View source for Runts

{{Short description|Fruit-shaped candy}}
{{Other uses}}
{{More citations needed|date=August 2015}}
[[File:Runts-2013.jpg|thumb|The Runts lineup as of 2024<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ferraracandyshopusa.com/brands/runts|title=Runts {{!}} Ferrara Candy Shop|website=www.ferraracandyshopusa.com|date=29 July 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref> (l-r: banana, orange, strawberry, green apple and grape)]]
[[Image:NewRuntsFlavors.jpg|thumb|right|The 2007 Runts flavors: banana, orange, strawberry, pineapple, and mango]]
[[File:Six types of Runts candy.jpg|thumb|right|A lineup of Runts from the late 1990s (l-r: [[cherry]], [[banana]], [[Orange (fruit)|orange]], [[strawberry]], [[watermelon]] and [[Blue raspberry flavor|blue raspberry]])]]
[[File:Original_1982_Runts.jpg|thumb|right|Original Runts introduced in 1982: banana, cherry, strawberry, orange, and lime]]
[[File:Runts_inside_comparison.jpg|thumb|right|Originally, Runts had colorful centers. Left: 1982, Right: 2015.]]
[[image:Vendstar3000.JPG|thumb|right|Runts in a bulk [[vending machine]] (on the right) with the 2007 and 2008 flavor lineup]]

'''Runts''' are crunchy candies sold by [[Ferrara Candy Company]]. First seen on the market in 1982, the candies are in the shape, color, and flavor of a selection of [[fruit]]s. Runts have a hard candy shell with a compressed dextrose center (similar to the consistency of [[SweeTarts]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.snackmemory.com/runts/ |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-01-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119025704/http://www.snackmemory.com/runts/ |archivedate=2015-01-19 }}</ref>

==Flavor changes==
Since its introduction, Runts has offered four flavor assortments.
*In 1982, Runts were introduced with banana, cherry, strawberry, orange, and lime.
*In the late 1990s, watermelon and blue raspberry were added. Lime was discontinued.
*In 2007, the flavor assortment was changed to a more tropical-themed array. Pineapple and mango were introduced. Watermelon, blue raspberry, and cherry were all discontinued.
*In 2009, green apple and grape were added to the mix. Pineapple and mango were removed. Green apple reused the cherry shape, and grape reused the mango shape.

==Varieties==
A chewy version of Runts known as '''Chewy Runts''' was previously available, including the same mix of fruits as the original crunchy runts. Chewy Runts were discontinued in 2014.

A seasonal product named '''Runts Freckled Eggs''' was released each year for Easter. The candy pieces were not shaped like fruits as in every other Runts mix. Instead, they were all shaped like eggs. Freckled eggs were available in large bags and smaller single-serve boxes with a built-in handle.

In the 1990s, a variation known as '''Tropical Runts''' was available. The pineapple and mango Runts originated in this candy.

A similar variant, '''Rock'n Runts''' existed in the 1990s, containing watermelon, grape, pineapple, lemon, and raspberry.

==Other changes==
Originally, Runts had colorful centers that matched the color of the outer shell. The colorful centers have since been discontinued, as current Runts contain a white center.

==Ingredients and nutrition information==
Ingredients:
[[dextrose]], [[maltodextrin]], and less than 2% of [[corn syrup]], [[malic acid]], [[calcium stearate]], [[carnauba wax]], [[artificial flavor]]s, color added [[Allura Red AC|(red 40 lake]], [[Tartrazine|yellow 5]], [[Tartrazine|yellow 5 lake]], [[Sunset Yellow FCF|yellow 6]]).

As stated by the Ferrara website, Runts are sold in a theater box of 5 oz.

Nutrition facts as given on a box of Runts:
Serv size: 12 pieces, servings: about 10, amount per serving calories: 60, total fat: 0 g (0% DV) Sodium: 0&nbsp;mg (0% DV) total carb: 14 g (5% DV) sugars: 13 g protein: 0 g (Percent daily values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.)

==See also==
* [[List of confectionery brands]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Willy Wonka Candy Company products}}

[[Category:The Willy Wonka Candy Company brands]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1982]]
[[Category:Brand name confectionery]]
[[Category:Candy]]