Charms Candy So "Cursed" the US Military Banned It

Published on March 21, 2026
Duration: 5:41

This video explores the peculiar history and lore surrounding Charms candies, particularly their supposed 'cursed' status within the US Military. The speaker, identified as 'Deuce' and demonstrating an experienced authority, delves into the superstitions associated with specific candy flavors and their historical presence in military rations. The content also touches upon other 'cursed' military foods like dried apricots and the acquisition of the Charms Candy Company by Tootsie Pop.

Quick Summary

Charms candies gained a reputation as 'Unlucky Charms' within the US Military, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s. Specific flavors were associated with negative omens, leading soldiers to discard them. This lore stemmed from their historical presence in military rations since World War II.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Cursed Candy Found
  2. 00:33History of Charms in Military Rations
  3. 00:58The 'Unlucky Charms' Superstition
  4. 01:30Flavor-Specific Omens
  5. 01:50Challenging the Lemon Omen
  6. 02:16Shooting Break Interlude
  7. 02:33Origin of the Unlucky Lore
  8. 03:02Conspiracy Theories and Marketing
  9. 03:22Other Cursed Military Food: Apricots
  10. 03:55Apricot Taboo and Modern Relevance
  11. 04:55Charms Company Acquisition and Jobs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Charms candy considered 'cursed' by the US Military?

Charms candies developed a superstition of being 'Unlucky Charms' in the 1990s and 2000s. Specific flavors were linked to negative omens like vehicle breakdown or death, leading troops to discard them.

What is the history of Charms candy in military rations?

Charms candies, in tropical fruit flavors, were supplied to US military rations starting in World War II and were common enough to generate lore until around 2007, though not in every MRE.

Were there other 'cursed' foods in the US Military besides Charms candy?

Yes, dried apricots were also considered 'cursed' by soldiers. A strong taboo existed, leading to euphemisms and beliefs that eating them would cause vehicle issues, similar to the lemon Charms omen.

Who owns the Charms Candy Company now?

The Charms Candy Company was purchased by Tootsie Pop around 1988. They continue to produce Charms candies, including Blow Pops, at their factory in Covington, Tennessee.

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