Candy corn, the iconic tri-colored treat, has been a staple of Halloween celebrations for generations. This small, triangular confection holds a special place in American candy culture, sparking both love and controversy among sweet-toothed enthusiasts.

Despite its ubiquity during the fall season, many people are unaware of the rich history and interesting facts surrounding candy corn. From its surprising origins to its unique production process, this humble candy has more to offer than meets the eye. Delving into the world of candy corn reveals a tapestry of culinary innovation, marketing ingenuity, and cultural significance that extends far beyond its simple appearance.

1) Originally called Chicken Feed

Candy corn’s original name was far from the Halloween-associated moniker we know today. When it first appeared in the 1880s, this tri-colored treat bore the humble title of “Chicken Feed.”

The Wunderle Candy Company in Philadelphia introduced this uniquely shaped confection. George Renninger, an employee at the company, is credited with its invention.

The name “Chicken Feed” was a deliberate marketing choice. It reflected the candy’s resemblance to corn kernels and targeted the large farming population in America at the time.

This early branding strategy aligned with the candy’s appearance, as it looked like the corn kernels typically fed to chickens. The yellow, orange, and white layers mimicked the colors of actual corn.

At the time of its creation, candy corn wasn’t associated with Halloween. It was sold as penny candy throughout the year, appealing to rural consumers and agricultural communities.

The transition from “Chicken Feed” to “candy corn” occurred gradually as the treat gained popularity beyond its initial target market. Today, it’s a quintessential Halloween candy, far removed from its barnyard-inspired beginnings.

2) Created in the 1880s by the Wunderlee Candy Company

Candy corn’s origins trace back to the 1880s when it was first created by the Wunderlee Candy Company. George Renninger, an employee at Wunderlee, is credited with inventing this iconic treat.

Initially, candy corn was marketed under the name “Chicken Feed.” This unique moniker reflected its resemblance to corn kernels, appealing to farmers and rural consumers.

The tri-colored candy quickly gained popularity for its distinctive appearance, setting it apart from other confections of the time. Its yellow, orange, and white layers became a recognizable feature.

By the turn of the century, other companies began producing candy corn. The Goelitz Candy Company, now known as Jelly Belly, started manufacturing their version around 1900.

Despite its current association with Halloween, candy corn was not originally created as a holiday-specific treat. It was sold year-round as penny candy, accessible to a wide range of consumers.

3) Popularly associated with Halloween

Candy corn has become a quintessential Halloween treat, despite not being created specifically for the holiday. Its orange, yellow, and white colors align perfectly with the autumnal palette of Halloween decorations.

The triangular shape of candy corn resembles actual corn kernels, fitting well with harvest-themed celebrations. This visual connection to fall crops has helped cement its place as a Halloween staple.

Many people consider candy corn a must-have for Halloween parties and trick-or-treating. Its widespread availability during the Halloween season has reinforced its association with the holiday.

Candy manufacturers often market candy corn heavily in the lead-up to Halloween. This targeted marketing strategy has further strengthened the link between candy corn and Halloween festivities in the public consciousness.

While some enjoy candy corn year-round, its peak popularity coincides with the Halloween season. This timing has solidified its status as an iconic Halloween candy for many consumers.

4) Made from sugar, corn syrup, and marshmallows

Candy corn’s main ingredients are sugar, corn syrup, and marshmallow flavoring. This combination gives the candy its distinctive sweetness and texture.

The candy is classified as a “mellow cream,” a type of confection known for its smooth, creamy consistency. Despite its rich taste, candy corn is actually fat-free.

The production process involves layering the three colored sections – white, orange, and yellow. Each layer is poured into molds and allowed to partially set before the next is added.

While the recipe has remained largely unchanged since its inception, modern manufacturing methods have streamlined the production process. Today, machines can produce thousands of pieces per hour.

The marshmallow flavor contributes to candy corn’s unique taste profile, setting it apart from other Halloween treats. This flavor combination has helped maintain the candy’s popularity for over a century.

5) National Candy Corn Day is October 30th

Candy corn enthusiasts have a special day to celebrate their favorite tri-colored treat. National Candy Corn Day falls on October 30th, just before Halloween.

This unofficial holiday provides an opportunity for fans to indulge in and appreciate the iconic autumn candy. Many people mark the occasion by enjoying candy corn in various forms.

Some create candy corn-inspired desserts like cupcakes, cookies, or fudge. Others incorporate the candies into festive snack mixes or seasonal cocktails.

Social media plays a role in the celebration, with people sharing candy corn-related content using dedicated hashtags. This helps spread awareness and enthusiasm for the day.

While not as widely recognized as major holidays, National Candy Corn Day has gained traction among confectionery lovers. It serves as a fun prelude to Halloween festivities and showcases the enduring popularity of this divisive treat.

6) Debated whether it’s a sweet or bland treat

Candy corn sparks passionate debates among candy enthusiasts. Some people adore its sugary sweetness, while others find it bland or too artificial-tasting.

The candy’s texture also plays a role in this divide. Its waxy yet crumbly consistency is appealing to some but off-putting to others.

The polarizing nature of candy corn has led to numerous online discussions and polls. Social media platforms often light up with heated arguments about the merits of this Halloween staple.

Interestingly, even those who dislike candy corn’s taste often admit to eating it during the fall season due to nostalgia or tradition. This contradiction adds another layer to the ongoing candy corn debate.

Despite the controversy, candy corn remains a popular seasonal treat. Its distinctive tri-color design and association with Halloween ensure its continued presence in candy aisles year after year.

7) Also comes in flavors like pumpkin spice

Candy corn isn’t limited to its classic tri-color variety. Manufacturers have expanded their offerings to include seasonal and trendy flavors, with pumpkin spice being a popular choice.

