Love it or hate it, candy corn is a Halloween staple. Some people can’t resist candy corn’s super-sweet taste, while others think it’s too artificial and sugary. Whether you’re a fan or a skeptic, there’s no denying that this tiny, tri-colored treat has a fascinating history that goes beyond mere snacking.
There’s a little in-between when it comes to this iconic Halloween candy. The great candy corn debate gets people fired up at parties and sparks social media discussion. It’s like the pineapple-on-pizza argument but with candy.
Candy corn’s unique texture and flavor make it either a classic favorite or a sugary blunder. But no matter how much discussion it provokes, candy corn is a Halloween symbol that you’ll find everywhere, just like pumpkins and costumes.
The sweet debate
So, what’s the deal with candy corn’s love-it-or-hate-it reputation? It all comes down to the flavor. Candy corn is just a mixture of sugar, corn syrup and honey. It’s got a waxy feel and a super-sweet taste.
For some, this combo is a match made in heaven; they love the simple, old-school sweetness, which reminds them of trick-or-treating as kids. As Amanda from Simply Awesome Trips reflects, “I love it - It’s the perfect bite of sugar. You can’t have fall without candy corn. It’s like pumpkin spice or Mariah Carey at Christmas. Love it or hate it, the season hasn’t truly arrived without these things.”
Others think candy corn is just too much; the sugary flavor seems fake to them. The texture is another point of contention - some find it pleasantly chewy, while others say it is weirdly waxy. “I hate candy corn. It’s a sad waste of calories! They’re pretty to look at, but they taste like a sugary wax candle,” Gena Lazcano, from the blog Ginger Casa, argues.
How you feel about candy corn depends greatly on your childhood memories. If you grew up loving it, you’re probably still a fan. But if you never liked it, you won’t develop a taste for it as you get older.
Generation gap
Your age also affects your candy corn preferences. Older generations tend to view it more favorably, probably due to nostalgia. A survey from the National Confectioners Association (NCA) found that candy corn is most popular with GenXers, with 58% of them enjoying it.
Younger generations are divided; some see it as a retro treat, while others ignore it. The same NCA survey found that only 46% of Millennials enjoy candy corn, showing that the popularity of candy is gradually decreasing.
Candy corn through the years
Candy corn has been around for over a hundred years, starting in the 1880s in Philadelphia. At first, it was called chicken feed because the pieces looked like corn kernels. The candy was marketed to farmers as a special treat with a farm theme.
Candy corn’s connection to Halloween happened gradually. As trick-or-treating became popular in the 1950s, candy corn was a common choice for Halloween handouts. Its orange, yellow and white colors perfectly fit the season’s theme. Plus, it was affordable and easy to distribute.
Today, it’s hard to imagine Halloween without candy corn, but its popularity has been slowly fading. While Halloween candy sales continue to grow, candy corn sales are slowing, a recent CNN report indicates. Sales of other non-chocolate candies like gummies and marshmallows are taking some of candy corn’s market share.
Cultural impact
Candy corn’s influence goes beyond the candy bowl. It is featured in Halloween decorations, costumes and social media posts. Its distinctive three-color design has become a symbol of fall and the Halloween season.
Food manufacturers have created candy corn-inspired products like ice cream, popcorn, coffee creamers and candy corn cookies. Craft breweries even make candy corn-flavored beers. Love it or hate it, candy corn has cemented its place in American pop culture.
You will also see candy corn used to decorate homes. From the blog Get On My Plate, Casey Rooney has found decorating is the solution to her dislike of candy corn, explaining, “I used to hate candy corn, but my daughters love it. They started filling glass jars with it and putting them around the house. It looked so pretty and festive for fall. Instead of eating it, now I just use it as part of my fall decor!”
Seeing candy corn in Halloween decorations and at parties adds a nostalgic element that brings back all sorts of memories. It’s a warm and fuzzy feeling reminiscent of happy childhood times.
Alternatives and variations
There are creative alternatives if you want to incorporate candy corn into your Halloween celebrations but aren’t a huge fan of the taste. Combine candy corn with other ingredients, or try recipes that feature the iconic candy corn look without the overwhelmingly sweet flavor.
Mixing candy corn with peanuts is very popular. The salty flavor of the peanuts goes perfectly with the sugary taste of the candy corn, and the mix of crunchy and chewy textures makes it extra satisfying to eat.
You can also create treats that capture the spirit of candy corn without the flavor. A simple idea is to make a candy corn-inspired parfait. Layer some mango, mandarin oranges and yogurt in a clear glass jar for a snack that looks like candy corn but tastes fresh and fruity.
Or make candy corn fudge. White chocolate and food coloring can create those signature yellow, orange and white stripes in a treat that tastes like chocolate, not candy corn. Add some food coloring to your favorite Rice Krispie treat recipe, and you’ve got a snack that looks like it came from the candy store.
Halloween classic
People might argue about how candy corn tastes or feels in your mouth, but one thing is certain - it’s a big part of American Halloween traditions. Its one-of-a-kind look and connection to Halloween make it a favorite symbol of the season, even if you don’t like eating it. It’ll keep sparking smiles, starting conversations and maybe even causing a few arguments for many Halloweens to come.
• Anne Jolly is the creator of the food blog Upstate Ramblings. She loves cooking but doesn’t love candy corn.
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