The sweet and waxy treat that is candy corn has been a staple of American Halloween celebrations for over a century. Its origins date back to the late 1800s, and since then, it has become an iconic symbol of the holiday season. But have you ever wondered who makes candy corn now? In this article, we will delve into the history of candy corn, explore the current manufacturers, and discuss the production process of this beloved candy.
A Brief History of Candy Corn
Candy corn was first created in the 1880s by George Renninger, a candy maker at the Wunderle Candy Company in Philadelphia. The original recipe consisted of sugar, corn syrup, and wax, which were heated and then colored to create the distinctive tri-colored appearance. The candy was initially called “chicken feed” and was marketed as a treat for farmers to give to their children. Over time, the name was changed to candy corn, and it became a popular treat at circuses, fairs, and other public events.
The Golden Age of Candy Corn
In the early 20th century, candy corn became a staple of American candy culture. The Goelitz Confectionery Company, which was founded in 1869, began mass-producing candy corn in the 1900s. The company, which is now known as the Jelly Belly Candy Company, played a significant role in popularizing candy corn and making it a household name. During this period, candy corn was sold in small bags and was often given out as a treat at Halloween parties and other celebrations.
The Impact of World War II on Candy Corn Production
During World War II, candy corn production was affected by the shortage of sugar and other ingredients. Many candy manufacturers, including the Goelitz Confectionery Company, were forced to reduce production or switch to alternative ingredients. However, the demand for candy corn remained high, and manufacturers continued to produce the candy using available ingredients. After the war, candy corn production resumed, and the treat continued to gain popularity.
Current Manufacturers of Candy Corn
Today, candy corn is manufactured by several companies, including the Jelly Belly Candy Company, Brach’s Confections, and Zachary Candy. These companies use a combination of traditional and modern manufacturing techniques to produce candy corn. The production process involves heating sugar, corn syrup, and wax to create a syrup, which is then colored and shaped into the distinctive tri-colored kernels.
The Jelly Belly Candy Company
The Jelly Belly Candy Company is one of the largest manufacturers of candy corn in the United States. The company, which is headquartered in Fairfield, California, has been producing candy corn for over 100 years. Jelly Belly uses a secret recipe to make its candy corn, which involves a combination of sugar, corn syrup, and natural ingredients. The company produces over 100 million pounds of candy corn each year, making it one of the largest candy corn manufacturers in the world.
Brach’s Confections
Brach’s Confections is another major manufacturer of candy corn. The company, which is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, has been producing candy corn for over 100 years. Brach’s uses a traditional recipe to make its candy corn, which involves heating sugar, corn syrup, and wax to create a syrup. The company produces a range of candy corn products, including traditional candy corn, candy corn with nuts, and candy corn with chocolate.
The Production Process of Candy Corn
The production process of candy corn involves several stages, including mixing, heating, coloring, and shaping. The process begins with the mixing of sugar, corn syrup, and wax to create a syrup. The syrup is then heated to a high temperature to create a smooth and consistent texture. The syrup is then colored and shaped into the distinctive tri-colored kernels.
Mixing and Heating the Syrup
The first stage of the production process involves mixing the ingredients together to create a syrup. The ingredients, which include sugar, corn syrup, and wax, are mixed together in a large vat to create a smooth and consistent mixture. The mixture is then heated to a high temperature, typically around 300°F, to create a syrup. The syrup is then cooled and colored to create the distinctive tri-colored appearance of candy corn.
Coloring and Shaping the Candy Corn
The final stage of the production process involves coloring and shaping the candy corn. The syrup is colored using food dyes, which are added to the mixture to create the distinctive yellow, orange, and white colors. The colored syrup is then shaped into the distinctive tri-colored kernels using a machine called a starch molding machine. The machine shapes the syrup into the desired shape and size, and the candy corn is then polished and packaged for distribution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, candy corn is a beloved treat that has been a staple of American Halloween celebrations for over a century. The current manufacturers of candy corn, including the Jelly Belly Candy Company, Brach’s Confections, and Zachary Candy, use a combination of traditional and modern manufacturing techniques to produce the candy. The production process involves mixing, heating, coloring, and shaping the syrup to create the distinctive tri-colored kernels. Whether you love it or hate it, candy corn is a treat that is sure to continue to be a part of American candy culture for generations to come.
The following table provides a summary of the current manufacturers of candy corn:
| Manufacturer | Location | Production Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Jelly Belly Candy Company | Fairfield, California | Over 100 million pounds per year |
| Brach’s Confections | Chicago, Illinois | Over 50 million pounds per year |
| Zachary Candy | Chicago, Illinois | Over 20 million pounds per year |
It is worth noting that candy corn is a seasonal product, and the demand for it is highest during the Halloween season. As a result, manufacturers typically produce candy corn in large quantities during the summer and fall months to meet the demand for the holiday season. Overall, candy corn is a unique and delicious treat that is sure to continue to be a part of American candy culture for generations to come.
What is the history of candy corn?
