Candy corn is a classic fall treat that evokes nostalgia for many during the autumn season. The tricolor, triangle-shaped candy has been around since the 1880s and is a staple during Halloween. But is candy corn actually a popular fall treat today or is it an outdated confection that no longer deserves a place on the Halloween candy shelf?
The History of Candy Corn
Candy corn was invented in the 1880s by George Renninger of the Wunderle Candy Company. At the time, most candy was handmade and expensive. Renninger devised a way to mass produce candy cheaply by inventing a special machine to create the tri-color candy. The process involved pouring heated syrup into trays imprinted with the triangle shape to create the distinctive look of candy corn kernels. Originally called “butter cream candy,” the name was changed to “candy corn” in the 1920s and it became hugely popular during Halloween and other fall harvest celebrations.
Candy Corn Production Today
Candy corn is still produced using a similar process over 130 years after its invention. The Goelitz Candy Company (now Jelly Belly Candy Company) improved the process in 1898 to allow for mass candy corn production. Today, the Jelly Belly Candy Company claims to produce over 35 million pounds of candy corn per year. The majority of candy corn production occurs between June and October to meet demand for Halloween. October alone accounts for 75% of total yearly candy corn sales.
Sales and Popularity Over Time
Though once enormously popular in the early 1900s, candy corn sales and popularity declined throughout much of the 20th century. As the decades passed, candy corn came to be seen as an outdated or old-fashioned candy choice. However, the nostalgic associations with fall and Halloween helped candy corn from fading away completely. In more recent years, candy corn has made somewhat of a comeback. According to data from the National Confectioners Association, candy corn now ranks as the #1 best-selling Halloween candy, accounting for 13% of Halloween candy sales. Though Halloween is peak candy corn season, around 35 million pounds are sold annually demonstrating continued demand outside just October.
Candy Corn Sales by Year
| Year | Total Candy Corn Sales (lbs) |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 34.9 million |
| 2015 | 35.5 million |
| 2020 | 37.2 million |
Consumer Sentiment About Candy Corn
Public opinion on candy corn seems to be sharply divided. A recent poll by YouGov found that 74% of Americans have a strong opinion about candy corn, whether positive or negative. Among those with an opinion, 29% view candy corn favorably while 45% view it unfavorably. So while nearly half polled dislike candy corn, there remains a sizeable minority that still enjoy it.
Some of the positives associated with candy corn by fans are its nostalgic fall flavor, festive colors, and classic Halloween treat status. Common criticisms are that it is too sweet, has a waxy texture, or a bland flavor. Ultimately individual candy taste is highly personal.
Candy Corn Consumer Opinions Poll
| Opinion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Favorable | 29% |
| Unfavorable | 45% |
| No strong opinion | 26% |
Conclusion
While candy corn may not be universally loved today, it still maintains a strong association with fall and Halloween for many Americans. Candy corn sales remain strong especially during October, even if year-round consumption is down compared to its early 20th century heyday. Its festive colors and fall flavor profile continue to appeal to fans looking for a nostalgic Halloween treat. So for those that enjoy it, candy corn can absolutely be considered a favorite fall candy.