Do You Remember? The BEST Chocolate Bar... Cuban Lunch! (2024)

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My husband and I have a game we like to play… it’s called:

Reminiscing about the Good Old Days.

We jog each others’ memories about things we recall from our childhoods and we get excited when the other person remembers the exact same thing.

Our favourite mutually shared memory is The Bullwinkle’s Restaurant. There was a lighted water show, animatronic Bullwinkles characters, an arcade area, and the BEST pizza in the world (according to my childhood memory that is).

My grandparents lived about 1 block away from the Bullwinkles restaurant, so it often meant a few visits there in the summer. It was THE best! This commercial from the 80’s will give you an idea of what it was like.

We’ve jogged our memories about all sorts of things, like old toy stores such as Toy City, McDonald’s Pizza, classic board games, and collectable treats like Garbage Pail Kids.

In one of these discussions, I asked my husband if he recalled the Cuban Lunch chocolate bars. My husband had no idea what I was talking about. Discouraged, I started polling others.

No one could remember these chocolate bars!

They were a huge part of my childhood. I recollect going on summer road trips and that would be our snack/chocolate bar of choice. However, when I asked my parents if they remembered them, they didn’t!

Thankfully my brother-in-law had a vague memory of them and my mother-in-law had a faint recollection as well – without their confirmation I would have thought I was losing my mind.

After all of the discussion and research, I began to crave these chocolate bars like CRAZY! I Googled them and couldn’t find much information. I did discover that they were made in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Apparently they were discontinued because there was a preservative used in the them that was no longer allowed in Canada (that’s comforting to know – considering I ate these things so much).

In my research I discovered that many of the copycat recipes had peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips and/or potato chips in them. The combination didn’t sound familiar.

I distinctly recall a chocolate/peanut butter flavour, peanuts, and maybe even coconut?

So I got to work and experimented in the kitchen. The results were — AMAZING! This recipe is the closest I could get to the memories of this chocolate bar from long ago.

Do you remember the Cuban Lunch chocolate bar from the 80's?! Make this recipe today! #recipe Click To Tweet

Cuban Lunch Chocolate Bar

byJennifer Bly

Ingredients

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup peanuts (Spanish peanuts are best)
1/2 cup sweetened coconut

Instructions

Prepare a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Melt chocolate chips in a double-boiler over medium-low heat.
Add peanut butter and stir well until fully combined.
Remove from heat.
Stir in peanuts and coconut.
Combine until evenly distributed throughout.
Pour into cupcake liners.
Refrigerate until completely firm (approx. 2 hours)

My husband still doesn’t remember these chocolate bars, but he’s delighted that I did because this is a household favourite!

Do you have fond memories from the past that you can’t shake? Have you ever tried to recreate a recipe from memory? Why not tell me all about it and then share this recipe with anyone who loves chocolate! Oh, and then make a batch for your family and watch them disappear!

Also, if you recall the Cuban Lunch, PLEASE share in the comment section below! I need further confirmation that these were indeed as good as I remembered them!

References

Cuban Lunch: A Winnipeg Classic. (Retrieved May 20, 2016).http://www.winnipegomyheart.com/2015/12/cuban-lunch-a-winnipeg-classic/

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Jennifer Bly

Author of My Kitchen, My Classroom: An Introduction to Homeschool and creator of The Deliberate Mom. Jennifer writes about parenting, homeschooling, her faith, and life with her husband and two girls. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration Degree with a specialization in Early Learning in Child Care.

Janine Huldieon at

Love your memories over this one and these bars look so yummy. Most definitely need to try your recipe now and thank you so much for sharing with us here today. Wishing you a lovely Monday and week ahead now!! xoxo
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  They are super yummy! You’ll definitely have to give them a whirl!
  Wishing you a lovely day as well Janine!
  Reply
  - jeffon at
    
    you can buy them again – just bought 2!!!
    Reply
  - Traceyon at
    
    I remember them well…I saw some in Safeway and bought one, but it did not yaze like I remembered. I will try your recipe thanks for sharing!
    Reply
  - Rockyon at
    
    I remember!
    They were right up there with Cherry Blosom
    We just made some actually. Half dark chocolate, half milk chocolate. We found some no salt peanuts, close to Spanish peanuts. Crushed some peanuts, left about two thirds whole. The bar contains mostly nuts, like two thirds volume. There great.
    Reply
  - Louiseon at
    
