10 Best Washburn Products in 2026

You probably know Washburn from Grandma’s candy dish at Christmas — those bright little fruit-flavored hard candies that have been around since 1856. But the name also carries a long history in musical instruments, with guitars that have been played by legends. Whether you’re after a nostalgic sweet treat or a serious instrument, the best Washburn products span two very different worlds, and the right pick depends entirely on what you need.

We’ve sorted through the current Washburn lineup — candies, guitars, even a history book — to find the ten products worth your attention. Some are the same old favorites you remember; others might surprise you. Here’s every one of the best Washburn products you can buy right now.

TL;DR: The Washburn’s Old Fashioned Hard Filled Candy (15.5 oz) is the one most people should buy: classic fruit flavors in a big canister. The Washburn WA90CE acoustic-electric guitar is a brilliant starter instrument for anyone ready to play plugged in. For history lovers, The Spirit of Washburn is a rewarding collection of stories from the brand’s past.

#	Product	Type	Key Spec	Best for
1	Washburn’s Old Fashioned Hard Filled Candy, 15.5 oz	Hard Candy	15.5 oz canister, assorted fruit flavors, kosher, gluten-free	Classic candy lovers and holiday gift-givers
2	Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Kit	Guitar	Dreadnought cutaway, okoume body, Barcus Berry LX4 preamp, built-in tuner	Beginners and live performers wanting a full kit
3	Washburn’s Hard Candy (1 Pack, Total of 15.5 oz)	Hard Candy	15.5 oz, mixed fruit flavors, kosher, gluten-free, allergen-free facility	Anyone who wants the exact original recipe in a single canister
4	Washburn Old Fashioned Hard Candies and Filled Candies 16 Oz. Each (2 Canister Bundle)	Hard Candy	Two 16 oz canisters – one hard candy, one filled candy	Households that want variety in two classic styles
5	Washburn Bella Tono Vite S9V Studio Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar (BTS9VCECH-D)	Guitar	Studio body, figured walnut back/sides, ebony fretboard with vine inlays, Barcus Berry LX4	Serious players who want a smaller-bodied, stage-ready guitar with premium wood
6	Washburn’s Old Fashioned Filled Candies 16 Oz. (2 Pack)	Hard Candy	Two 16 oz canisters of filled candies	Devotees of the soft-center filled style
7	Washburn’s Hard Candy 12.5oz	Hard Candy	12.5 oz jar, classic Christmas flavor, multicolor can	Trying a smaller portion or a seasonal treat
8	Washburns Old Fashioned Hard Candies 16 oz Canisters (2 pack)	Hard Candy	Two 16 oz canisters, natural hard candies, lightweight and portable	Bulk candy buyers for parties and celebrations
9	The Spirit of Washburn: A Collection of Stories from Washburn's Past	Book	8.5×11 inch softcover, over 250 pages, published by Washburn Heritage Association	History buffs and Washburn brand enthusiasts
10	KMCandy Washburn Dad's Root Beer Barrels, Value Pack (3 POUND)	Hard Candy	3 lb value pack of root beer barrel hard candies	Root beer lovers and anyone stocking a candy jar for a crowd

How we picked

• Authenticity to the brand’s heritage. Washburn has two distinct lineages: confectionery and musical instruments. We favored products that represent what Washburn does best in each lane, whether that’s the original hard candy recipe or a well-built acoustic guitar.
• Quality of ingredients or materials. For candy, that means real fruit flavors, kosher certification, and gluten-free processing in an allergen-free facility. For guitars, it means tonewoods, electronics, and hardware that punch above their weight.
• Versatility. A good hard candy works as a standalone snack, a holiday decoration, or a party favor. A good guitar can be played acoustically or through an amp. We looked for products that earn their place in multiple scenarios.
• Packaging and serving size. Candies come in canisters, jars, and multi-packs. We evaluated whether a given size makes sense for typical use — single-person snacking, family sharing, or event hosting.
• Overall popularity and customer trust. We picked products that have shown consistent demand and positive word-of-mouth, both in candy and guitar circles.

