Which popular Hershey's candy got its name due to a manufacturing error?

In the mid-1920s, F. Hoffman & Co. of Chicago tried to make a perfectly round milk-chocolate-covered caramel candy. It was easier said than done, however, and the little balls kept turning out as flattened ovals. The factory workers referred to them as “duds”. The name stuck, however, (possibly because nothing can ever really be a dud if it involves chocolate and caramel), and the candies were introduced to the public in 1928.

That same year, Milton J. Holloway took over Hoffman and Company and the production of Milk Duds; some readers may even remember them as “Holloway Milk Duds”. Milton Holloway remained in the candy business until the 1960's. At that time it became clear to him that his son was not interested in taking over the company, so he eventually sold his company to the Beatrice Food Company. In 1996 it was acquired by the Hershey's Candy Co.

Even with all the changes over the years (including some “internal” changes of ingredients), Milk Duds have survived the test of time. They were (and are) delicious regardless of the shape. The little “duds” have been beloved, especially by theater-goers, for over 90 years.