    I LOVED this candy bar in the mid to late 70’s, in British Columbia. Almost every day, on my lunch break, I would walk across the street from work and buy a “Cuban Lunch” for my lunch. I will try your recipe, but I don’t remember it having coconut in it…just LOTS of peanuts and chocolate.
    Reply
    - Jennifer Blyon at
      
      Thanks for sharing that Louise!!
      Reply
- Donnaon at
  
  My husband and I both fondly remember “Cuban Lunch” bars. But we both agree there was no coconut in them. I just made some and our whole family loves them. My husband and fellow hunting buddies took them hunting for years till they were no longer available.
  Reply
  - Jennifer Blyon at
    
    Yay! Some others who remember the Cuban Lunch chocolate bars! I wonder about the coconut… I recall it but I was so young, maybe my recollection is skewed. Thanks for sharing Donna!
    Reply
    - Gladys Bjerlandon at
      
      Hi there. I remember the Cuban Lunch Bar very well as it was one of my favorites when I was a kid. I am from Saskatchewan and It was a very popular chocolate bar. I will be trying your recipe! And now I will be on a mission to find a recipe for the Wigwag bar which was another childhood favorite. Thank you for the recipe.
      Reply
      - Jennifer Blyon at
        
        You’re so very welcome! Enjoy!
      - Annieon at
        
        Gladys, I also grew up in Saskatchewan, and in the 60’s and 70’s when we would go for dessert at the Princess Cafe, we could also choose to get our Saturday treat there if we wanted. I loved the Cuban Lunch! Peanuts and chocolate. No coconut, no graham crumbs, no rice crisps or corn flakes. No lumpy chocolate chips, just smooth chocolate around peanuts.
      - Annieon at
        
        Gladys, in the 70’s, my friends and I would often stop at a convenience store on the way to junior high at Prince Charles School. I often bought the Wig-Wag there, and I still remember the day we stopped to buy our treats and chocolate bars had gone up from 10 cents to 12 cents. Were we ever mad! BTW, I know Walmart carries the Curly Wurly, which is the name given to the Wig-Wag over in England. I haven’t tried one yet (they come in a pack of 4 for about $4), but they’re certainly not a foot long like the original.
    - Deeon at
      
      They sell them at Giant Tiger. They have never had coconut in them!
      Reply
  - doreen mccullochon at
    
    Dear Donna, Definately no coconut in them! The cuban lunch bars that I ate as a kid (circa 1940 onward) came in a square, ruffled, red cup. Doreen
    Reply
  - Anonymouson at
    
    There definitely was no coconut in the Cuban Lunch bar. It was my favourite bar, and I never liked coconut. I wouldn’t have eaten it with coconut.
    Reply
    - Jennifer Blyon at
      
      Thanks for sharing that. Yes, I’m doubting it had coconut. But this recipe can be made without anyway. :)
      Reply
  - Dianaon at
    
    I ate them all the time. There was a corner store across from the school. But my recollection is of a creamy chocolate, kind of soft like a good milk chocolate, and nuts. Very satisfying. Not sure I’d like the semi sweet chips. I might try it with the milk choc chips.
    Reply
    - Dianaon at
      
      And it was square, not a bar.
      Reply
    - Carolon at
      
      Yes the chocolate was a creamy milk chocolate and the only other ingredient was peanuts. My favorite chocolate when I was young. The chocolate I would say was comparable to Lindor Milk Chocolate. I just found some Cuban lunches in a store the other day and bought four but was sadly disappointed. They were made with dark chocolate and sea salt. I am not a fan of sea salt in dessert items or chocolate. Salt is meant for dinner menus :) I think I may just melt a couple of Lindor milk chocolate bars and stir in some peanuts and and let it set and I may after all these years have something close to the original Cuban lunch after all these years without them :)
      Reply
  - Sherylon at
    
    You are correct there is no coconut in them and I still eat them to this day.
    Reply
- karenon at
  
  the cuban lunch was my favorite chocolate bar.
  i thought they were making a comeback. i bought them when ever i bought a bar.
  Reply
- Don Stewarton at
  
  Hello; I remember Cuban Lunch well. Grew up in Onanole Manitoba and yes Cuban Lunch was my favorite. I don’t know if you remember but my favorite cola was one called Wynola. Haven’t seen that ever again either. Don
  Reply
  - Earlyneon at
    
