How Candy Corn Became a Halloween Staple

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  • Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
  • Candy corn is a divisive Halloween treat. Some like it, others absolutely hate it. Where do you stand?
    The history of candy corn takes us on a fascinating journey, including a detour through the invention of corn syrup, all the way to the origins of trick-or-treating. How did this simple novelty treat become associated so heavily with October?
    Food History is a series from Mental Floss where we dive deep into the culinary stories that lead to the food on our plates. If you have an idea for a dish, cooking technique, or cuisine that you’d like us to explore in a future episode, tell us in the comments.
    And for the origins of many other foods, check out our episode of the List Show / @mentalfloss
    Website: www.mentalfloss...
    Twitter: / mental_floss
    Facebook: / mentalflossmagazine

КОМЕНТАРІ • 204

  • @Urspo
    @Urspo 3 роки тому +37

    Candy corn ! The devil’s earwax. Halloween isn’t so without some 🎃

    • @MentalFloss
      @MentalFloss  3 роки тому +10

      This is correct and supported by the historical record.

  • @jacobdrj101
    @jacobdrj101 3 роки тому +27

    I love candy corn... I can't stop eating it...

  • @RaytheonNublinski
    @RaytheonNublinski 3 роки тому +24

    The government created a surplus of candy corn in 1937 and we’ve been eating from that stash ever since. Some say we have only 3 millennium left til no more candy corn for anyone.

    • @matthewdrummond1340
      @matthewdrummond1340 3 роки тому +3

      🤣

    • @yveslafrance2806
      @yveslafrance2806 3 роки тому +2

      Somebody’s been listening to Lewis Black
      « They wash it, they wash it! »

    • @RaytheonNublinski
      @RaytheonNublinski 3 роки тому +2

      @@yveslafrance2806 Yea that’s it! I knew I heard it somewhere but couldn’t place it. Haha. Thanks

    • @JM_HUh
      @JM_HUh 2 роки тому +1

      🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @BallotBoxer
    @BallotBoxer 3 роки тому +13

    *Pro tip:* combine candy corn with peanuts for something not unlike a PayDay candy bar.

  • @nastybedazzler
    @nastybedazzler 3 роки тому +10

    I never knew people hated candy corn this way. I've always really liked it. I mean, I haven't had it in like ten years, but I had no problem with it.

  • @Shizukanexen
    @Shizukanexen 3 роки тому +11

    I love Candycorn. People can fight me.

    • @JM_HUh
      @JM_HUh 2 роки тому +2

      We can jump the haters!!! 😂

  • @joewilson3393
    @joewilson3393 3 роки тому +8

    No honorable mention for the frequent Candy Corn companion, the Mallow Pumpkin?

    • @MentalFloss
      @MentalFloss  3 роки тому +2

      Alas, no. But I *will* now be asking people to refer to me as "the frequent candy corn companion."

    • @biancabrooks280
      @biancabrooks280 3 роки тому

      I love Mellocreme Pumpkins!! Those and around Easter I get the Mellocreme Peas and Carrots 🥕

    • @m.jewell9107
      @m.jewell9107 3 роки тому

      @@MentalFloss I love the Mellocreme Pumpkins also, but nowadays it seems they are all orange-flavored. they were better as vanilla, like candy corn.

  • @laexploradoraaaXD
    @laexploradoraaaXD 3 роки тому +7

    Heroes was one of those shows affected by the writer's strike (2007).

  • @Miss_Kisa94
    @Miss_Kisa94 3 роки тому +17

    😂 I like candy corn me and my sister would fight over them for Halloween

    • @alexandracomus755
      @alexandracomus755 3 роки тому

      Is your enjoyment of candy corn based on the actual flavor, or is it more of a color-paraphalia-type thing?

    • @Miss_Kisa94
      @Miss_Kisa94 3 роки тому

      @@alexandracomus755 I'd say a mix between flavor and texture. I always like those soft pillow mints or some people call them butter mints but its very similar to candy corn.

  • @GLHS592
    @GLHS592 3 роки тому +9

    Even though I love candy corn, I doubt it is anyone’s favorite candy. However, we can all agree it’s way better than that crap that comes in the orange and black wrappers.

