Gotta Get a Goo Goo
Goo Goo Clusters have been in my life for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest childhood memories include shopping trips with my mom, in which she would pick one up as a treat at the dime store (yes, DIME store…I’m that old!)
If you’re from the South, you’ve most likely experienced a Goo Goo, and if you haven’t, you need to. This delicious cluster of gooey caramel, marshmallow and roasted peanuts covered in rich milk chocolate has been made in Nashville since 1912 by Standard Candy Company, and is even considered to be the first combination candy bar ever made. While it has been a favorite in our family for many years, it’s not always easy to find. If you’ve got a Kroger or Cracker Barrel nearby, then you’re all set. If not, they may be more elusive. Hopefully, that’s all about to change.
A while back, through the power of Twitter, I met Lance Paine, the EVP of Goo Goo Clusters. What I found out from him had me giddy with excitement…. Goo Goo has been revamped! This little Southern confection is finally getting the attention it so rightly deserves. The whole story of the ingredient changes and packaging redesign can be found in this wonderful Tennessean article by Jennifer Justus, so I’ll let you go there to read all about it.
As a part of the relaunch, the Goo Goo website is also in the midst of an overhaul and next month there will be a store locator added so everyone across the country will be able to find retail outlets selling Goo Goos near them.
The new retro-style packaging (which I adore!) will begin rolling out very soon too, because the first ones came off the line just a few weeks ago. If you’re in Nashville and attending Taste of Music City on June 4th, be on the lookout for Goo Goo Clusters there, as they are one of the sponsors of the event and samples should be plentiful!
Now for a big announcement involving me. This weekend I’m heading to Washington, D.C. to attend Eat Write Retreat as an “Ambassador” for Goo Goo Cluster!
EWR is an intensive learning weekend for food writers and bloggers, so what better place to get the word out about the revamp of a candy that is near and dear to my heart? While I’m taking advantage of all the classes and demos at the conference, I’ll be able to help educate the other attendees about the improvements to Goo Goo Cluster and what makes them so special. (And of course I’ll have plenty of samples because we all know that tasting is believing.)
When I come back I just might have some special treats to share with some of you as well…. hint, hint ;-)
congrats!! I can’t wait to hear about it
An “ambassador” for Goo Goo Cluster!?!? That might be the best gig EVER. Best of luck in D.C.!
Pretty sweet, huh?! no pun intended ;-)
Thanks, once again, for getting word out there about such fun events. I hope I remember and can make it that day.
we are putting goo goo clusters in our out-of-town weddng bags and i have almost the same memories with them as you…they are UNBELIEVABLY good and i am loving that new retro packaging
Oh fun! I’m sure your guests will love them! Any other Nashville/TN goodies you’re including?
I hope hope hope they have these in Kansas. That supreme style is calling my name.
Yes, the Supreme are delicious. I think I actually like them better than the original, but only because I love pecans!
I love Goo Goos! The supreme with pecans is my favorite. Have fun this weekend, and I hope your name tag reads “Lady Goo Goo!”
I’m thinking of putting myself inside a giant plastic egg and have shirtless men carry me into the event, where I’ll hatch and be reborn as Lady Goo Goo. What d’ya think? ;-)
Huge fan of Goo Goo’s – I too have been eating them since I was a kid!
THe Peanut Butter one is amazing too!
I just had a peanut butter one for the first time recently and considering that I am obsessed with all PB and chocolate things, that in itself it pretty amazing. It is incredible!!
Love Goo Goos! We actually keep a stock at work to include with gift bags for visiting international guests. Congrats on being an Ambassador – that is awesome!
Thanks Carrie!
The Hale’s have always been ga-ga over goo goos! Fond memories with my parents and grandparents with the original…then they added pecans and peanut butter! Can’t get any better! Congrats on your newest title Lady Goo Goo! Love it and hope you learn lots and have fun in D.C.
PS – heard a snippet of your interview this morning on WKDZ…yes…I torcher my family with a small bit of Cadiz news every morning on the way to school :) But the boys were so excited to hear their “hot” cousin and your interview was great!
Thanks Amy! I’ll bring the whole fam Goo Goos the next time I’m home! :-)
congrats on such a cool gig, beth! you completely deserve it. can’t wait to hear all about it :-)
well that’s pretty darn awesome! I’ve never hear, let alone tasted a goo goo, but now I’m intrigued. You had me at caramel!
once they get the store locator up and going. hopefully you’ll be able to find them in your area and experience all the yumminess!
So, Madame Ambassador, you need to find out if Goo Goo Clusters are gluten-free. This northerner and gluten-adverse eater has never tried one!
What an awesome opportunity!! I know my mom is a HUGE fan of Goo Goo Clusters, let me know if you need me to take some samples off your hands. ;)
I will most certainly hook your mama up!
I’m from the South, but I must have missed out on these. I think I remember having homemade versions though, which were still pretty darn tasty!
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