Austrian candy executive Eduard Haas invented Pez candy in 1927. The original little candy bricks were peppermint. In fact, the word Pez is an abbreviation of the German word for peppermint.(PfeffErminZ) Pez candy was originally sold in small tins. The first Pez dispenser appeared around 1950.

Pez was originally marketed as an adult mint for people trying to quit smoking. The first Pez dispensers, known to collectors as "regulars", did not have character heads. Around 1952, cartoon heads and fruity flavored candy were introduced. Since then, over 500 different heads have been made.

Pez dispensers have appeared in such movies as "The Client", "Stand By Me", and "E.T. The Extraterrestrial". A Tweety-Bird Pez had a guest appearence on "Seinfeld." Besides popular TV and movie characters, Pez has created many characters of their own, the latest being the Pez-A-SAURS. Other Pez character series include "Pez 'N Pets", "Mr. Ugly and Friends", "Pez Pals" and "Pez Circus Characters."