Is this classic American candy about to disappear forever?
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If you’ve ever bitten into a chocolate cup and been surprised by a burst of creamy marshmallow, chances are you’ve had a Valomilk—whether from a roadside shop, a nostalgic candy aisle, or passed down through family tradition.
For nearly a century, this unique chocolate-and-marshmallow confection has delighted generations with its gooey center and old-school charm.
But today, the future of Valomilk is in question, and longtime fans are holding their breath.
Valomilk’s story began with a happy accident. In 1931, a batch of marshmallow didn’t set properly—turning gooey instead of fluffy.
Rather than toss it, the Sifers family poured the mixture into chocolate cups, creating a messy, delicious treat that would become iconic.
The name "Valomilk" reflects its ingredients: “V” for vanilla, “alo” for marshmallow, and “milk” for the chocolate cup.
Its red-and-white wrapper and signature creamy burst helped Valomilk earn the nickname "the 5-cent candy bar with the 50-cent taste."
It quickly became a treasured indulgence across generations.
A hands-on legacy in a high-tech world
Today, Russell Sifers, the fourth generation in the candy-making family, is keeping the tradition alive—but it’s getting harder.
He revived the brand in 1987 after rediscovering his grandfather’s original equipment.
Ever since, he’s kept the process old-fashioned: hand-mixing marshmallow and chocolate, pouring the mixture by hand, and sticking to the same recipe that made the candy famous.
Despite his dedication, Valomilk is facing modern hurdles.
As large corporations dominate candy aisles and shelf space shrinks, small-batch treats like Valomilk struggle to keep up.
When a major outlet like Cracker Barrel stopped carrying the candy—after complaints of melting stock—it dealt a serious blow to the company’s reach.
Also read: Is your favorite candy cancerous? 8 states hit by shocking FDA recall
Looking for someone to carry it forward
Now in his late 70s, Russell is ready to pass the torch—but not to just anyone.
He’s seeking a buyer who will honor the tradition, not overhaul it.
“Somebody who can take care of our simple little candy bar—bring it back, improve it, whatever,” he told The Kansas City Star.
Several suitors have shown interest, including Pearson Candy Company and even Tootsie Roll, but Russell has yet to find someone who truly feels like the right fit.
Also read: Have you tried Hershey’s new candy bar yet? Fans say it’s “one of the best ever”
More than just a candy
Valomilk is more than a treat—it’s a piece of cultural history.
In a world filled with ever-changing limited-edition snacks and flashy rebrands, Valomilk has stayed true to its roots.
For many, it’s not just a sweet but a memory: of childhood road trips, family holidays, and simpler times.
Losing Valomilk wouldn’t just mean the end of a product—it would mark the fading of a legacy.
As Russell’s son-in-law Dave, who helps run the factory floor, says: “We make it fresh. But what happens after it leaves us? That’s the problem.”
Despite the challenges, the Sifers family remains hopeful.
Maybe a new owner with a love of tradition will step up.
Maybe a new generation of candy lovers will rally behind the cause.
For now, the story of Valomilk is still being written.
Read next: A new frozen drink adds a fun candy twist—and there's a way to get it for FREE
Did you ever have a Valomilk? Was it part of your childhood or a recent discovery? Share your stories in the comments—your memories might just help keep the marshmallow flowing!
For nearly a century, this unique chocolate-and-marshmallow confection has delighted generations with its gooey center and old-school charm.
But today, the future of Valomilk is in question, and longtime fans are holding their breath.
Valomilk’s story began with a happy accident. In 1931, a batch of marshmallow didn’t set properly—turning gooey instead of fluffy.
Rather than toss it, the Sifers family poured the mixture into chocolate cups, creating a messy, delicious treat that would become iconic.
The name "Valomilk" reflects its ingredients: “V” for vanilla, “alo” for marshmallow, and “milk” for the chocolate cup.
Its red-and-white wrapper and signature creamy burst helped Valomilk earn the nickname "the 5-cent candy bar with the 50-cent taste."
It quickly became a treasured indulgence across generations.
A sweet reminder of a nearly century-old candy tradition still made by hand. Image Source: YouTube / Candy Inspector.
A hands-on legacy in a high-tech world
Today, Russell Sifers, the fourth generation in the candy-making family, is keeping the tradition alive—but it’s getting harder.
He revived the brand in 1987 after rediscovering his grandfather’s original equipment.
Ever since, he’s kept the process old-fashioned: hand-mixing marshmallow and chocolate, pouring the mixture by hand, and sticking to the same recipe that made the candy famous.
Despite his dedication, Valomilk is facing modern hurdles.
As large corporations dominate candy aisles and shelf space shrinks, small-batch treats like Valomilk struggle to keep up.
When a major outlet like Cracker Barrel stopped carrying the candy—after complaints of melting stock—it dealt a serious blow to the company’s reach.
Also read: Is your favorite candy cancerous? 8 states hit by shocking FDA recall
Looking for someone to carry it forward
Now in his late 70s, Russell is ready to pass the torch—but not to just anyone.
He’s seeking a buyer who will honor the tradition, not overhaul it.
“Somebody who can take care of our simple little candy bar—bring it back, improve it, whatever,” he told The Kansas City Star.
Several suitors have shown interest, including Pearson Candy Company and even Tootsie Roll, but Russell has yet to find someone who truly feels like the right fit.
Also read: Have you tried Hershey’s new candy bar yet? Fans say it’s “one of the best ever”
More than just a candy
Valomilk is more than a treat—it’s a piece of cultural history.
In a world filled with ever-changing limited-edition snacks and flashy rebrands, Valomilk has stayed true to its roots.
For many, it’s not just a sweet but a memory: of childhood road trips, family holidays, and simpler times.
Losing Valomilk wouldn’t just mean the end of a product—it would mark the fading of a legacy.
As Russell’s son-in-law Dave, who helps run the factory floor, says: “We make it fresh. But what happens after it leaves us? That’s the problem.”
Russell Sifers, fourth-generation candy maker, has kept the Valomilk legacy alive for decades. Image Source: The Daily Mail / Sifer's.
Despite the challenges, the Sifers family remains hopeful.
Maybe a new owner with a love of tradition will step up.
Maybe a new generation of candy lovers will rally behind the cause.
For now, the story of Valomilk is still being written.
Read next: A new frozen drink adds a fun candy twist—and there's a way to get it for FREE
Did you ever have a Valomilk? Was it part of your childhood or a recent discovery? Share your stories in the comments—your memories might just help keep the marshmallow flowing!
