Good & Plenty Day

🍬 Celebrating National Good & Plenty Day: A Sweet Reminder of Nostalgia, Equity, and Flavor | Good Thyme Gal...

Every year on October 24th, candy lovers across the country celebrate National Good & Plenty Day, a day dedicated to one of America’s oldest and most nostalgic candies. With its signature pink and white candy coating and distinct licorice flavor, Good & Plenty isn’t just a sweet treat, it’s a piece of history that connects generations through the joy of simple pleasures.

At Good Thyme Gal, we believe in celebrating food that tells a story, recipes and traditions that bring people together, spark memories, and honor the hands that made them. National Good & Plenty Day reminds us that even the smallest bites can carry a world of meaning.

🍭 The Sweet History of Good & Plenty

First introduced in 1893 by the Quaker City Confectionery Company, Good & Plenty is considered the oldest branded candy in the United States. Its longevity speaks volumes about the power of nostalgia and the joy of timeless flavors. The candy’s distinct taste, soft black licorice encased in a pink and white sugar shell, has stood the test of time, bringing smiles to generations of candy lovers.

Beyond its charm, Good & Plenty represents something deeper, consistency, simplicity, and sweetness shared across cultures and decades. It’s a reminder that food connects us not just to the present moment, but to the people and stories that came before.

🌿 Why National Good & Plenty Day Aligns with Good Thyme Gal

At its core, Good Thyme Gal is about honoring the good in every bite, good ingredients, good people, and good purpose. National Good & Plenty Day aligns perfectly with that philosophy because it’s about more than candy, it’s about finding joy in life’s simple, affordable pleasures.

• 🍬 Equity through accessibility: Just like the humble licorice candy, our recipes are designed to be accessible and affordable,celebrating flavor without excess or waste.

• 💕 Tradition and connection: Good & Plenty carries generations of memory, reminding us that food is part of our shared cultural fabric.

• 🌸 Creativity and joy: Here at Good Thyme Gal, we love reimagining classics, turning nostalgia into something fresh and inclusive for today’s kitchen.

🍮 Equitable Recipe: Good & Plenty-Inspired Vanilla Licorice Pudding Cups

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Chill: 1 hour

This creamy, budget-friendly pudding captures the comforting flavor of Good & Plenty candies, with a touch of modern flair.

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)

• ⅓ cup sugar

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon anise or licorice extract (adjust to taste)

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: few drops of natural pink food coloring (for a nostalgic touch)

• Crushed Good & Plenty candies or black licorice pieces for topping

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, egg yolk, and salt until smooth.

2. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 8–10 minutes).

3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and anise extracts. For a pink hue, add a drop or two of food coloring.

4. Pour into small serving cups or jars and let cool for 10 minutes.

5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

6. Before serving, top with crushed candies or a sprinkle of Good & Plenty pieces for a fun, retro garnish.

Good Thyme Gal Tip:If you’re avoiding refined sugar, swap the candies for crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a natural, tangy twist, equally beautiful and budget-friendly.

💫 Why This Day Is Beneficial

National Good & Plenty Day isn’t just for candy lovers, it’s a gentle reminder to pause and enjoy life’s simple sweetness. In a world that often rushes past the little things, this day invites us to celebrate mindfulness, tradition, and joy through flavor.

For Good Thyme Gal, it’s a moment to reflect on what food really means: connection, comfort, and community. Whether you’re savoring an old-school candy or whipping up a homemade treat inspired by it, you’re participating in a story that’s more than a century old, one that proves that good things (and good thymes) truly last.

So, this October 24th, celebrate National Good & Plenty Day by adding a little sweetness to your life; one nostalgic bite at a time.