    Omygosh! Never thought I’d finally ‘meet’ someone else remembering Wynola Cola. I lived in Wawanesa, my mom took my sister & I to Gimli to visit our grandparents and my grandfather always had Wynola! Thanks for the memory. I too remember Cuban Lunch. The Best! Coop here in Winnipeg sells it for $2.00 ea.
    Reply
- Joe sawchikon at
  
  Cuban lunch is sold here in Canada again now but they are not the same recipe.
  Cuban lunches were made in Canada by Old Dutch and the main ingredient was Old Dutch salted ripple chips. Without the chips it just won’t taste the same.
  Reply
Tamaraon at

Ahh.. homemade and preservative free recipe! Yay!
I don’t remember them and I’m quite good at remembering old snacks, so maybe it didn’t make it to the States? Although we seem to love preservatives that are banned elsewhere. America!
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  YES! They are sooooo delicious too. Deadly to the healthy kick I’m on lately but I have cheat days – and this is the perfect snack for those days! lol
  Reply
Kendall Pattonon at
See Also
Apple Clafoutis: A Recipe for Autumn Veggie Lover's Rigatoni Recipe - Build Your Bite Cherry Nut Bread {Pat's Recipes}Old-Fashioned Fruitcake Cookies

I have never had of these, bit they do sound quite tasty. Thanks for sharing!
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  They are delicious Kendall. I can’t stop eating them/making them! So yummy!
  Reply
Jenon at

No I do not remember a treat like this, but now I want it! Maybe even kind of need it….. The kids would think I was crazy though if I hit the kitchen at 8 p.m., but this looks so good. It might be dangerous, but oh so worth it. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  I’m beginning to wonder if Cuban Lunch was just a Canadian treat. I’m on a mission to find someone else who remembered these chocolate bars!
  PS – Go make it Jen. Go make it now. ;)
  Reply
  - Deborah Maynardon at
    
    I used to have a Cuban lunch quite often as a kid. My husband who grew up in BC never heard of them. I was in Sask. maybe a parries thing
    Reply
    - Jennifer Blyon at
      
      Maybe they were a prairies thing. It’s so hard to find people who remember them!
      Reply
      - Karimaon at
        
        I used to love these bars and I live in BC
        Was hooked on them in the 70’s
        Definitely had no cocunut
        But I’ll try ur version
      - Jennifer Blyon at
        
        They’re so delicious! You’ll have to let me know if this recipe jogged your memory!
      - Roger Hofforton at
        
        I and most of my older Brothers & Sisters remember them very well where we grew up in Southern Sask. We miss them and are having trouble locating them Where can we find some in South East Sask.?
    - Sheldon Howeon at
      
      I’m from Saskatchewan and I definitely remember them but my wife who is from Ontario has not heard of them.
      Reply
  - Kerryon at
    
    They were only a Cdn thing-my Mom was an American & didn’t know then until she got married & moved up here. And, no coconut. They were my dad’s absolute favourite.
    Reply
    - Jennifer Blyon at
      
      Thanks for sharing that Kerry! It was such a great chocolate bar – I’m glad others recall it too!
      Reply
      - Maryon at
        
        Hi. A lady from CAMROSE ALBERTA started making the Cuban Lunch for her mother last year. It was so successful that she is making in a factory in BC. Google Cuban Lunch Camrose.
  - Caroline Raymondon at
    
    My daughter and I were just talking about these bars on Christmas Eve. All my children remember them and loved them. As did I. My youngest child is in her 40s so it goes back awhile. I am going to try this recipe. Really miss those bars!!! And I think it was just a Canadian bar.
    Reply
    - Jennifer Blyon at
      
      I love the Cuban Lunch chocolate bar and I too, missed it until I made this recipe. Now I can have a taste of Cuban Lunch any time I want. Enjoy! :)
      Reply
  - Kendraon at
    
    I totally remember Cuban Lunches – even found them in the early 2000’s at a little gas station outside of Red Deer! Bought a whole bunch and ate them all LOL
    Really wish they’d make them again – find an ingredient to replace the one that’s “banned” and start production!! In the meantime, I will try your recipe :) but no, no coconut lol
    Reply
    - JENNIFER BLYon at
      
      Yay! So glad you remember these. I can’t believe you found them in Red Deer as late as in the early 2000’s. I really wish I could try them again… although my recipe does give me a good Cuban Lunch fix!
      Reply
      - Anonymouson at
        
        There is a store in Edmonton called Sweet Convenience and she brings in Cuban Lunch bars frequently :))
  - Maryon at
    