    • @MentalFloss
      @MentalFloss  3 роки тому +3

      I think I may have blocked those things from my memory until you mentioned them.

    • @jennaargo7356
      @jennaargo7356 3 роки тому

      Peanut butter kisses 🤢

    • @jessabelvin1697
      @jessabelvin1697 3 роки тому

      GLHS592 Candy corn is my favorite candy of all time

  • @talideon
    @talideon 3 роки тому +4

    As pronunciations of 'samhain' go from Americans, it wasn't _quite_ right (incorrect vowel in the first syllable), but close enough. Nicely done! Good to see somebody put in the effort!

  • @Real3doPlayer
    @Real3doPlayer 3 роки тому +6

    I love candy corn, it is my favorite Halloween candy. Come at me

  • @Lolalogo
    @Lolalogo 3 роки тому +6

    This almost makes me want to buy candy corn

  • @m.jewell9107
    @m.jewell9107 3 роки тому +3

    The reason it was originally called 'Chicken Feed' was its low price. Things that didn't cost much were referred to as Chicken Feed. Candy corn was sold in the general stores as 'penny candy', the candy loved by kids because you got so much for just a penny or two. Penny candy was usually very simple sugar-based sweets(non chocolate), nothing complicated or 'fancy' but as a kid you could get sick on 5 cents' worth of it-it was a lot of candy!

  • @coejbee
    @coejbee 2 роки тому +2

    I absolutely love candy corn so much, it’s a good day every year when it hits the shelves and I first see it. Munching on some now, watching this cause I feel like the only person who actually loves it.

  • @elementalturnip
    @elementalturnip 3 роки тому +6

    Wait, so candy corn could have been candy turnips? Another almost win for us root vegetables.

  • @CaptainPIanet
    @CaptainPIanet 3 роки тому +83

    "Candy corn is a pretty decent candy" gang where you at?

    • @matthewdrummond1340
      @matthewdrummond1340 3 роки тому +4

      I can get on the pretty decent candy bandwagon. It's not my favourite but I don't think it's horrible.

    • @Gaia_Gaistar
      @Gaia_Gaistar 3 роки тому +4

      I actually like it pretty well, I usually buy a bag every October and eat on it over the month.

    • @unclemetal8774
      @unclemetal8774 3 роки тому

      I'm also a fan of necco wafers.

    • @anujshah9335
      @anujshah9335 3 роки тому +1

      I love the stuff

    • @MentalFloss
      @MentalFloss  3 роки тому +2

      @@unclemetal8774 Now you've lost us.

  • @ConradSpoke
    @ConradSpoke 3 роки тому +12

    You kept using words like "eat" and "ate," as though candy corn should be placed into the mouth, chewed, and swallowed.
    This implies that candy corn is a food product.
    ???
    This makes no sense. Please clarify.

    • @MentalFloss
      @MentalFloss  3 роки тому +5

      😂Sorry-probably some kind of translation error on our part.

  • @terrafirma5327
    @terrafirma5327 3 роки тому +9

    Also about that Heroes reference, the reason it went off the rails after season 1 is because they intended to have a new cast of characters every season. However, the network said the characters were too popular and insisted that they keep them. So they had to quickly write a story with the existing characters.
    I did like the show despite it all :)

    • @spmil999
      @spmil999 3 роки тому

      Wait. That's all the reference was about? It wasn't some secret reference to trying something with chickens first before trying it on humans?

    • @terrafirma5327
      @terrafirma5327 3 роки тому +1

      @@spmil999 There is a quote from there "Save the cheerleader, save the world."
      That was the reference in particular.

    • @gifrancis
      @gifrancis 3 роки тому +1

      @@terrafirma5327 "Save the cheerleader, save the world."
      Wow, thanks. I was really struggling... :)

  • @Penguin_Tree
    @Penguin_Tree 3 роки тому +4

    candy corn is good. Also eat it one color at a time

  • @mattakudesu
    @mattakudesu 3 роки тому +13

    I've always liked candy corn, but it isn't exactly a favorite. Eating too many pieces at one time makes the chemical taste really apparent. My favorite candies are gummi bears/worms, almost any kind of really sour candy, and for some reason, Runts.