1. Washburn’s Old Fashioned Hard Filled Candy, 15.5 oz: Best Overall Candy

Pros

• Authentic old-fashioned fruit flavors (orange, lemon, strawberry, and more)
• Generous 15.5 oz canister is ideal for sharing
• Kosher and gluten-free, made in an allergen-free facility
• The original mix since 1856 — a true classic

Cons

• Some pieces can be quite hard; not great for weak teeth
• Only one flavor variety mix, no sugar-free options

Best for: Anyone who wants the definitive Washburn candy experience — the same mix that’s been a kitchen-table staple for over 160 years.

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This is the canister you remember from holiday tables and grandmother’s purse. Bright yellow, orange, and red candies filled with a soft, chewy center, each one tasting exactly like the fruit it’s labeled after — lemon, grape, green apple, peppermint, spearmint, and more. The texture is classic hard candy: you suck until the outer shell dissolves, then bite into the sweet filling.

The canister holds a solid pound’s worth, which is just right for a family to work through over a few weeks. It’s also the most popular Washburn candy by a clear margin, so you know the quality control is tight. The candies are made in a facility that handles no peanuts, tree nuts, or gluten, which is reassuring for anyone with allergies. If you buy only one Washburn product, make it this one.

2. Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Kit: Best for Beginners and Performers

Pros

• Full dreadnought cutaway body gives big sound and easy upper-fret access
• Barcus Berry LX4 preamp with built-in tuner and full EQ controls (bass, middle, treble, presence, volume)
• Okoume wood back and sides offer a warm, balanced tone
• Comes as a complete kit — great for first-time buyers

Cons

• The okoume top may not have the same projection as solid spruce on pricier guitars
• The included accessories are basic; some players will want to upgrade the strap and picks

Best for: Beginners and intermediate players who want a plug-and-play acoustic-electric with a full, rich sound and no need for a separate tuner.

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Washburn has been building guitars since the late 19th century, and the WA90CE carries that legacy into a modern, affordable package. The dreadnought body is the classic shape for strumming, bluegrass flat-picking, and any situation where you need projection. The cutaway lets you reach the upper frets without fighting the body — a feature many budget acoustics skip.

The Barcus Berry LX4 preamp is the real highlight here. It gives you individual EQ sliders plus a tuner that mutes your output while you tune, which is exactly what you want on stage. The okoume back and sides produce a tone that sits between mahogany and sapele: warm and woody, with decent sustain. For its class, this guitar punches well above its weight in electronics and playability.

3. Washburn’s Hard Candy (1 Pack, Total of 15.5 oz): The Original Single-Canister

Pros

• Same original recipe from 1856
• Kosher, gluten-free, made in an allergen-free facility
• Bright fruit flavors: orange, lemon, strawberry, tangerine, raspberry, grape, green apple, peppermint, spearmint
• Single canister, no multi-pack commitment

Cons

• No filled centers — these are solid hard candies
• Canister is not resealable (plastic lid is fine but not airtight)

Best for: Purists who want the straight hard candy without the soft center, and who prefer a single 15.5 oz canister.

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Don’t confuse this with the filled candy above. This canister contains solid hard candies — no gooey center. They’re the same bright colors and fruit flavors, just crunchier all the way through. Some people prefer that texture; it lasts longer in your mouth and doesn’t get sticky as fast. The flavor list is long: nine distinct fruits plus peppermint and spearmint. That’s more variety than you get in most hard candy mixes.

The canister is lightweight and easy to toss in a bag. Because these are solid, they hold up better in warm weather than filled candies, which can soften. If you’re buying for a workplace jar or a road trip, this is the version to grab.

4. Washburn Old Fashioned Hard Candies and Filled Candies 16 Oz. Each (2 Canister Bundle): Best Two-Pack Variety

Pros

• One canister of classic hard candy and one of filled candy — best of both worlds
• Each canister is 16 oz, bigger than the standard 15.5 oz
• Great for parties, weddings, or holiday tables

Cons

• The two flavors are not labeled individually; you have to remember which is which
• Canisters are plain clear plastic with a label — not the prettiest presentation for gift giving

Best for: Anyone who can’t decide between hard and filled candies and wants both in bulk.

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This bundle essentially gives you two different products in one order: a 16 oz canister of the classic hard candy and a 16 oz canister of the filled candy. That’s a total of 32 ounces of Washburn candy, which is a lot of sweets. If you’re filling a candy buffet or setting out a bowl for the holidays, this is the efficient way to stock up.