    I understand the Cuban lunch bar that
    was mfg at Paulin Chambers for over 100 yrs – the receipe does not sound like the
    Original one.
    The reason Paulins stopped mfg them –
    The Co was sold to a Quebec co and never
    Reproduced them. It was t because there
    was a preservative in the Bars.
    My husband, my sister were employed by
    paulins for 40 yrs. I myself worked therefor about a yr. My husband was one of the last employees Feb 1/191
    We all loved the bar – my adult kids still talk about them.
    I think I can probably find the receipe – very close to the Original . know where the the choc and peanuts were purchased.
    I myself have not purchased the make over of the Cuban lunch bar – my daughter
    In Alberta did – and said it is very different.
    Hope you continue to enjoy this bar.
    Reply
    - Tracy Bishopon at
      
      Hi Mary,
      I’m not sure how I ended up reading about Cuban Lunch, but my recollection has me wanting to make a batch. After reading several reviews I magically came across yours. You mention you may be able to duplicate the recipe and you know where the Nuts and chocolate were purchased. I have a small bakery that makes old fashioned treats and I know that using different brands of the same product can totally change everything. Would you or your husband be willing to share some recipe secrets with me.
      Thank you,
      Tracy
      Reply
    - Doug penneron at
      
      We can buy them locally now, but i agree the taste is a little off (if my memory serves me right) they also made some with rice crispys i believe. In the early 80’s they were 30cents at our local convienient/ candy store in Morden mb. Would love the correct recipe.
      Reply
    - Diane Leeon at
      
      Did you ever find the recipe? We lived out of Winnipeg, near Beausejour, and had a country store. I ate lots of Cuban lunch!
      I would like to try to make them.
      Where were the peanuts from?
      We’re they salted? Spanish nuts?
      Diane
      Reply
Lowanda Jon at

I’ve never heard of this deliciously sounding treat, but your recipe sounds delicious!
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  It is an amazing recipe Lowanda! So delicious – but dangerously addictive… so make sure you only make these when you know you’ll have lots of people around who will eat them. ;)
  Reply
Annon at

This looks like trouble and I want to try it now! :) Thanks for sharing!!
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  LOL – Yes Ann, they are trouble but I’m certain you’ll love it!
  Reply
jeremy@thirstydaddyon at

I’m a child of the 80s and have to say that I don’t remember them either. Sure look good though! #shine
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  OH NO Jeremy! Another person who can’t recall this treat?! Well, at least you can make them and try it!
  Thanks for stopping by.
  Reply
Bob Lunton at

I remember the Cuban lunch chocalte bar of which you speak. I was buying them in the late fifties and early sixties. I don’t remember the peanut butter flavor or the coconut. I thought it was just chocalte and peanuts. It was a long time ago though.
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  I was eating them in the ’80s. Maybe their recipe changed or they had a different kind of Cuban Lunch? I definitely remember coconut and peanuts and a subtle peanut buttery chocolate flavor. I wish I could try it again (minus the killer preservatives) and compare my recipe to the original that I used to eat.
  Reply
- Wilon at
  
  I ate them from early 70s till Pauline’s stopped making them. Always just peanuts and chocolate. I don’t like coconut in anything but the cuban lunch was my favourite chocolate bar.
  Reply
  - Jennifer Blyon at
    
    I’m certain I’ve tried the chocolate / peanut version too — but I’m certain there was a coconut version too. Thanks for sharing your memories of these delicious treats!
    Reply
    - Brianon at
      
      You’re not crazy. Cuban Lunch was my favourite chocolate bar when I was a kid in the late 70’s and early 80’s in Alberta. But I also don’t think any Cuban Lunch chocolate bars I ate ever had peanut butter or coconut (I don’t think I would be as big of a fan if they did). I remember just chocolate and peanuts. But perhaps there were two flavours?
      Reply
      - Jennifer Blyon at
        
        It was the best and as a kid from the 70;s and 80’s – I have fond memories of this chocolate bar. The more that people talk about it, I’m beginning to doubt the coconut in it. I could have sworn there was a “grittiness” like coconut but maybe I’m mistaken. Or maybe there were a couple flavours. Regardless, this knock-off recipe is soooo yummy and brought me down memory lane.
Juanita Caovillaon at

