How was candy corn created? Learn some fun history about this classic treat.
Few Halloween treats are as iconic as candy corn. With its instantly recognizable yellow, orange, and white stripes, this nostalgic candy has been delighting candy lovers for over a century. In fact, the National Retail Federation reported in 2019 that 95% of holiday shoppers included candy corn in their Halloween purchases. But how did this little tricolor kernel become a fall classic? Let’s explore the origins, production, variations, and fun facts behind one of America’s favorite seasonal sweets.
The Origins of Candy Corn
The story of candy corn begins in the late 1800s. According to candy-making tradition, George Renninger of the Wunderlee Candy Company in Philadelphia first developed the tri-colored treat in the 1880s. A few years later, the Goelitz Confectionery Company (now known as Jelly Belly Candy Co.) took the recipe nationwide, helping candy corn earn a permanent spot in America’s seasonal celebrations.
Fun fact: When Goelitz first introduced the candy, it wasn’t even called “candy corn.” It was marketed as “Chicken Feed”, complete with a rooster on the packaging and the catchy tagline, “Something worth crowing for.”
How Candy Corn Is Made
Though the process has modernized over the decades, candy corn is still created in a way that honors its original recipe. The ingredients typically include sugar, corn syrup, fondant, marshmallow crème, and vanilla flavoring.
The process begins by heating the mixture into a smooth candy “slurry.” This liquid candy is poured into rows of cornstarch molds, where the three signature layers—yellow, orange, and white—are added one at a time. After cooling, the pieces harden into kernels that are removed, sifted, and polished in large drums with edible wax and glaze, giving them their glossy finish.
One note: because candy corn often contains gelatin or animal-based ingredients, it’s not suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets.
Fun Facts About Candy Corn
Candy corn’s history is packed with sweet trivia:
- It has its own holiday. Celebrate National Candy Corn Day on October 30, just in time for Halloween.
- Billions are made every year. Over 35 million pounds (about 9 billion pieces!) of candy corn are produced annually.
- A low-fat treat. A handful contains about 140 calories and no fat, making it one of the “lighter” Halloween indulgences.
- A long shelf life. Unopened, candy corn can last up to nine months. Once opened, it stays fresh for three to six months when stored properly.
Decorating and Snacking with Candy Corn
Beyond snacking, candy corn from Wockenfuss Candies makes a playful addition to holiday décor and recipes. Use it to decorate cupcakes, cookies, or pumpkin pies. Add a pop of color to trail mixes and popcorn balls, or simply pour it into festive jars as a seasonal centerpiece. Its cheerful stripes instantly signal that fall is here.
A Sweet Legacy
Whether you enjoy it straight from the bag, mixed into recipes, or as part of your Halloween decorations, this colorful classic continues to bring nostalgia and joy year after year.
So this fall, when you see those familiar yellow, orange, and white kernels, you’ll know you’re not just enjoying a treat, you’re celebrating a candy with more than a century of tradition behind it.
A Wide Selection of Delicious Treats from Wockenfuss Candies
Head to WockenfussCandies.com and browse our wide selection of chocolates and candies; we promise you won’t be disappointed! Wockenfuss Candies is one of the oldest candy makers in Baltimore. We opened our doors in 1915 and have proudly served the people of Baltimore ever since. If you have any questions about our wide selection of chocolates, please contact Wockenfuss Candies by calling 1-800-296-4414 or email info@Wockenfusscandies.com. When you’re not savoring our sweets, stay satisfied by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!