Candy Facts You Never Knew: Surprising Sweet Facts

Candy Facts You Never Knew: Surprising Sweet Facts

Candy has been a beloved treat for generations, but how much do you really know about the sugary delights you enjoy? From the origins of your favorite sweets to quirky tidbits about their creation, the world of candy is filled with fascinating surprises. Let’s dive into some sweet facts that will make you look at candy in a whole new way!

1. The First Candy Ever Was Made of Honey

Long before sugar was widely available, ancient cultures used honey as a sweetener. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used honey to make simple candies by combining it with nuts, fruits, and herbs. This was the first form of "candy" we know today!

2. Gummy Bears Were Inspired by Dancing Bears

Gummy bears, one of the most popular candies today, have a unique origin. They were inspired by the dancing bears at German fairs in the early 20th century. Hans Riegel, the founder of Haribo, created the first gummy bear in 1922. He named them “Goldbären” (gold bears) and made them small, chewy, and fruity to appeal to children.

3. Candy Corn Was Originally Called “Chicken Feed”

Candy corn, that iconic fall treat, was originally marketed as “chicken feed” when it was created by the George Washington Carver Company in the 1880s. The brightly colored candy was a fun, easy-to-make treat, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that it became a popular Halloween staple.

4. Lollipops Have Been Around for Centuries

The concept of lollipops dates back to ancient civilizations. Archaeologists have found evidence that ancient Egyptians and Romans used sticks to hold sweet treats made from honey, nuts, and fruits. But it wasn’t until the early 20th century that lollipops became mass-produced and a global sensation.

5. Chocolate Was Once Used as Currency

Chocolate has a rich history beyond just being a treat. The ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations valued cacao beans so highly that they were used as currency. The beans were even used as a tribute to the gods and as payment for goods and services. Who knew chocolate was once an economic powerhouse?

6. The Largest Gummy Bear Ever Made Weighed Over 4,000 Pounds

If you think your gummy bear obsession is big, wait until you hear this: The world’s largest gummy bear, created by The Gummy Bear Company, weighed in at an astounding 4,000 pounds. That’s over 2,000 times the size of a regular gummy bear!

7. Bubblegum Was Invented by Accident

The classic bubblegum that we all love was invented by Walter Diemer in 1928, but it was a total accident. While experimenting with gum, Diemer created a formula that was stretchier and less sticky than regular chewing gum. He then discovered that it could blow bubbles, and bubblegum was born!

8. The First Chocolate Bar Was Made in 1847

The first modern chocolate bar was created by Joseph Fry in 1847. Prior to this, chocolate was typically consumed as a hot drink. Fry’s breakthrough was to mix cocoa powder, sugar, and cocoa butter to create a solid bar, making it easier to eat and enjoy chocolate on the go.

9. Jelly Beans Have Been Around for Over 150 Years

Jelly beans have been a candy favorite since the 1800s. It’s believed that the candy was inspired by Turkish Delight, a sweet jelly-based confection. Jelly beans gained popularity in the 1930s, and today, they are most famously associated with Easter, thanks to their egg-shaped design.

10. Marshmallows Were Originally Medicinal

Believe it or not, marshmallows were originally created for medicinal purposes. The ancient Egyptians made a sweet treat from the sap of the mallow plant (which grew along the Nile) and used it as a remedy for sore throats and coughs. The marshmallow we know today has evolved into a fluffy, sugary candy that’s loved in everything from s'mores to hot cocoa.

11. The World’s Most Expensive Candy Costs $2,500 Per Piece

The world’s most expensive candy is "La Madeline au Truffe", made by the famous French chocolatier Denis Boivin. This decadent treat is made with a blend of rich chocolate and infused with French Perigord truffles, then coated in edible gold leaf. At $2,500 per piece, this candy is truly a luxurious indulgence.

12. Skittles Were Originally Created in the UK

While Skittles are now a globally recognized candy, they were originally produced in the United Kingdom in the 1970s. The candy was introduced to the United States in 1979, where it quickly gained popularity due to its bright colors and fruity flavors. The “Taste the Rainbow” slogan was introduced in the 1980s and has become iconic.

13. The Average American Eats Over 22 Pounds of Candy a Year

According to various reports, the average person in the United States consumes over 22 pounds of candy per year. That’s a lot of sweet treats! Chocolate is the most popular type of candy, followed by gummies, hard candies, and lollipops.

14. Peanut M&Ms Were Invented to Feed Soldiers

During World War II, M&M's were created to withstand hot temperatures and prevent the chocolate from melting. The peanut M&M’s were invented to give soldiers a quick, portable snack while also providing some protein and energy from the peanuts inside.

15. Cotton Candy Was Invented by a Dentist

It might be hard to believe, but the invention of cotton candy (also known as candy floss) is credited to Dr. William Morrison, a dentist from Tennessee, in 1897. He and his partner, John C. Wharton, invented a machine that melted sugar and spun it into fine threads. They debuted it at the 1897 World’s Fair in St. Louis, where it was a big hit.

Candy is more than just a sugar rush – it’s filled with rich history, accidental discoveries, and fascinating facts that make it even sweeter. Next time you unwrap your favorite candy, you can appreciate not only its flavor but also the fun history behind it!