I loved the Cuban Lunch chocolate bar! I haven’t tried your recipe yet but it sure looks yummy!
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  Oooh, I can’t wait for you to try the recipe. It IS yummy!
  Reply
  See Also
  Dark Chocolate-Cherry Fruitcake - David Lebovitz
Alfredon at

I’m one of those who definitely remembers these. Cuban Lunch was my mother’s favourite (only, really) chocolate bar. My memories of them during the late sixties and seventies in BC is of pure, delicious chocolate with whole peanuts in it. I don’t remember any flavours, exactly, but I know there was no coconut in them. I also remember their rather distinctive packaging (photos of which I cannot seem to find on Googlerama): they were simply poured into an oblong paper muffin cup with short sides and rounded corners. This was wrapped in crinkly cellophane (this was when all other chocolate bars were in coloured paper). They were quite good, indeed. Child me wasn’t that impressed, but adult me would love them and sadly they’re no longer around. Maybe I’ll try your recipe.
Reply
Mona Lisaon at

I used crashed potato chips instead of coconut as I didn’t have any coconut. Delicious!
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  Mmmm, I have a cookie recipe here on The Deliberate Mom that is chocolate, peanut butter, and potato chips… it’s a delicious combo! I’m not surprised it made for a great substitute! Glad you enjoyed this recipe!
  Reply
Michaelon at

Loved them in the ’70s growing up in Winnipeg. One of my faves. Came in clear, spare packaging in a squarish/rectangular shape. Mostly chocolate and peanuts as I remember.
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  I can almost see the wrapper Michael – I think the name was in red?
  So delicious! I loved these chocolate bars!
  Reply
  - Michaelon at
    
    I believe you’re right on the color (colour) of the lettering. Surprised that no picture of that wrapper exists (that I can find) on the internet!
    Reply
Crystal Westergardon at

There is a facebook group dedicated to this subject believe it or not! Quite an online community dedicated to discovering the best recipe, and this one is a great place to start.
Thank you for posting it.
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  I can’t believe there’s a Facebook group dedicated to this! Crazy! The thoughts of the Cuban Lunch haunt me – but my recipe does hit home.
  Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this Crystal!
  Reply
Evelynon at

Thank you so much for jogging my memory. Those were the best little snacks. I love them and I definitely remember them. But I recall them as being round and I think the rapper was red but but that was a long time ago. They were so so good
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  I’m delighted this brought back fond memories for you Evelyn. I loved these chocolate treats!
  Reply
Tanis Bennetton at

They were definitely my favorite. A nice little square bar in a red ruffled cup. I remember the dark chocolate and the nuts- no coconut. Will be tryjng your recipe although i had a hard time finding spanish peanuts
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  I loved Cuban Lunch! Let me know what you think of the recipe. :)
  Reply
Juneon at

I am from Winnipeg Manitoba and grew up enjoying Cuban Lunch chocolate bars. My whole family loved them…my parents would by 20- 30 of them in the 70’s so the 5 of us could take them on trips as a snack. They came in a clear package with a red liner and there was no peanut butter or coconut in them…just a darker chocolate and peanuts (not spanish as there were no skins on them). Wish we could still get them…why do all the good things disappear…LOL !!
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  I remember loving them but recreating the taste was challenging. Just chocolate did not seem familiar but chocolate with some peanut butter was perfect. Lots of people say they don’t remember coconut – maybe I’m imagining things but you could try making this without the coconut and decide what you think of it!
  Thanks for sharing in my memories of this delicious chocolate bar!
  Reply
Cathyon at

I remember the Cuban Lunch! We used to get them from the swimming pool vending machine in Calgary. I don’t recall coconut either but think it would have made them even yummier. I’m going to make these for my brothers at Christmas. Thanks for the recipe!
Reply
Lisaon at

I grew up in Surrey. BC. Cuban Lunch was my mom’s and my favourite chocolate bar. They were around for a long time. My mom remembered them from her post war childhood.
Cuban lunch was a rectangle about 4 inches long and 3 inches wide. It consisted of lots of toasted, skinned Spanish peanuts in a chocolate that I would describe as in between milk and dark. It was poured into a paper lining about 1/2 deep – red with crinkle corners. The version I remember was wrapped in clear cellophane with the name printed in red.
I loved Cuban Lunch (I’m actually salivating right now!). I can remember them easily available into the late eighties. There was a resurgence at some point in early 2000’s because I was a clerk at London Drugs and we’d get the occasional shipment. Then they disappeared from the face of the earth, along with Pep Chews (my dad’s fave) and a very chewy white nougat candy stick which was covered in very chewy caramel. They were about six inches long and wrapped in white waxed paper printed with the Paulin’s name. Anyone remember those?
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  I’m so happy to read of your memories of the Cuban Lunch. I loved it!
  I don’t recall Pep Chews though. Hopefully someone else has heard of them / seen them.
  Thanks for sharing Lisa!
  Reply
  - Dougon at
    
