Candy corn is a Halloween staple loved by many. We see it everywhere once fall rolls around. Those vibrant, tri-coloured pieces are as iconic as jack-o’-lanterns and costumes.
Curiosity often swirls around what makes this sweet treat so, well, sweet. Many of us wonder about the ingredients that create that sugary goodness. It turns out, candy corn is made from a mix of sugar, corn syrup, and a few other basic ingredients.
While the taste might be polarizing—some rave about it, while others aren’t fans—its presence in candy bowls is undeniable. It’s the kind of treat you either love or avoid at all costs.
What is Candy Corn?
Candy corn is a fun little treat shaped like corn kernels. It has a hard outer layer and a chewy inside that makes it totally snackable. Each piece boasts three classic colours: orange, yellow, and white, making them as festive as pumpkins in October.
This iconic candy dates back to the 1880s, thanks to a fellow named George Renninger. Around 20 years later, it got a glow-up with mass production by the Goelitz Confectionery Company, now known as Jelly Belly Candy Co. Back in the day, it was called “Chicken Feed,” which is honestly hilarious.
Despite being a seasonal treat, candy corn gets loads of love and more than a fair share of haters. No matter your stance, its presence in candy bowls during Halloween is practically mandatory. It’s a nostalgic bite of autumn, whether we’re munching during a spooky movie or just snacking for the sake of it.
History of Candy Corn
Candy corn has a quirky past that adds to its charm. This sweet treat traces back to the 1880s, thanks to George Renninger, who had a knack for creating unique snacks. Originally called “Chicken Feed,” it was made to look like actual corn—how funny is that?
Fast forward a couple of decades, and it got a serious upgrade with the Goelitz Confectionery Company taking the reins, now known as Jelly Belly. They turned it into an autumn must-have as production ramped up.
Over the years, candy corn has flipped its reputation on its head. It often finds itself sparking debate, but who doesn’t enjoy a good conversation about food? Now, it’s practically synonymous with Halloween festivities. Its bright colors and sweet taste light up our holiday celebrations, proving that even polarising snacks can hold a special place in our hearts—or at least on our candy tables!
Ingredients of Candy Corn
Candy corn is a fun treat with a few simple components. It starts with sugar, corn syrup, and fondant, making it super sweet. Add some marshmallow crème and vanilla flavor for that yummy twist. Food coloring brings those classic seasonal colors to life.
To make candy corn, the ingredients melt together in a big pot. They blend until smooth, creating a delicious mixture. This goes into molds dusted with cornstarch, shaping the candy into those iconic kernels.
Next, we layer on the colors carefully, making sure each stripe is just right. After that, we finish it off by polishing the candy with edible wax. This gives it a nice shine, making it look even more tempting in the candy bowl. There you have it—candy corn, the sweet, colorful staple of Halloween!
Is Candy Corn Vegan?
Candy corn is a staple for Halloween, but sadly, it’s not vegan.
Most candy corn contains gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen.
On top of that, there’s the secret ingredient many overlook: bug secretion, specifically cochineal extract, that gives some candy corn its vibrant colours.
We can’t ignore the fact that these ingredients off the table for vegans.
If you’re in the vegan camp and craving something sweet during the spooky season, you might want to look for vegan-friendly candies instead.
These alternatives avoid animal products and often have fun flavours, too.
So while regular candy corn is part of Halloween tradition, there are plenty of options to keep our sweet tooth satisfied without compromise.
Halloween treats don’t have to be all about the non-vegan stuff if you know where to look.
What Does Candy Corn Taste Like?
Candy corn isn’t just hanging out in its original flavor anymore. Candy makers are getting wild with the varieties. We’ve come across flavors like caramel apple and pumpkin spice that are hard to resist.
Remember the s’mores version? It’s like a campfire treat without the hassle. Then there’s the bizarre hot dog flavor. Can you believe it? Before long, we might see a candy corn version of every meal out there.
Forget slaving away in the kitchen for a pot roast. We can just grab a bag of pot roast candy corn instead! With all these new twists, candy corn is trying to keep things fresh, even if some flavors make us scratch our heads.
The original flavor of candy corn is a blend of sweet vanilla and mellow honey, offering a classic taste that many associate with autumn and festive celebrations. Its chewy texture and vibrant tri-color appearance make it a nostalgic treat that remains a favorite among candy lovers.
Why Is Candy Corn So Hated?
Candy corn is definitely a polarizing snack. Many people critique its texture, claiming it resembles something between plastic and a wax candle. It’s hard to ignore the overwhelming sweetness, either. Without any contrasting flavors, it can taste like you’re digging into a giant bag of sugar.
However, some candy lovers live for that sugar rush. For these fans, candy corn is the embodiment of sweet bliss. They relish its chewy texture and vibrant colors.
At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference. We can all agree that it sparks some serious debates during Halloween. We find ourselves either indulging or dodging this classic treat, while others happily munch away.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.