The fill sizes are slightly larger than the standard 15.5 oz canister, so you get a little extra. The only catch is that the canisters look nearly identical, so you’ll want to label them or keep track of which lid goes with which. But that’s a minor inconvenience for the convenience of having both types in one purchase.

5. Washburn Bella Tono Vite S9V Studio Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar (BTS9VCECH-D): Best for Serious Players

Pros

• Stunning figured walnut back and sides — visually striking and acoustically rich
• Studio body design offers focused, balanced tone with a comfortable feel
• Ebony fretboard with exotic wood vine pattern inlays
• D’Addario EXP-16 light phosphor bronze strings come standard
• Same Barcus Berry LX4 preamp as the WA90CE, but with better wood

Cons

• Small body means less low-end projection than a dreadnought
• Higher-tier price means it’s not a casual impulse buy

Best for: Intermediate to advanced players who want a stage-ready acoustic-electric with premium woods and a smaller, more comfortable body.

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The Bella Tono Vite S9V is a step up from the WA90CE in every material way. The back and sides are figured walnut, which gives the guitar a more complex, percussive attack and a beautiful grain that catches the light. The studio body — Washburn’s term for a slightly smaller, cutaway design — is a joy to hold for long sessions. It doesn’t overwhelm your torso the way a dreadnought can.

The fretboard is ebony, and the inlays are delicate vine patterns made from exotic woods. It’s a visually refined instrument. Plugged in, the Barcus Berry LX4 preamp is the same capable unit as on the WA90CE, but the tonal foundation is better because the wood itself is more resonant. If you’re a player who notices the difference between laminate and solid wood, this is where you want to be.

6. Washburn’s Old Fashioned Filled Candies 16 Oz. (2 Pack): For Filled-Candy Fanatics

Pros

• Two full 16 oz canisters of the soft-center filled candy
• Consistent quality from the same classic recipe
• Great for large families or candy-heavy events

Cons

• Only filled candy — no variety in texture
• Canisters are identical; no easy way to distinguish them

Best for: Households that go through a lot of the filled candy and want a double dose.

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If the filled candy is your favorite and you find yourself finishing a canister faster than you’d like, this two-pack is the solution. It’s exactly the same product as the 16 oz canister, just doubled. The candies are the same bright colors and familiar fruit flavors with that soft, chewy center.

This pack makes sense for a reception, a break room, or any situation where a single canister would disappear in a day. The canisters themselves are stackable and easy to store. There’s nothing new or surprising here — just more of what works.

7. Washburn’s Hard Candy 12.5oz: The Smaller, Seasonal Option

Pros

• Smaller size makes it less intimidating to finish
• Christmas flavor profile available for holiday use
• Bright multicolor canister looks festive

Cons

• Only 12.5 oz — less value per ounce than the 15.5/16 oz options
• Touted as “Christmas flavor,” but it’s the same fruit mix — don’t expect eggnog

Best for: Someone who wants a smaller portion for personal snacking or a holiday stocking stuffer.

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This is the smallest Washburn hard candy canister in the lineup at 12.5 ounces. If you don’t want to commit to a full pound, this is a handy alternative. The candy itself is the same classic recipe, but the can is marketed as having a “Christmas flavor.” In practice, that just means the mix leans a bit heavier on peppermint and spearmint, but the fruit flavors are still there.

It’s a decent gift topper or a way to test the waters if you’ve never had Washburn candy before. The smaller jar also fits nicely on a desk or nightstand without taking up much space.

8. Washburns Old Fashioned Hard Candies 16 oz Canisters (2 pack): Bulk Hard Candy

Pros

• Two full 16 oz canisters of hard candy — 32 oz total
• Natural ingredients, no artificial colors listed
• Lightweight and portable canisters
• Brand trusted since 1844

Cons

• No filled candy version in this pack
• Canisters may arrive with minor dents during shipping

Best for: Events, parties, or anyone who wants a steady supply of hard candy without running out.

