Goo Goo Cluster – The Chocolate-Covered Candy from Nashville, TN

Last Updated on October 28, 2022 by Jim Edwards

Goo Goo Cluster is a disk-shaped candy with caramel, roasted peanuts and marshmallow nougat covered in milk chocolate. It was introduced in 1912 by the Standard Candy Company in Nashville, Tennessee and they continue using this original recipe over 100 years later!

Over time, some new flavors have emerged too. Let’s take a closer look at the progress of the Goo Goo Cluster!

Contents

Goo Goo Cluster History

1912 is an important year in the history of the Goo Goo Cluster brand because that’s when Nashville became the first place to invent a combination candy bar that was sold nationally. It all started in a copper kettle inside the premises of Standard Candy Company.

Defying all the regular candy shapes of the time, Goo Goo Cluster went with a roundish mound that neatly contained the marshmallow nougat, caramel, roasted peanuts, and milk chocolate. The shape was unique and loved by many, but it was tricky to wrap.

Before the Goo Goo Cluster brand, companies were producing candies with one main ingredient. With the advent of this cluster candy, the manufacturing company was able to use more than one primary ingredient and this really made the candy stand out!

All the credit for this innovative approach goes to Howell Campbell and Porter Moore. Campbell was the official taster when the confection was in the process of production.

Click here to buy Goo Goo Cluster

How Did Goo Goo Cluster Get Its Unusual Name?

As for the intriguing name of the candy, credit for the name of Goo Goo Cluster also goes to Howell Campbell. When he struggled with naming the candy, he talked to fellow passengers in a streetcar one day.

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A teacher among the passengers asked him about his son, and Campbell replied that he had just said his first words, “Goo Goo.” And that’s where it all started! Even the first slogan of this candy was, “Goo Goo! It’s so good; people will ask for it from birth.”

Given the enduring popularity, GooGooCandy has never changed the recipe or name of Goo Goo Cluster. Over time they have evolved the manufacturing and production process with modern techniques, but continue using the original recipe.

Goo Goo Cluster Flavors

There are three flavors of Goo Goo Cluster candy that make the fans go, well, “goo goo!”

Original Goo Goo Cluster

The original Goo Goo Cluster is the perfect blend of marshmallow nougat, caramel, roasted peanuts, and milk chocolate. The company has used the same recipe since 1912. The peanuts never overwhelm the sweet taste of milk chocolate, and the chocolate does not taste artificial either. You can get the perfect ratio of sweet, salty, and caramelly in one chewy bite!

Click here to buy Goo Goo Cluster

Pecan Goo Goo Cluster

With the addition of the ingredients from the Original Goo Goo Cluster, this version adds pecans to the mix, making it a go-to treat for pecan lovers. Again, the manufacturers keep the ratio perfect even with an additional primary ingredient. The rich taste of pecans makes it a worthy treat for children and kids!

Peanut Butter Goo Goo Cluster

Introduced last among the three flavors of Goo Goo Cluster, Peanut Butter is the baby of this confectionary family. They added peanut butter, milk chocolate, and peanuts to make it a flavorful confection for parties and kids’ events. If you love peanut butter and chocolate combinations – like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – you will love this flavor too!

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Ingredients of Original Goo Goo Cluster:

The ingredients of Goo Goo Cluster Original are:

Milk Chocolate
Sugar
Cocoa Butter
Whole Milk
Chocolate Liquor
Soy Lecithin
Peanuts
Corn Syrup
Whey
Palm Oil
Butter
Sea Salt
Cornstarch
Modified Soy Protein
Natural Flavors
Cream of Tartar

Nutritional Value of Original Goo Goo Cluster:

Serving Size	1 piece (50g)
Calories	220
Total Fat	11g or 14%
Saturated Fat	5g or 25%
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	<5mg or 1%
Sodium	65mg or 3%
Total Carbohydrates	29g or 11%
Dietary Fiber	1g or 4%
Total Sugars	25g
Added Sugars	12g or 24%
Protein	3g
Vitamin D	O mcg
Calcium	50mg or 4%
Iron	0.7mg or 4%
Potassium	160mg or 4%

Video: Goo Goo Factory in Nashville, Tennessee

When they heard about the Goo Goo Cluster store in Nashville, they just had to go! Goo Goo’s actually originated in Nashville, TN, in 1912 and became the first cluster candy bar created!

Also, in this video, you’ll get a chance to see how you can create your very own Goo Goo Cluster!

Summary

Goo Goo Cluster candy is not too well known outside of Nashville, TN and the south. The original recipe has been in production for over 100 years, so many generations have enjoyed this delicious sweet treat.

Some prefer the original flavor of the candy, while others try to mix it up with the Pecan and Peanut Butter Goo Goo Cluster flavor.

Which one is your favorite?

Click here to buy Goo Goo Cluster

Goo Goo Cluster – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Goo Goo Clusters Still Being Made?

Yes, Goo Goo Clusters are still made. The recipe has also remained the same since it was first introduced, so the ratio of milk chocolate, roasted peanuts, caramel, and marshmallows does not change at all.

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Where Do Goo Goo Clusters Come From?

Goo Goo Clusters were first created in a confectionary company located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is one of the best Southern candies loved all around the country!

Why Is It Called a Goo Goo Cluster?

“Goo Goo” is thought to be the first sound made by a baby, and the company uses this in their slogan, “It’s so good, people will ask for it from birth.”