Candy corn is one of the most iconic treats associated with Halloween in the United States. Its brightly colored, triangular shape mimics real corn kernels and evokes images of harvest time and falling leaves. Most people expect to see huge bags and buckets of candy corn flood store shelves in September and October, only to disappear as soon as Halloween is over. This seasonal availability leads many candy lovers to stock up in the fall, hoarding bags of the waxy, sugary candy to last through the winter. But is candy corn really only available around Halloween, or can you purchase it year-round?
The History of Candy Corn
Candy corn was invented in the 1880s by George Renninger of the Wunderle Candy Company. At that time, most candy was produced by hand in small batches. The new candy was made possible by the advent of industrialization and access to improved machinery and technology. Renninger developed the candy corn recipe and production method, which allowed for mass production of the triangular candy for the first time.
Wunderle Candy Company reportedly produced over 2 million pounds of candy corn in 1898. The Goelitz Confectionery Company (now known as Jelly Belly Candy Company) started producing the candy in 1898 as well. Thanks to its bright colors and unique shape, candy corn quickly became one of the most popular Halloween treats. For many decades, candy corn was exclusively produced and sold around the Halloween season in the fall.
When is Candy Corn Typically Available?
For most of its history, candy corn was only available in the fall months leading up to Halloween. Candy makers produced batches of candy corn for a short Halloween season running from late August through November. For decades, shoppers could only purchase candy corn during this limited window. Seeing bags of candy corn on store shelves signaled the unofficial start of the Halloween season in many households.
However, over the past couple of decades candy corn has become more widely available year-round. Advancements in candy production, storage, and distribution have enabled candy makers to sell Halloween candy all year. Major national brands of candy corn like Brach’s now produce the candy year-round rather than just seasonally.
Halloween Season
While candy corn can now be purchased throughout the year, the Halloween season is still peak candy corn time. Candy makers produce more candy corn from August through November to meet high demand for the Halloween holiday. It’s during the Halloween season that you’ll find entire store displays stocked full with huge bags of candy corn in anticipation of trick-or-treaters and candy lovers. Retailers typically start putting out Halloween candy in late summer and the selection continues to grow leading up to October 31st.
Spring and Summer
After Halloween ends, you’ll notice less candy corn on shelves at grocery stores, pharmacies, big box retailers, and convenience stores. But it doesn’t completely disappear after the fall. Candy corn continues to be available in smaller quantities and selections year-round. You may find it randomly stocked on shelves next to other seasonal candy.
Some candy brands feature spring and summer varieties of candy corn that become available during these seasons. Brach’s makes flavors like Sour Berry Candy Corn for spring and Tropical Candy Corn for summer. You’re more likely to spot these seasonal flavors than traditional candy corn during the first half of the year.
Christmas Holiday Season
Candy corn also makes a small resurgence around the Christmas and winter holiday season. It can be used as decoration or baked into holiday treats. Some brands have winter flavor varieties like gingerbread or peppermint for this time of year. While the selection is smaller than at Halloween, you can typically still find bags of plain candy corn mixed in with the Christmas candy section.
Where to Buy Candy Corn Year-Round
Here are some of the best places to purchase candy corn during the off-season when it’s not a hot Halloween commodity:
Online Stores
Major online retailers like Amazon sell candy corn packs year-round. Search for brands like Brach’s, Crows, and Bob’s to find different size bags and bulk options available for purchase and home delivery. Online bulk candy stores will also have large quantities available. The selection will likely be smaller than peak Halloween season but certain packs and flavors can be purchased online anytime.
Specialty Candy Stores
Look for bags of candy corn at local candy stores or candy specialty chains like Rocket Fizz, Dylan’s Candy Bar, IT’SUGAR, and Sugarfina. Their year-round selection of candy includes some pumpkin or fall favorites even when it’s not October. You can often find candy corn sold individually by weight if you just want to buy a small amount.
Drugstores and Pharmacies
Many chain drugstores keep select Halloween candy in stock year-round even though the quantities are smaller outside of the Halloween season. Check Rite Aid, CVS, or Walgreens for individual bags of Brach’s candy corn. It may be tucked in next to summer candies or with other year-round treats.