    • @MentalFloss
      @MentalFloss  3 роки тому +5

      Runts just don't taste the same when they're not coming out of that absolutely filthy machine that dispenses a handful for 25 cents.

    • @mattakudesu
      @mattakudesu 3 роки тому

      @@MentalFloss This made me laugh way harder than it should have.

    • @sogghartha
      @sogghartha 3 роки тому

      pray tell, what does something non-chemical taste like?

    • @mattakudesu
      @mattakudesu 3 роки тому +1

      @@sogghartha By "chemical taste" I mean the bitter taste from chemicals that do not taste like food typically tastes. Sure, food and medication are both chemicals, but you generally don't chomp down on an asprin like you would a skittle because the taste of the pill isnt meant to be appetizing. The unappetizing flavor I taste from candy corn after eating too many is the food coloring, I believe.

  • @KooblyK
    @KooblyK 3 роки тому +2

    Candy corns being made with corn syrup in cornstarch moulds? Man, they really know how to stick to a brand

  • @XmorganlamiaX
    @XmorganlamiaX 3 роки тому +1

    I've never tried candy corn. It's never been a "thing" here in the UK, so people mostly only know it from seeing it in US movies and tv shows. You can only really buy it from dedicated US candy import sites. Amazon has some too, but that's just random retailers importing it from the US, like the dedicated sites do.

  • @TheAyeAye1
    @TheAyeAye1 3 роки тому +3

    It's great for making candy vampire fangs.

  • @Gaia_Gaistar
    @Gaia_Gaistar 3 роки тому +3

    I actually love candy corn.

  • @ashcatchum
    @ashcatchum 3 роки тому +3

    I’ve loved candy corn since I was a little girl. It’s soft sugar what could go wrong?

  • @mikeroni
    @mikeroni 3 роки тому +2

    I always find it funny that people seem to hate candy corn but most enjoy cream soda. Bruh a cream soda literally tastes like liquid candy corn

  • @yogabear7140
    @yogabear7140 2 роки тому

    Interesting info! I love candy corn, it’s always the first Halloween candy I buy every year.

  • @mjinhamburg
    @mjinhamburg 2 роки тому +1

    I've never had it, I'm British, in fact I assumed it was some kind of candied corn. Thank you for setting me right!

  • @navret1707
    @navret1707 3 роки тому +9

    I can eat those things until I got sick. Btw, I am NOT a kid.

  • @sixtylimes
    @sixtylimes 3 роки тому +5

    candy corn is like the edges of icing on a cake that get kinda crusty & firm but soft & creamy like fudge yoooommmmmmmmm

  • @biancabrooks280
    @biancabrooks280 3 роки тому +2

    Yo, if there was a candy corn kernel that big, I’d eat it.

    • @AwesomeJohn117
      @AwesomeJohn117 3 роки тому

      ua-cam.com/video/2qAtsn9NpFo/v-deo.html

  • @christinegengaro8931
    @christinegengaro8931 3 роки тому

    I love candy corn, but I limit myself to one bag in October. I adore the description of it near the end of the video-warm vanilla notes. Yes! Exactly.

  • @CaptainPIanet
    @CaptainPIanet 3 роки тому +10

    Chocolate candy corn is actually terrible though. Just like chocolate laffy taffy.

  • @alexanders2228
    @alexanders2228 3 роки тому +15

    Me: *watching a video about candy corn*
    Also me: *has never tried candy corn*

    • @joewilson3393
      @joewilson3393 3 роки тому +1

      This is the time to try it, when it is still soft and fresh.

    • @CyrisDarkness
      @CyrisDarkness 3 роки тому +2

      @@joewilson3393 As long as you have access to it, I'm from Europe and have never seen it in real life.

    • @firstcynic92
      @firstcynic92 3 роки тому

      Don't.

    • @chipkosboth3233
      @chipkosboth3233 3 роки тому +1

      DON'T! just- don't.

