Every year as we approach Halloween there seems to be a continuous debate: to eat, or not to eat, candy corn? The iconic, sugary treat is made mostly of sugar, corn syrup, carnauba wax and artificial coloring.
Regardless of your preference, did you know candy corn is one of the oldest Halloween candies? Its history goes back to its initial production in the 1880s. It was created by a company in Philadelphia called Wunderle Candy Company. George Renninger, an employee, had the idea to have the candy resemble chicken feed to appeal to the rural Philadelphia community.
In the late 19th century the candies were modeled after turnips, clovers, chestnuts and other nature-inspired shapes. Though “candy corn” was advertised as a treat to share year-round, due to its association with fall its most popular season became Halloween.
Today, the largest manufacturer of candy corn is Brach’s Confections. They make 7 billion pieces of candy corn per year!
Fun fact! International Candy Corn Day is recognized on Oct. 30, the day before Halloween.
Which Halloween candy is your favorite?
