All About the Payday Candy Bar 

For many, the Payday candy bar is a nostalgic favorite. It was first introduced in 1932 by Hollywood Candy Company and has become an iconic American treat. But what exactly is a Payday, anyway? Let’s dive into all things Payday, from its ingredients to nutritional value. 

What Is a Payday? 

A Payday candy bar consists of salty roasted peanuts covered in sweet caramel and milk chocolate. The combination of crunchy nuts, chewy caramel, and creamy chocolate makes it a favorite among candy lovers everywhere. The original version of the bar is 1.8 ounces (51 grams), but you can now find King size versions that weigh 3.5 ounces (99 grams). 

Did they stop making PayDay candy bars?

PayDay candy bars are still in production, chocolatey PayDay bars have also been added to the lineup. Despite some rumors that the classic PayDay had been discontinued, you can still find them in stores and online.

What is in the middle of a PayDay candy bar?

The inside of a PayDay is made with a nougat-like sweet caramel center. This chewy center is made with sugar, corn syrup, milk, and hydrogenated oil. It’s then covered in roasted peanuts and a layer of milk chocolate.

What candy bar is similar to a PayDay?

If you're looking for a candy bar similar to PayDay, then you might want to try a Butterfinger. The Butterfinger is also a chocolate-covered treat but with a crispy peanut butter center instead of caramel. It's also sweeter than PayDay and has a crunchier texture due to its thin wafer layers. Nut roll candy bars are also similar to PayDay but with a layer of boiled peanuts instead of roasted.

What is the difference between PayDay and Baby Ruth?

PayDay and Baby Ruth are both chocolate-covered candy bars produced by the Nabisco Company, but they have distinct differences. PayDay is a caramel-based candy bar with peanuts, while Baby Ruth is made from a nougat center with peanuts and caramel. The nougat center in Baby Ruth makes it more chewy and soft than the crunchy texture of PayDay. Both candy bars are popular treats for those who enjoy chocolate-coated snacks!

Is payday healthier than Snickers?

When comparing a snickers and payday bar, the Payday bar generally has fewer calories and fat but larger sugar content. However, it does contain more protein than a snickers bar. Ultimately, if you’re looking for something healthy, neither of these candy bars can be considered “healthy” options. They are both sugary treats that should be enjoyed in moderation.

What's the difference between a Payday candy bar and a salted Nut Roll?

Payday candy bars are very similar to nut rolls but nut rolls usually contain nuts that are not roasted. They also have a softer texture, with more of a sugary-candy fluffy nougat base than the crunchy and sweet caramel combination found in Payday candy bars. The texture of the peanuts and caramel is what makes the Payday candy bar so unique.

PayDay Ingredients & Nutritional Information 

The main ingredients in a Payday candy bar are peanuts, sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, milk ingredients (milk fat, nonfat milk solids), cocoa powder processed with alkali and less than 2% salt, natural and artificial flavors. A standard 1.8-ounce size contains 210 calories with 8 grams of fat (4 grams saturated fat), 20 milligrams cholesterol, 170 milligrams sodium and 18 grams carbohydrates (17 grams sugars). That said, the nutrition information may vary slightly depending on which version you buy—the King size one may have more calories and fat due to its larger size.  

Are PayDay Bars Gluten Free?

Yes, PayDay Bars are gluten free. The ingredients in a PayDay Bar contain no wheat or other gluten-containing grains. PayDay bars are not officially listed as gluten free but they are considered safe to eat for those with a gluten intolerance.

Is It Okay To Eat A PayDay Bar While On A Diet?

It depends on your diet. Generally speaking, PayDay bars are not considered healthy due to their high sugar and fat content. However, if you are following a low-calorie diet or calorie-controlled eating plan, it's okay to include them as an occasional treat. Just be sure to factor in the calories and fat when counting your daily totals.

Additionally, try to stick to just one PayDay bar as they are quite large and contain a lot of calories. With everything in moderation, it is possible to enjoy a Payday bar while still staying on track with your diet. That said, always check with your doctor or nutritionist for their opinion about eating candy bars on a diet.

Fun PayDay Fact! 

During the hardships of the Great Depression, PAYDAY made its debut as a much-needed meal replacement with an indulgent peanut coating to keep spirits high.

The classic combo of sweet caramelly goodness and salty peanuts make the beloved PayDay candy bar a go-to treat for millions around the world! Whether you prefer it as an occasional indulgence or workday snack, PayDay bars have something to offer everyone. While they may not be the healthiest option, if enjoyed in moderation, a PayDay bar can make for a tasty treat without derailing your diet. It's no wonder why this sweet treat has become so popular!