    • @KattReen
      @KattReen 3 роки тому

      The only sweet american traditions worth their name are pies(ie mud pie) imo.
      American sweets are pretty trash in general from a european perspective. Lots of decent textures, but virtually no good flavours. Almost everything tastes like either drinking syrup directly from the bottle, or like eating spoonfuls of sugar right out of the bag. They have a few things that are atleast edible in small amounts, like snickers.

  • @sylvieficco1320
    @sylvieficco1320 3 роки тому

    I like candy corn. I also love the little candy corn pumpkins

  • @Plantbliss
    @Plantbliss 2 роки тому

    Heroes! That show ended with the worst cliffhanger then never came back😣. The characters have been buried for like 20 years! I kinda like candy corn, at least the first three pieces I eat every year…

  • @Imjakejones2322
    @Imjakejones2322 3 роки тому +1

    Bro I love candy corn. Your bravery has inspired me

    • @MentalFloss
      @MentalFloss  3 роки тому +1

      Not all heroes wear capes *(he typed out, wearing an oversized cape emblazoned with whimsical candy corns on it)*.

    • @Imjakejones2322
      @Imjakejones2322 3 роки тому

      @@MentalFloss wear your cape! It makes others feel good! You are a massive help to the world. Never stop

  • @terrafirma5327
    @terrafirma5327 3 роки тому +4

    What qualities of candy corn do people dislike? I am curious because I enjoy it and it tastes to me like something more people would enjoy.
    I do get nauseous pretty quickly eating it though, so it's best in small amounts.

    • @JackRR15
      @JackRR15 3 роки тому +1

      Same lol, one of my favorite candy.

    • @terrafirma5327
      @terrafirma5327 3 роки тому

      @@JackRR15 *eagerly awaits a hater to tell us why*

    • @sophykitten2212
      @sophykitten2212 3 роки тому

      I think part of it is just the "its cool to hate candy corn" crowd, since that's become a running joke.
      It's also very easy to see how anyone not too fond of sweet flavors wouldn't like it. I've never been able to describe the flavor, but the video's "fondant, marshmallow, and vanilla notes" seems right. Those are all essentially cake ingredients instilled in a very tiny package and the effect can seem like a sugar bomb to those that just pick up "sweet."

    • @terrafirma5327
      @terrafirma5327 3 роки тому

      @@sophykitten2212 Ya know what? That makes a lot of sense. I also would imagine anyone with a cavity or exposed nerve would definitely feel a painful hit from these as well.

  • @missheadbanger
    @missheadbanger 3 роки тому +1

    I like candy corn, I haven't had her in a while though.

  • @donnaspears2253
    @donnaspears2253 2 роки тому

    I love candy corn. I buy it all year round if I can❤️

  • @skrys2236
    @skrys2236 3 роки тому

    I love the pumpkins that are made out of the same stuff

  • @TheBusyJane
    @TheBusyJane 3 роки тому +2

    I actually like candy corn. As a vegetarian, my Halloween is not the same since finding out it has gelatine. The vegan one is not as good.

  • @illiteratemochi4150
    @illiteratemochi4150 3 роки тому +1

    I like candy corn but only in very small quantities before I get sugared-out

  • @cindystrachan8566
    @cindystrachan8566 3 роки тому +1

    Did anyone else use the kernels the make vampire fangs? Half the fun of eating it.

  • @rivlesbeware
    @rivlesbeware 3 роки тому

    I liked candy corn as a kid and the pumpkins.

  • @frostyfalcon
    @frostyfalcon 3 роки тому

    I love the board game collection.

  • @lilyseven5769
    @lilyseven5769 3 роки тому

    I LOVE candy corn and always have

  • @WavingWorld
    @WavingWorld 3 роки тому +1

    You get a like for a flippant "Heroes" reference.

  • @gearmonkey
    @gearmonkey 3 роки тому +1

    I frickin love candy corn. come at me

  • @sophiescott143
    @sophiescott143 3 роки тому +4

    I hate candy corn so much. But if you put a bowl of it in front of me I will eat the whole damn thing.

    • @MentalFloss
      @MentalFloss  3 роки тому +2

      Hahahah on second thought, this is the only correct opinion.

  • @felsenaxt6237
    @felsenaxt6237 3 роки тому

    I always buy candy corn in bulk in October. I have to lay away enough of a horde to last me through the year.

