To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Pop Rocks is releasing an exclusive Anniversary Limited Edition Pop Rocks Mystery Flavor, available in a 24-count presentation for a limited time.

It all started with the mystery behind America’s revolutionary candy, which led to the most popular food urban legend of all time, and in 2026, the mystery lives on, Pop Rocks says ... 

In the ’70s, kids and teens grew up watching astronauts walk on the moon, sparking dreams of space exploration. When launched in 1976, Pop Rocks were the perfect candy for those kids because they felt a little like space exploration in your mouth, the brand says. The candy was like cosmic fireworks: fun, unique, and surrounded by mystery, it adds.

That excitement soon turned into one of the biggest food myths ever, the company continues, with a rumor claiming that the child actor from the Life cereal commercials (“Little Mikey”) died after eating Pop Rocks and drinking soda. This rumor spread wildly—so much so that the FDA reportedly had to set up a hotline to reassure parents that Pop Rocks were safe. Despite the fact that the myth was completely false, its impact on society was so strong that Pop Rocks disappeared from the market for several years amid widespread rumors and fear, the company notes.

Later, Pop Rocks came back stronger than ever, and science reportedly explained the real “mystery” happening inside the little crystals: the mystery comes from gas bubbles trapped in the candy, and when the candy melts in your mouth, the gas bubbles are released, creating a crackling and popping sensation. 

Five decades later, Pop Rocks continue to hold a spark of mystery, the company says, noting the exact manufacturing process remains a closely guarded secret.

For questions or more information, contact martamas@pop-rocks.com or call at (470) 214 5536.

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