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This two-pack of hard candy is the bulk option for people who prefer the solid version. Each canister holds 16 ounces of candy, and the total 32 ounces is enough to fill a large bowl or two medium ones. The candies are made with natural ingredients, and the brand highlights that the recipe goes back to 1844.

The hard candies in this pack are the same as the single canister #3 above, just in a bigger quantity. The canisters are lightweight — each weighs about a pound — so they’re easy to carry or ship. If you’re setting out candy for a wedding or a community event, this is the most efficient way to do it.

9. The Spirit of Washburn: A Collection of Stories from Washburn's Past: For Brand Historians

Pros

• Compiles stories and artifacts from Washburn’s long history (both candy and guitar)
• Published by the Washburn Heritage Association — authoritative source
• Large format (8.5×11 inches) with plenty of visuals
• A unique gift for collectors and history buffs

Cons

• Niche appeal — only interesting if you care about the brand’s legacy
• Softcover; may not hold up to heavy use
• Relatively limited printing run, so stock can be sporadic

Best for: Anyone fascinated by American brand history, or a Washburn loyalist who wants the complete backstory.

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This book is a passion project from the Washburn Heritage Association. It collects historical photographs, advertisements, and stories from the company’s journey from the 1800s to today. Washburn’s history is unusual because it spans both candy and guitars — two industries that rarely share a brand name — and the book covers both sides.

It’s a softcover volume that runs about 250 pages, with a large trim size that lets old ads and photos shine. The writing is warm and anecdotal rather than academic. If you’ve ever wondered how the same company that made your grandmother’s candy also built guitars for rock stars, this book answers that question.

10. KMCandy Washburn Dad's Root Beer Barrels, Value Pack (3 POUND): For Root Beer Lovers

Pros

• Huge 3-pound bag — a massive amount of root beer hard candy
• Barrel shape is fun and easy to suck on
• Strong root beer flavor that lasts
• Good for sharing at events or filling a large jar

Cons

• Only one flavor (root beer) — no variety
• Bag packaging is not resealable; you’ll need your own container
• Brand is technically KMCandy, not Washburn’s, though they use the Washburn name

Best for: Hardcore root beer fans and anyone hosting a party where a single flavor is fine.

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These root beer barrels are a distinct product from the standard Washburn fruit candies. They’re produced by KM Candy under license (or as a separate line) but carry the Washburn branding. The flavor is a classic root beer: sweet, slightly creamy, with that sassafras bite. Each piece is shaped like a tiny barrel, which makes them easy to hold.

Three pounds is a lot of candy. You get about 48 ounces of root beer barrels, which is enough to fill a two-gallon jar. The bag isn’t resealable, so transfer them to a container if you’re not serving them all at once. If root beer is your thing, this is the most economical way to stock up.

Buyer's guide: how to choose the best Washburn product

Deciding which Washburn product to buy really comes down to what you need from it. Washburn operates in two very different worlds — confectionery and musical instruments — and the book sits in a third, historical lane. Here’s what to consider.

Type of product

The most basic decision is what kind of product you want. Washburn’s hard candies are the most accessible and make sense for almost anyone: they’re a classic treat, they keep for months, and they serve well as gifts or party snacks. The two guitars are for musicians specifically, and they range from a complete beginner kit to a more advanced studio model. The book is purely for brand enthusiasts or history lovers.

If you’re buying for someone else, think about their interests. A guitarist won’t be thrilled with a canister of candy, and a history buff might not have a use for an acoustic-electric guitar. The good news is that the lineup is diverse enough to cover most occasions.

Candy: filled vs. solid

Within the candy category, the most important fork is whether you want hard candies with a soft center (filled) or all-hard candies. The filled candies are the ones with a chewy interior — they’re a little softer overall and the center adds a different texture. The solid ones are hard all the way through and last longer in your mouth.

Filled candies can get sticky in hot weather or if left in a warm car. Solid candies hold up better. For a party where bowls will sit out for hours, solid candies are less messy. For personal snacking, it’s a matter of preference.

Candy: size and quantity

The canisters come in 12.5 oz, 15.5 oz, and 16 oz sizes, and there are multi-packs that bundle two canisters together. The 15.5 oz and 16 oz sizes are nearly identical in volume; the 16 oz gives you half an ounce more. If you’re buying for a single person or a small family, a single 15.5 oz canister is plenty. For events or bulk storage, go with a two-pack or the 32-ounce total bundles.

