Discover the fun history of the classic Halloween candy corn!
Candy corn is an extremely well-known Halloween candy. Perhaps more than any other candy, this sweet symbolizes Halloween and all the sugary goodness you can enjoy on this holiday. Some people love the candy, some people don’t, but one thing’s for sure: tons of Halloween candy corn is eaten every year. Have you ever wondered where this candy came from and how it got its distinct colors and flavors? Learn a bit about the history of candy corn before you indulge in your next package of Wockenfuss candy corn and harvest mix snacks.
Where was Candy Corn Invented?
The story goes that George Renninger invented the tricolor candy in the 1880s as a candymaker at the Wunderle Candy Company in Philadelphia. The Goelitz Confectionery Company (now the Jelly Belly Candy Co.) eventually brought candy corn to the general public at the turn of the 20th century. The Jelly Belly Candy Company now has the longest history of producing Halloween candy corn. Although the production methods have changed, the original recipe is still used.
How is Candy Corn Made?
Candy corn is a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, fondant, vanilla flavor, and marshmallow creme. The ingredients are all melted into a liquid candy (“slurry”), colored, and then run through a cornstarch molding process to create that distinct kernel shape. Trays filled with cornstarch are imprinted with rows of candy corn molds, where the layers are individually deposited from top to bottom.
As the mixture cools in the tray, the three layers seal together. The kernels of candy are then sifted from the trays and polished in large drum pans with edible wax to create that irresistible shiny glaze. It’s worth noting that these candies are not vegan because most recipes contain gelatin.
Candy Corn Fun Facts
Because of its long history, there are plenty of fun facts to learn about candy corn. Some of our favorites include:
- Candy corn is not the original name. When the Goelitz Confectionery Company first produced the candy, it was called “Chicken Feed.” The box had a colorful rooster logo and the tagline, “Something worth crowing for!”
- National Candy Corn Day is October 30th!
- More than 35 million pounds of candy corn are produced every year!
- When stored away from heat at room temperature, candy corn can be good for three to six months! If the package is unopened, it can last as long as nine months.
Enjoy Candy Corn Treats at Wockenfuss Candies
Halloween candy corn is good on its own, but it’s also a fun component in various seasonal mixes. At Wockenfuss Candies, you can find our favorite candy corn treats, including:
- Candy Corn, including our seven-ounce gift pack
- Harvest Mix, multiple candy corn varieties with pumpkin candies
- Milk Chocolate Happy Face Pops, with candy corn smiles
- Halloween Milk Chocolate Caramel Apple, with candy corn on top
Start enjoying your favorite Halloween candy today!
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!