    Were those the ones that were also called Wig wag? Those i remember as a kid im Morden Mb.
    Reply
    - Sheldon Howeon at
      
      The wig wag was an awesome bar. A braid of caramel dipped in chocolate
      Reply
      - Jennifer Blyon at
        
        I’ve never heard of a wigwag but it sounds delicious!
- Pamon at
  
  Omg. I loved the Pep Chews. If I could recreate that bad boy, I would. They were equally as good – if not better than Cuban lunch. I remember Cuban lunch being more milk chocolate than dark. I bought some yesterday & was less than impressed. (They are now made with dark chocolate, which is not my fav) I. Going to try my own version tonight with milk choc.
  Reply
  - Jennifer Blyon at
    
    I remember them being a milk chocolate flavour too – but I love the new ones as dark chocolate too.
    Reply
- Elaineon at
  
  I am now 75 years old and I remember Cuban lunches from my childhood in Winnipeg. I believe they were made here. No, I never had one with coconut or (horrors) peanut butter!
  Several weeks ago, one showed up at our house. It was the same as ever and the package indicated that it was made in Camrose, Alberta. A Winnipeg Safeway is selling them.
  Reply
John seaurseon at

I remember these bars well and so does my wife.
I believe that they were made by Paulins – Chambers,
the makers of Paulins Puffs.
My wife has her own recipe for making them with no coconut.
Another version has crushed potatoe chips.
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  They are so delicious! A recipe with potato chips sounds DELICIOUS! I love salty and sweet combinations. Thanks for sharing your recollections of the Cuban Lunch Chocolate Bar, John!
  Reply
Bob Hancoxon at

This is from my mom.
They were made, as she correctly remembers in Winnipeg by the Paulin Chambers Co. I do not recall the coconut addition, just nuts. It was oddly enough not made in the Summer because the box cars were not refrigerated. Instead, they were made of carob, and in wartime made with soy nuts as peanuts were very scarce. They remain, to those of us who grew up on them, the all time favourite chocolate bar. The combination didn’t cut it, and I think the War and summer are the reason for it’s demise. Indeed, I hesitate to think of how many children were put in peril by whatever the additive might have been. Something that would keep it from melting, I suspect.
My father worked for Paulin Chambers and that’s why I consider myself an expert.
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  Wow, what a helpful and information comment Bob. Yes, I would hate to think of how bad that preservative was. I would love for them to bring back the Cuban Lunch (minus the preservative) — but for now, this recipe will have to suffice. I’m going to try it without coconut and see if the taste is even more familiar. Thanks again for sharing!
  Reply
Carl von Baeyeron at

Could you say any more about how you found out about the preservative?
I had the impression from the various histories of Cuban Lunch that it was a business decision after Paulin’s was bought out.
I don’t recall any coconut in the Cuban Lunch bars that I ate many times — tried to tell myself that it was NOT a proper lunch!
Thanks for your post.
Reply
Seanon at

Seems you’re not alone:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/cuban-lunch-chocolate-bar-alberta-canmore-1.4733400
Reply
Damonon at

Yes, these were a favorite of mine in the 70’s. Guessing it was in the 80’s that they were discontinued. Don’t recall any peanut butter or coconut flavoring but they were delicious.
Reply
Alicia Gon at

Cuban lunch bars never made it to London Ontario according to my memory. I would have loved them as chocolate and peanuts is a favourite of mine. Will try your recipe out for a pot luck coming up
Reply
Jimon at

Thank you for this recipe, one of my all time favourite bars.
I too have seen recipes online which included odd items such as crushed chips, but without even having seen your recipe I would also have sworn there was coconut in the bar, (as commented earlier, it may just have been a textural thing, but I was already looking for coconut in the other recipes, so in my mind.. I expected it)
I’ll be making up a batch of these as soon as I can.
Reply
Irene Guzykon at

I remember these from the late ’60’s. They became my Dad and my guilty pleasure. I remember they had dense rich chocolate and peanuts. I don’t remember potato chips or coconut for that matter. The red pleated paper and cellophane wrapper jogs memories. Thank you so much go sharing. Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Reply
- Darryl Schellon at
  
