War Heads

- 4017 Whitney St, Janesville, WI 53546

When you think of a Wisconsin candy store, your mind might first go to classic fudge or creamy chocolates, but there's one brand that has been challenging taste buds and daring kids for generations, with its roots right here in the Badger State: War Heads. These iconic, intensely sour candies are a staple of childhood and a testament to the fun and flavor that can come from a simple sweet. While you won't find a public retail storefront at their main facility, it's a point of local pride to know that the legendary sour sensation is produced and distributed from our own backyard in Janesville.

The story of Warheads is a fascinating one, starting in Taiwan in 1975 before making its way to the United States in the early 1990s. The brand quickly became a sensation, gaining a cult following among kids who would challenge each other to see who could handle the extreme sourness the longest. The name itself is a nod to the "warhead going off in your mouth" sensation that the candy provides. In 2004, the brand was acquired by Impact Confections, a company with a strong presence in Wisconsin, and they've been creating these mouth-puckering treats from their Janesville facility ever since. Knowing that these internationally famous candies are made right here in our state adds a special local connection to every sour bite.

While the company primarily operates as a manufacturer and distributor, rather than a public-facing retail store, it is still an important part of Wisconsin's food and manufacturing landscape. It represents a piece of our state's contribution to the broader world of candy and confections, providing jobs and an economic boost to the local area. For those in Wisconsin, the presence of the Warheads facility serves as a fun reminder of a product that has entertained and delighted people for decades.

The War Heads brand is produced by Impact Confections, located at 4017 Whitney St, Janesville, WI 53546, USA. This address is the corporate and manufacturing facility for the company, not a public retail location. It's a key part of the Janesville business community, and while you can't walk in to buy candy off the shelf, its existence is a point of local pride.

For those needing to access the facility for business purposes, the location is equipped with a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This demonstrates the company's commitment to accessibility for employees, vendors, and visitors who may have a need to come to the site. The phone number provided, (800) 535-4401, is a general contact number for the company for consumer questions and comments, as seen on their product packaging.

The facility is situated in a non-retail area, typical for a manufacturing plant, but its location in Janesville, a city known for its industrial and commercial activity, makes it a significant part of the local economy. For Wisconsin residents, it's a fun fact to know that the candy that made their lips pucker is made just a short drive away.

As a manufacturing and distribution hub, the primary "services" of the War Heads facility are related to the production and shipping of candy.

• Candy Manufacturing: The facility is where the magic happens, turning ingredients into the intensely sour candies we know and love. It produces a wide range of Warheads products, from the classic hard candies to new varieties like sour jelly beans, gummy worms, and twists.

• Distribution: This location serves as a key point for distributing Warheads products to retailers across the United States. This is how the candies end up on the shelves of your local grocery store, convenience store, or candy shop.

• Customer Service: While not a retail store, the company operates a customer service line to answer questions and address comments from consumers about their products.

The War Heads brand itself is filled with unique features and highlights that have made it a global sensation.

• Extreme Sour Flavor: The most notable feature of Warheads is their intense, extreme sour flavor. This is achieved through a special coating of malic acid, which delivers a powerful puckering sensation that fades after a few seconds to reveal a sweet, flavorful candy. This "dare factor" is what initially made the candy so popular.

• Variety of Products: Over the years, the brand has expanded beyond its original hard candies. The product line now includes a wide variety of items such as chewy cubes, gummy worms, candy canes, sour spray, and more, offering a sour experience for every preference.

• Nostalgic Brand: For many adults in Wisconsin and beyond, Warheads evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. They were a quintessential part of the 90s and 2000s candy landscape, and seeing them today brings back fond memories of childhood challenges and playground fun.

• Iconic Mascot: The brand's mascot, Wally Warhead, is easily recognizable with his puckered expression and a mushroom cloud over his head, perfectly capturing the candy's explosive flavor profile.

For consumer inquiries about War Heads candy, you can contact the manufacturer, Impact Confections:

Address: 4017 Whitney St, Janesville, WI 53546, USA

Phone: (800) 535-4401

This is the number to reach the corporate office, not a retail shop. Any information about product availability should be directed to your local retail stores.

While the War Heads location in Janesville isn't a retail store you can visit for a quick treat, what is worth choosing is the brand itself, which is a homegrown Wisconsin success story. The true value lies in the experience of daring yourself or a friend to a taste test of their extreme sour hard candies or exploring the surprisingly complex flavors of their other products.

The brand's success is a point of local pride, representing a small but significant part of Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry. Knowing that this fun, internationally recognized candy is made in our own state makes picking up a bag at your local grocery store or gas station a little more special. So, next time you're craving an intense sour rush, remember that the "war" in your mouth has its roots right here in Janesville, Wisconsin. It's a testament to the fact that our state produces a lot more than just cheese and beer; we also produce some of the most exciting and memorable candy in the world.

War Heads

4017 Whitney St, Janesville, WI 53546, USA