This autumnal twist on the traditional candy corn blends the familiar sweetness with warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. The result is a treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite.

Other flavors have also made their way into the candy corn world. Apple pie, s’mores, and even chocolate are among the variations available to consumers looking for something different.

These flavor innovations demonstrate candy corn’s adaptability and its ability to stay relevant in the ever-changing confectionery market. They offer candy lovers new ways to enjoy this iconic treat beyond the Halloween season.

While purists may prefer the original, these alternative flavors provide options for those seeking variety in their candy corn experience. They also serve as conversation starters and add an element of surprise to candy dishes and seasonal displays.

8) Sometimes used as a topping for desserts

Candy corn’s versatility extends beyond just being eaten on its own. Creative bakers and dessert enthusiasts have found ways to incorporate this iconic Halloween treat into various sweet creations.

Some use candy corn as a colorful topping for cupcakes, adding a festive touch to these bite-sized treats. The candy’s distinctive tri-color pattern makes it an eye-catching decoration.

Ice cream sundaes also benefit from a sprinkle of candy corn. The candies add a crunchy texture contrast to the smooth ice cream and provide bursts of sweetness.

Candy corn can be mixed into cookie dough or pressed onto the tops of freshly baked cookies for a fun Halloween twist. This adds both visual appeal and extra sweetness to classic cookie recipes.

Some bakers even use candy corn to decorate cakes, creating unique designs or patterns on the frosting. The candy’s small size makes it easy to arrange in various shapes or patterns.

9) Classic candy since the 1800s

Candy corn has been a Halloween staple for over a century. This iconic treat traces its origins back to the late 1800s, making it one of America’s oldest commercially produced candies.

George Renninger, an employee of the Wunderle Candy Company, is credited with inventing candy corn in the 1880s. His creation quickly gained popularity and became a seasonal favorite.

The Goelitz Confectionery Company (now known as Jelly Belly) began mass-producing candy corn in 1898. Since then, the recipe and production process have remained largely unchanged.

Despite its long history, candy corn didn’t become strongly associated with Halloween until the 1950s. Today, it remains a divisive but enduring part of autumn celebrations.

The tri-colored design was revolutionary for its time, as each color had to be poured separately. This labor-intensive process contributed to candy corn’s initial status as a luxury item.

10) Does not contain any actual corn

Despite its name and appearance, candy corn contains no actual corn. This popular Halloween treat is made primarily from sugar, corn syrup, and other ingredients – but not corn kernels.

The main components of candy corn are sugar, corn syrup, confectioner’s glaze, salt, dextrose, gelatin, sesame oil, artificial flavor, honey, and various food dyes. These ingredients combine to create the iconic tri-colored candies.

Corn syrup is indeed used in the recipe, but it’s a sweetener derived from cornstarch rather than whole corn. This ingredient contributes to the candy’s texture and sweetness without adding any corn flavor or nutritional value from corn.

The name “candy corn” comes from its visual resemblance to corn kernels, not its ingredients. The yellow, orange, and white layers mimic the appearance of corn, creating a harvest-themed treat that has become synonymous with autumn and Halloween.

The Origin of Candy Corn

Candy corn has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Its creation involved innovative production techniques and unique marketing strategies that helped establish it as an iconic American confection.

History and Invention

Candy corn was invented in the 1880s by George Renninger, an employee of the Wunderle Candy Company in Philadelphia. The treat was originally called “Chicken Feed” due to its resemblance to corn kernels. Goelitz Confectionery Company (now Jelly Belly Candy Company) began producing candy corn in 1898, helping popularize the sweet nationwide.

The candy’s tri-color design was revolutionary for its time. Its shape and colors were meant to mimic actual corn kernels, appealing to America’s agricultural roots. Candy corn quickly became a year-round penny candy, sold in bulk from large glass jars in general stores.

Original Production Methods

Early candy corn production was a labor-intensive process. Workers, known as “stringers,” carried buckets of hot candy mixture, pouring it into corn starch trays with kernel-shaped depressions. Each color was poured separately, creating the iconic tri-color look.

The process required three passes:

1. White base
2. Orange center
3. Yellow tip

This method ensured consistent layering and the distinctive appearance of each piece. The candy was then left to cool and harden before being coated with a confectioners’ glaze for shine.

Production has since been automated, but the basic layering technique remains similar. Modern candy corn uses a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, and other ingredients to create its sweet flavor and unique texture.

Candy Corn Ingredients

Candy corn’s distinctive flavor and texture come from a unique blend of ingredients. While the exact recipe may vary between manufacturers, most candy corn contains similar core components.

Unique Ingredients

Sugar forms the base of candy corn, typically combined with corn syrup for sweetness and texture. Fondant, a smooth icing-like mixture, helps create the candy’s creamy consistency. Marshmallow adds a light, fluffy quality to the treat. Gelatin acts as a binding agent, giving candy corn its characteristic chewiness.

Some recipes incorporate honey for additional flavor. Food coloring provides the iconic yellow, orange, and white hues. Carnauba wax or confectioner’s glaze often coats the exterior, lending a shiny appearance.

Artificial flavors like vanilla may be added to enhance taste. Salt is sometimes included to balance sweetness.

Nutritional Information

Candy corn is primarily composed of carbohydrates, with little to no protein or fat. A typical serving of 19 pieces (about 30 grams) contains approximately:

• Calories: 140
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugars: 32g
• Protein: 0g

Due to its high sugar content, candy corn is considered a source of empty calories. It lacks significant vitamins or minerals.

Moderation is key when consuming candy corn. Its high sugar content can contribute to dental issues and blood sugar spikes if eaten in excess.