  I remember that the Cuban lunch was a little creamy with whole peanuts no coconut or P.B.. Anyone else remember it being a little creamy ?.
  Reply
  - Darryl Schellon at
    
    I also tasted a salty taste in the dark chocolate Cuban lunch..
    Reply
Pamon at

Cuban Lunch is back in production! YEAH!!
A Camrose woman, Crystal Regehr Westergard and her husband have reproduced the Cuban Lunch. Right down to the packaging. They have a factory in Delta, BC making them. There are a few select stores selling them as of this summer. Info in the attached article.
Reply
- Lesleyon at
  
  22/12/2018
  Hello Jennifer, Pam & all other Cuban Lunch lovers – I grew up in Winnipeg in the 50s & 60s & well-remember Cuban Lunch. They were rectangular, about 3×4 inches, & came in a red pleated paper cup (like muffin/cupcake liners) & wrapped in cellophane. As I recall they were made by Paulins, were more milk chocolate than semi sweet & contained only peanuts. I, too, read the article about Crystal Westergard & her husband’s new business. They apparently make small batches (30,000 at a time) at their new factory. Their Cuban Lunch is available (occasionally) at certain Sobeys – but sells out immediately. I enquired at my Sobey’s this week – all sold out, & the store never knows when they might be getting more. Perhaps Crystal’ s new venture will be so successful that they will expand production, pleasing Cuban Lunch’s legion of fans – nostalgic & new comers.
  Having said all of this – I am going to try making some myself – using 2 parts milk chocolate, 1 part semi-sweet chocolate, (perhaps a touch of peanut butter??) & only
  peanuts. No potato chips & coconut for me!
  Will put them in Christmas paper cupcake holders.
  Merry Christmas everyone!
  Reply
- Lesleyon at
  
  P.S. I wonder from where the name “Cuban Lunch” came?!
  Reply
  - Tom Marsdenon at
    
    Not sure of the origin but we called them Castro’s Sandwich
    Reply
  - Anonymouson at
    
    When I was a kid, I thought it was because they were square… you know, “cube”.
    Reply
Lindaon at

The Cuban Lunch is back! A lady in Alberta has bought the rights to make these. I found some today in Sobeys. They bring back such great memories of childhood and it’s been nearly 30 years without them.
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Ton at

I purchased the new revised Cuban Lunch last month but I remember them made with milk chocolate, and peanuts. Not dark chocolate . All my friends and relatives that remember the CL bar also agree. Not sure why they brought it back with dark Chocolate ? But my favourite bar growing up was Pep chew.
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- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  I got my hands on the new Cuban Lunch bars too. I agree that it wasn’t dark chocolate before – but I do still like the taste.
  Reply
Kerryon at

Cuban Lunch was my favourite bar back in the 60’s when I was in high school.I recently bought one of the new revised bars at Safeway and they are not as good.The old ones were milk chocolate,were more creamy and had a less bitter taste.
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- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  Thanks for sharing Kerry. I wonder why they chose to do dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
  Reply
Valerieon at

I had the same experience with my husband. No idea what a Cuban Lunch was. He grew up in southwestern Ontario and I grew up in northwestern Ontario. 1500 km and a world apart. We had chips in boxes too! :)
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Dale Trefzon at

https://www.facebook.com/cubanlunch/
And I just ate one, that was brought to us here in Hawaii. :)
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Bethon at

They have these at Sobeys and I kept walking by but last night I finally tried one. They are SO good! I googled it to see what the scoop was on them and found your page:)
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- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  Yes! They are so good!
  Reply
Kristaon at

I remember these well from my childhood and was super sad when they disappeared.
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- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  Yes, they are so good.
  Reply
Pamela Bon at

Cuban Lunch was my favourite chocolate bar in the 70’s! But then they disappeared…and I discovered, like you, that no one else remembered them! Well, here’s some good news: today (June 11, 2019) I saw them at the till at my local Safeway store!!!! The cashier said, “They’re back,” when I exclaimed how happy I was to see them again. The cost was 1.99, but who cares? I will nibble one tiny bite at a time. BTW, I live in Winnipeg and it is fun to know the Cuban Lunch chocolate bar was originally made here. ;) The package says to learn more abut this re-creation of a historical (!) chocolate bar: Facebook/Twitter: @cubanlunch. Hope you can find some!!
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Joe T.on at