The 3-pound bag of root beer barrels is a different proposition — it’s a huge amount of one flavor, best for root beer enthusiasts or large gatherings.

Guitars: WA90CE vs. Bella Tono

Two Washburn guitars are currently available. The WA90CE is a dreadnought cutaway with an okoume body and the Barcus Berry LX4 electronics. It’s aimed at beginners and intermediates who want a full-size guitar that can be plugged in without a separate amp investment. It comes as a kit, meaning it includes accessories (gig bag, picks, strap) that save you from buying those separately.

The Bella Tono Vite S9V is a smaller-bodied studio cutaway with solid figured walnut back and sides, an ebony fretboard, and the same electronics. It’s a step up in wood quality and aesthetic detail. It’s a better choice if you’re an experienced player who values tonal nuance and a more comfortable body shape. The studio body has less low-end boom than the dreadnought, so think about your playing style: strummers and flat-pickers may prefer the WA90CE; fingerstyle players and those who record will appreciate the Bella Tono’s clarity.

The book: who it’s for

The Spirit of Washburn is a niche item. It’s a softcover collection of historical stories and images, curated by the Washburn Heritage Association. If you’re a collector of American brand memorabilia, a guitar history enthusiast, or a longtime Washburn candy fan, it’s a rewarding read. For someone with no particular interest in the brand, it’s likely to gather dust. It’s best purchased as a gift for a Washburn loyalist.

Frequently asked questions

Are Washburn candies gluten-free?

Yes. Washburn’s hard candies — both filled and solid — are made in a facility that is gluten-free and free from peanuts and tree nuts. They are also kosher certified.

What flavors are in Washburn’s hard candy mix?

The standard mix includes orange, lemon, strawberry, tangerine, raspberry, grape, green apple, peppermint, and spearmint. The specific blend can vary slightly between batches, but those nine are the core.

Does Washburn still make guitars?

Yes. Washburn has been building guitars since the late 1800s and continues to produce them today. The current lineup includes the WA90CE dreadnought and the Bella Tono Vite S9V studio cutaway, both acoustic-electric models.

Which Washburn candy is the original?

The original Washburn candy recipe dates back to 1856. It is currently sold as Washburn’s Hard Candy in the 15.5 oz canister (ASIN B09KQ8QL13) and the 16 oz canisters. The “Old Fashioned” designation on some products refers to the same classic recipe.

Can I buy Washburn candies in bulk for events?

Yes. Several options work well for events: the two-pack bundles (16 oz each), the 2 canister bundle of hard and filled candies, and the 3-pound root beer barrel value pack. The 3-pound bag is the largest single purchase.

Is the book “The Spirit of Washburn” still in print?

Availability varies, as it is published by the nonprofit Washburn Heritage Association. At the time of writing, it is listed on Amazon and available for order. It may go in and out of stock depending on print runs.

Are Washburn guitars good for beginners?

The WA90CE is an excellent choice for beginners. It comes as a complete kit with a built-in tuner and electronics, so it removes the hassle of buying accessories separately. The dreadnought body is forgiving for strumming, and the cutaway helps with learning higher frets.

Final verdict

Washburn’s lineup is split between two worlds, and the best product for you depends on which side you inhabit. For most people, the Washburn’s Old Fashioned Hard Filled Candy (15.5 oz) is the quintessential choice — it’s the candy that made the brand famous, and it delivers exactly what you expect: bright fruit flavors, a satisfying soft center, and a generous canister. If you want the solid version, the Washburn’s Hard Candy (15.5 oz single canister) is nearly identical and just as good.

For musicians, the Washburn WA90CE acoustic-electric guitar kit is the best entry point. It offers real stage-ready electronics at a beginner-friendly level, and the dreadnought cutaway is a classic shape that works for any style. The Washburn Bella Tono Vite S9V is the upgrade for players who want better woods and a more refined feel. And if you’re a history enthusiast, The Spirit of Washburn is a thoughtful addition to any bookshelf.

Still undecided? Ask yourself what you need: a sweet treat, a new instrument, or a piece of brand history. The right Washburn product for you is one of those three.

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