Candy corn has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. It was first created in the 1880s by George Renninger, a candy maker at the Wunderle Candy Company in Philadelphia. The original recipe consisted of sugar, corn syrup, and wax, which were heated and then colored and shaped into the distinctive triangular shape we know today. Candy corn quickly became a popular treat, particularly around Halloween, and its popularity has endured for over a century.
The early 20th century saw the rise of several candy companies that began to mass-produce candy corn, including the Goelitz Confectionery Company, which is now known as the Jelly Belly Candy Company. The company’s candy corn recipe has remained largely unchanged to this day, and it is still one of the largest manufacturers of candy corn in the world. Over the years, candy corn has become a beloved treat, with many people enjoying it not just at Halloween, but throughout the year. Its iconic shape and sweet, waxy taste have made it a staple of American candy culture.
Who makes candy corn now?
Today, candy corn is made by several companies, including the Jelly Belly Candy Company, Brach’s Confections, and Zachary Candy, among others. These companies use a variety of recipes and manufacturing processes to produce candy corn, but the basic ingredients and shape of the candy remain the same. The Jelly Belly Candy Company, in particular, is known for its high-quality candy corn, which is made with real honey and has a distinctive, slightly sweet flavor.
The manufacturing process for candy corn typically involves mixing the ingredients together and then heating them to create a syrup, which is then colored and shaped into the desired form. The candy is then polished and sorted by size and color before being packaged and shipped to stores. Many candy corn manufacturers also offer a range of flavors and varieties, including chocolate-covered candy corn, sour candy corn, and candy corn in a variety of colors and flavors. These variations have helped to keep candy corn fresh and exciting, even after all these years.
How is candy corn made?
The process of making candy corn is a complex one that involves several steps. First, the ingredients, including sugar, corn syrup, and wax, are mixed together in a large vat to create a syrup. The syrup is then heated to a specific temperature, which helps to break down the sugar and create a smooth, consistent texture. The syrup is then colored and flavored, depending on the desired variety of candy corn.
Once the syrup has been colored and flavored, it is then shaped into the distinctive triangular shape of candy corn. This is typically done using a machine called a starch molding machine, which shapes the hot syrup into the desired form. The candy is then polished and sorted by size and color before being packaged and shipped to stores. The entire process, from mixing the ingredients to packaging the finished candy, can take several days to complete, depending on the size of the batch and the efficiency of the manufacturing process.
What are the ingredients in candy corn?
The ingredients in candy corn typically include sugar, corn syrup, and wax, as well as artificial colors and flavors. The exact recipe may vary depending on the manufacturer, but these basic ingredients provide the foundation for the candy’s distinctive taste and texture. Some candy corn manufacturers may also use additional ingredients, such as honey or other sweeteners, to give their candy a unique flavor or texture.
The use of artificial colors and flavors in candy corn has been a subject of controversy in recent years, with some consumers expressing concerns about the potential health effects of these ingredients. However, most candy corn manufacturers use ingredients that are generally recognized as safe by regulatory agencies, and the candy is considered to be a safe and enjoyable treat for most people. It’s worth noting, however, that some candy corn manufacturers are now offering organic or natural varieties of the candy, which may use alternative ingredients and flavorings.
Can I make candy corn at home?
Yes, it is possible to make candy corn at home, although it can be a bit of a challenge. To make candy corn, you will need a few basic ingredients, including sugar, corn syrup, and wax, as well as food coloring and a flavorings. You will also need a candy thermometer and a starch molding machine or other device to shape the candy into the desired form.
Making candy corn at home can be a fun and rewarding project, but it does require some patience and practice. The process involves heating the ingredients to a specific temperature, then coloring and flavoring the mixture, and finally shaping it into the desired form. It’s a good idea to start with a small batch and experiment with different ingredients and techniques until you get the desired result. There are also many recipes and tutorials available online that can provide guidance and inspiration for making candy corn at home.
How long does candy corn last?
Candy corn is a relatively durable candy that can last for several months when stored properly. The exact shelf life of candy corn will depend on the manufacturer and the storage conditions, but most types of candy corn will remain fresh for at least 6-12 months. It’s a good idea to store candy corn in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, to help preserve its flavor and texture.
If you are planning to store candy corn for an extended period, it’s a good idea to check on it periodically to make sure it has not become stale or developed an off flavor. You can also freeze candy corn to help extend its shelf life, although this may cause the candy to become slightly sticky or soft. In general, however, candy corn is a relatively long-lasting candy that can be enjoyed for several months after it is purchased, making it a great treat to have on hand for special occasions or everyday snacking.
Is candy corn gluten-free?
Most types of candy corn are gluten-free, making them a great option for people with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. However, it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients and manufacturing process to ensure that the candy corn has not come into contact with gluten at any point. Some candy corn manufacturers may use shared equipment or facilities to produce other candies that contain gluten, which could potentially contaminate the candy corn.
If you are gluten-intolerant or have celiac disease, it’s a good idea to look for candy corn that is specifically labeled as gluten-free. Many manufacturers now offer gluten-free varieties of candy corn, which are made with gluten-free ingredients and produced in dedicated facilities to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. You can also contact the manufacturer directly to ask about their gluten-free policies and procedures, and to confirm that their candy corn is safe for you to eat.