  • @Amy_The_unbearded
    @Amy_The_unbearded 2 роки тому +1

    ...eating candy corn as I watch this...

  • @theunboundpixel
    @theunboundpixel 3 роки тому +5

    Can't wait until the Peeps episode in April 😂

  • @TroyBrophy
    @TroyBrophy 3 роки тому

    I don't seek out candy corn, but if you place a bowl of candy corn before me I will consume it all.

  • @katz86
    @katz86 3 роки тому +2

    I like candy corn its yummy

  • @shuu4869
    @shuu4869 3 роки тому +1

    I like candy corn but i can only eat like 10 before im done

  • @BenRollinsActor
    @BenRollinsActor 3 роки тому

    I'm actually a HUGE fan of candy corn.

  • @maylien
    @maylien 3 роки тому +1

    Depends on the brand. Cheap brands used corn syrup. Good brands use honey.

  • @johnutsler1517
    @johnutsler1517 3 роки тому +2

    I'm thinking we need to find a way to use candy corn to make fruitcake. 2020 seems like the perfect year for inventing such an abomination!

  • @JM_HUh
    @JM_HUh 2 роки тому +1

    So many ppl hate them & I loveeeee them!! Lol

  • @Mrenderboyo
    @Mrenderboyo 2 роки тому +1

    About the flavors, the only color that is any different is white because its slightly less chewy then the orange and yellow

  • @comment.highlighted
    @comment.highlighted 3 роки тому +2

    I like candy corn 🙂

  • @chipkosboth3233
    @chipkosboth3233 3 роки тому +1

    Always thought of them as zombie teeth with the gastronomic appeal of the same

  • @charlesmangum3108
    @charlesmangum3108 3 роки тому

    My wife and I love candy corn.

  • @leveretth
    @leveretth 3 роки тому +2

    Candy corn. I can take it or leave it. NECCO Wafers on the other hand? Chalk. Lotta fun to shoot out of a slingshot though cuz it makes a cool sound.

  • @Luna3141592
    @Luna3141592 3 роки тому

    good pronunciation of "samhain!!"

  • @MechWomanWarrior15
    @MechWomanWarrior15 3 роки тому +4

    It's ok, especially when eaten with nuts.

    • @spmil999
      @spmil999 3 роки тому

      It essentially turns into butterfinger's inside deliciousness when you mix the two in your mouth!

  • @rawrm247
    @rawrm247 3 роки тому

    Candy corn is amazing 🎃

  • @kandipiatkowski8589
    @kandipiatkowski8589 Рік тому

    I like candy corn as well. I usually buy at least one bag a year and eat it myself. If any else in the house wants some...they have to get their own bag.....🤣🤣🤣

  • @kirbyrules55
    @kirbyrules55 3 роки тому

    The pumpkin mellowcreme are where it is at. Taste decently better than good ole candy corn.

  • @brittanydixon1996
    @brittanydixon1996 2 роки тому

    I love candy corn, I love it a bit too much. It's my favorite candy. We don't have seasons in Florida (well we do, but not like northerners do), so candy corn is fall for me. I know there's pumpkin spice, but that only became a thing when I was a teenager (I was born in 1996), meanwhile I grew up with candy corn. I've been surprised by the backlash in recent years. I love to stuff a handful in my mouth, savor it by chewing it until it becomes a liquid before swallowing it, letting the juices drip down my chin. Whenever I have the telltale orange-yellow stains on my shirt, people are always like "Brittany got into the candy corn again". In fact, my parents always hide some from me so that I don't eat so much I get a stomachache.

  • @Omniscient87
    @Omniscient87 3 роки тому

    "Geolitz, known today as Jelly Belly" I can't imagine why they would change their name. :p

  • @itsastrocat4158
    @itsastrocat4158 3 роки тому

    GIMME THAT CANDY CORN

  • @nettlescats3796
    @nettlescats3796 3 роки тому +1

    Sooooooo...you didn't mention honey. My daughter's allergic to honey and that's how we found out. At least Brach's has honey.

  • @elizabetha.188
    @elizabetha.188 3 роки тому

    I love candy corn- in October only. It's just a seasonal treat.