I grew up with these in the 50’s and 60’s. All the local Co-op Stores carried them as did our small town independent.
They were a darker chocolate but still a version of milk chocolate and only contained peanuts. I’m pretty sure they contained Carnauba wax because of the very pronounced exterior shine of the chocolate.
We always got to go down to the store at lunch on Fridays and a Cuban lunch was always part of my desk stash for the afternoon.
Glad to see them return.
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Johnon at

The Cuban Lunch was made in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada at a factory called Paulins Chambers. They also made the wonderful Paulins Puff’s cookie that had chocolate on the outside, marshmallow and then jam in the middle with a cookie crust.
If you grew up in Winnipeg, you lived on these two items as a treat. Glad to see the Cuban Lunch coming back.
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Amanda Josephon at

I literally just found these in a store and freaked out because I remember them from my childhood as well and have not seen them in years! I can’t believe it! That’s why I looked them up and you’re page is what I found!! My dad used to buy these for us on trips in to Winnipeg. I love things from my childhood and love even more to find them now!!
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Doug Masonon at

I ate these from the late 60s until I moved to from Northern Ontario to Southern Ontario in the mid-80s. My grandfather sold them in the garage he used to run and I graduated from Wagon Wheels to this when I was about 10.
They definitely had no coconut in them and recipe I located online back in 2004 was from someone who worked there (Pamela) and she said they had Old Dutch Chips in them for the crunch. I’ve been making them every Christmas since.
I stand by the Old Dutch Ripple chips, as I’ve tried Lay’s and store brand chips when Old Dutch was distributed down here for a few years and they aren’t the same.
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Kim Ladouceuron at

I remember these! My Mom used to buy them as a special treat. They were also available at the corner store by my childhood home. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Hubby doesn’t remember them, either.
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Susan Sarukon at

my husband I both remember them from our youth. we have found a few local stores selling them now but nothing like the original. since this was my husband’s fav chocolate bar I am so thankful to have your recipe for him to try. Thanks so much and God bless.
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Lindaon at

Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I also have fond memories of buying these at the corner store by our school many many years ago for 5 cents. I don’t remember coconut as an ingredient though.
Reply
- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  Hi Linda – now that they’re in the stores again, I’m sure you’re right in saying they didn’t have coconut. Thanks for stopping by!
  Reply
  - Tomon at
    
    You can purchase them at Coop gas stations in Winnipeg
    Reply
Kateon at

I loved Cuban lunch. The peanuts were whole and NO coconut. I think I’ll give it a whirl using my chocolate bark recipe.
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Debon at

Hello to everyone who remembers
Cuban Lunch and Pep Chews. Those by far were my faves in the 60’s! (grew up in Edmonton.) I remember paying .5 cents for the pep chews and 10 cents for the Cuban lunch. But alas all prices go up, And now YES we can find Cuban lunch in some select stores, but they’ve shrunk, I’m sure of it, plus at 1.25 each I just can’t do it as I only like dark chocolate now. Cubans were milk chocolate for sure.
Pep chews are rare to find, but there is a lil candy store called Candy Bouquet on Perron Street in St Albert that carry’s alot of old hard to find favourites Plus a Huge selection to delight anyone’s desires! Thanx for the trip down memory lane Jennifer! & PS, I still love Rockets and Ganongs Chicken Bones… Deb Nov. 2020
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Theresaon at

Oh yes, I remember Cuban lunch chocolate bars. They were a favourite of my Mom, and I liked them, too. I will give this recipe a try, but I am pretty sure there was no coconut in the ones we bought, just peanuts and chocolate. Thought they were more like milk chocolate.
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Charleneon at

My Dad worked in a logging camp when I was young. He would leave late Sunday night and would return home Friday evening. One of the high lights was Dad would bring us kids each a Cuban Lunch chocolate bar as a treat. Such fond memories, I saw the the Cuban lunch chocolate bar in Safeway Recently and bought one it brought back such great memories.
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- Jennifer Blyon at
  
  I’m delighted they rebooted them – although they don’t quite taste the same to me. But the packaging is PERFECT!
  Reply
Marcuson at

Funny, at least to me, that a number of the responses didn’t think that the original had coconut in it. That is one of the ingredients that I remember most clearly. Oh well!
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Chellyon at

Weird. I grew up in Alberta, and distinctly rember them having potato chips crumbled in them. My dad loved them.
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