Do you remember BONKERS!…??
Bonkers Fruit Candy was a popular confection introduced by Nabisco in the mid-1980s, designed to compete with other chewy candies like Starburst. These rectangular-shaped treats featured a chewy outer layer and a tangy, fruity filling, making them a unique addition to the candy market. Bonkers came in various flavors, including grape, orange, strawberry, watermelon, and chocolate, and were packaged in colorful wrappers that appealed to children. The candy's texture was often likened to taffy or gum, with a core that was denser than its outer layer, providing a satisfying chew.
The marketing of Bonkers is perhaps what made it most memorable. Its commercials featured humorous scenarios where characters would eat a Bonkers candy and be overwhelmed by giant pieces of fruit falling from the sky, inducing uncontrollable laughter. The tagline "Bonkers! Bonks you out!" encapsulated the whimsical nature of these ads. One recurring character was an older Southern woman who humorously clarified misconceptions about the candy being mistaken for gum. Check out the advert below and I hope you enjoy the original commercial video!
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