  • @Erichev
    @Erichev 3 роки тому +1

    I thought Peeps were the most hated. (40 seconds in)

  • @alexanders2228
    @alexanders2228 3 роки тому +1

    Candy corn

  • @nobodyuknow6337
    @nobodyuknow6337 3 роки тому

    I have often wondered what saved the 4th of July from the candy and toy companies.

  • @mikececconi2677
    @mikececconi2677 3 роки тому

    It is a wonderful autumnal accent to one's holiday decor. It is, however, not food.

  • @tryingagain1960
    @tryingagain1960 3 роки тому

    I like it

  • @thedeetzes
    @thedeetzes 3 роки тому

    I like candy corn toooooo

  • @danielm.1441
    @danielm.1441 3 роки тому +2

    *stares in horrified British*

  • @ritacastagna
    @ritacastagna 3 роки тому +1

    i've been eating candy corn for 6 weeks not realizing it was not vegetarian. thank you for including that info, but also i am shocked and upset and will need time to process

    • @MentalFloss
      @MentalFloss  3 роки тому

      Haha oh no! But I'm glad we tipped you off. Also, an absolute flex announcing that you have been eating candy corn for SIX WEEKS?! This is the lifestyle I aspire to.

  • @erictaylor5462
    @erictaylor5462 3 роки тому

    Even as a kid I gave all my candy corn to my mother, who loved it. Me, not so much.

    • @unclemetal8774
      @unclemetal8774 3 роки тому

      I like necco wafers. Does that mean I like chalk?

  • @yelir64
    @yelir64 3 роки тому +2

    candy corn is ok

  • @kittiekat1236
    @kittiekat1236 3 роки тому

    I don’t mind candy corn, as long as I’m not eating any other candy at the time.

  • @joshuawatson9469
    @joshuawatson9469 3 роки тому

    Knowing it's made with fondant helps explain why I hate candy corn so much. Fondant is terrible

  • @LeadenMarshmallow
    @LeadenMarshmallow 2 роки тому

    I mean isn't honey something an insect secreted as well?

  • @0mega619
    @0mega619 3 роки тому +2

    Where is the other hairy guy ?

  • @Iconoclasher
    @Iconoclasher 3 роки тому +2

    I don't trust any candy that looks like a freshly pulled tooth. 😁

  • @Studio23Media
    @Studio23Media 3 роки тому

    Mix candy corn with peanuts. Sooo much better together. I used to love candy corn when I was younger, but it's too sweet for me now.

  • @comradestinger
    @comradestinger 3 роки тому

    **Mouth feel**

  • @rachel4483
    @rachel4483 3 роки тому

    but I like candy corn...I just can't finish a whole bag myself and nobody wants to share :'(

  • @cynthiashore3692
    @cynthiashore3692 2 роки тому

    I'm eating candy corn right now 2022

  • @silentfox139
    @silentfox139 3 роки тому

    Candy corn is not bad. It’s not something I crave

  • @thomasrogers8239
    @thomasrogers8239 3 роки тому

    "There are no mistakes in history"
    Candy corn enters room.
    "Except you."

  • @Hunter-nr5iu
    @Hunter-nr5iu 3 роки тому +1

    Vote!

  • @soba4kii
    @soba4kii 3 роки тому

    Hello. My name is Vadim. There’s many videos on your UA-cam channel and i wanted to ask your permission translate those videos for russian audience because we don’t have such analogue. I’m very interested in this topic and I just need your permission so all rights (UA-cam politics) will be reserved. I guarantee high quality of my work, as well as all original sources will be listed in description below my video (links for your channel). If you have any conditions I will accept them gratefully. Thank you for your attention!

  • @ex-nerd
    @ex-nerd 3 роки тому +1

    I always enjoyed candy corn ... until I became a vegetarian and learned it's full of gelatin (and not even kosher gelatin for me to eat it again now that I eat fish again).

    • @kurtisburtis
      @kurtisburtis 3 роки тому

      Yum Earth makes candy corn with egg white but no gelatin.
      It also tastes more of honey, and not just sweet.
      They also use natural colors.