Dollar Stores
For budget-friendly candy corn, check the seasonal candy aisle at dollar stores. Stores like Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar get shipments of fall candy and sometimes have leftover bags of candy corn available for just $1 even after Halloween. Quantities are more limited than at Halloween but you may get lucky finding an overlooked bag.
Craft Stores
Arts and craft stores stock candy corn for creative projects like decorating and baking. Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Joann Fabric typically carry Brach’s Candy Corn in their baking aisles. Around Halloween, you’ll also find candy corn garland for decor. After Halloween is over, check for any leftover candy corn marked down for clearance.
Bulk Food Stores
For buying candy corn in bulk quantities, check the candy section at warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club and Costco or wholesale stores like Smart & Final and Restaurant Depot. These retailers stock large bags of seasonal candy before Halloween and often have surplus inventory available after the holiday at a discount.
Seasonal Flavor Varieties
While original plain candy corn is available year-round in limited quantities, seasonal flavor variations only hit store shelves during certain times of year. Here are some of the limited flavors tied to spring, summer, and winter holidays:
Spring Flavors
- Sour Berry Candy Corn
- Sour Watermelon Candy Corn
- Fruit Punch Candy Corn
- Jelly Bean Candy Corn
- Spring Mix Candy Corn (with colors and flavors reminiscent of Easter eggs)
Summer Flavors
- Tropical Candy Corn
- Pineapple Candy Corn
- Coconut Candy Corn
- Cotton Candy Candy Corn
- Orange Sherbet Candy Corn
Winter Flavors
- Peppermint Candy Cane Candy Corn
- White Chocolate Peppermint Candy Corn
- Gingerbread Candy Corn
- Sugar Cookie Candy Corn
- Eggnog Candy Corn
These uniquely flavored candy corn varieties are only available for a limited time around their seasonal holiday but are fun to taste if you can find them.
Making Your Own Candy Corn
If you want fresh candy corn but can’t find it in stores near you, try making your own at home! Homemade candy corn captures the classic flavor and colors of the original. With some sugar, corn syrup, confectioner’s wax, gelatin, vanilla and food coloring, you can whip up a batch of candy corn any time. Pour the hot candy liquid into corn shaped molds and let cool before enjoying your homemade treat. Add your own fun flavors by switching up the extracts and food color combinations. Making it yourself ensures you’ll have candy corn available anytime the craving strikes.
How Long Does Candy Corn Last?
An open bag of candy corn will last for about 6 months if stored properly in an airtight container. Unopened bags of candy corn will stay fresh for up to 9 months when stored in a cool, dry place. Hardened candy corn can be revived by microwaving the opened bag for a few seconds to restore moisture and softness. For the longest shelf life, store candy corn sealed in the fridge or freezer. Frozen candy corn can last for over a year before quality deteriorates.
Properly stored candy corn rarely goes bad, but you may notice some changes in texture and flavor over time. Old candy corn loses its signature soft and smooth texture, becoming hardened and brittle. It may also develop a stale, rancid taste. For best quality and taste, try to eat opened candy corn within 3-4 months and unopened bags within 6 months. Discard any candy corn that smells bad or looks discolored.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for a typical 1 ounce (28 gram) serving of candy corn:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
Candy corn is almost entirely made up of sugar. A serving contains 140 calories, 110 of which come from sugar. It contains 0 grams of fat, 10 milligrams of sodium, and 29 grams of carbohydrates. There is no protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals in candy corn. The ingredients are simply sugar, corn syrup, confectioner’s wax, salt, gelatin, artificial colors, vanilla extract, and honey.
While candy corn isn’t the most nutritious snack choice, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of the holidays. Stick to small portion sizes to limit sugar intake. Candy corn makes a festive decorative or baking addition around the fall and winter holidays.
The Bottom Line
In summary, while candy corn is a traditional Halloween treat, it has become more available year-round due to high consumer demand. Major candy brands now produce the festive candy in the off-season. While the selection is smaller than at Halloween, it can be purchased online, at drugstores, dollar stores, bulk food stores, and craft stores if you hunt for it. Specialty seasonal flavors still follow the holidays. So for the full festive candy corn experience, autumn is still the best time to purchase it. But if you just need a candy corn fix, you can find it in limited amounts as an anytime treat. With proper storage, stocked up bags of candy corn will stay fresh for up to a year until next Halloween rolls around.