SweeTARTS Original candy

SweeTARTS were originally created in 1962 in St. Louis, Missouri, under the direction of Menlo F. Smith, the CEO of Sunline Inc. The brand was developed as a direct response to parental requests for a candy that carried the popular flavors of Pixy Stix and Lik-M-Aid but without the associated mess of powdered treats. Since its national launch in 1963, the brand has become a staple of American confectionery, known for its signature dual-profile flavor that is both sweet and tart.

Over the decades, the ownership of SweeTARTS has transitioned through several major global food conglomerates. Following Sunline's integration into the Sunmark of St. Louis group, the brand was acquired by the British firm Rowntree Mackintosh in 1986, which was subsequently taken over by Nestlé in 1988. In 2018, Nestlé sold its North American confectionery business to the Ferrero Group. Today, SweeTARTS is managed by the Ferrara Candy Company, a Chicago-based subsidiary of the Ferrero Group.

Manufacturing primarily takes place in the United States, with a significant network of facilities supporting production. As of 2026, the company continues to expand its domestic manufacturing footprint, including major investments in new facilities in locations such as South Carolina to meet global demand.