretching. It was weirdly hypnotic and effective.
15. Pez – “Candy with a Head”
Latics on Wikimedia Commons
Commercials focused on the dispenser heads rather than the candy itself. Kids acted like flipping a cartoon head was the height of fun.
16. Wonka’s Gobstoppers – “Everlasting Weirdness”
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Psychedelic visuals and talking candies made the ads feel like an acid trip for kids. It captured the magic of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” without explaining anything.
17. Laffy Taffy – “Stretch the Laughs”
Rachel Patterson on Flickr
Commercials showed candy stretching across cities or turning into wild shapes while people read bad jokes. It was absurd and had nothing to do with flavor.