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Is Candy Corn Good?

By Jasper Joyner

October 6, 2023

Everyone wants to know the truth—is candy corn good? Learn this and so much more about one of the most controversial holiday candies around.

Halloween is right around the corner, as is National Candy Corn Day, which is celebrated annually on October 30th. So we have to ask, will you be having the most polarizing candy in the U.S. at your next spooktacular party?

Candy corn is a wildly divisive treat, prompting annual debates all over social media.

Let’s find out what this infamous candy is all about, from its history and how it’s made to the classic question—is candy corn good?

Find out everything you ever needed to know about candy corn with Fetch.

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When was candy corn invented?

Would you believe candy corn was originally called “chicken feed”? In the 1880s, when Wunderle Candy Company employee, George Renninger, invented the recipe, he came up with that name because before WWI most people didn’t think of corn as human food.

As candy corn gained popularity in the United States, a lack of machinery made it a seasonal treat typically produced in late summer through fall. This Halloween staple hasn’t altered in over 100 years and is still made at the Goelitz Candy Company (now Jelly Belly Candy Company) since production began at the start of the 20th century.

What is candy corn made of?

What is candy corn, exactly? Well, contrary to popular belief, it is not just pure sugar with food coloring. Candy corn is typically made up of several ingredients: sugar, corn syrup, confectioner’s glaze, salt, dextrose, gelatin, sesame oil, artificial flavor, honey, yellow 6, yellow 5 and red 3.

Since gelatin is a protein made from animal products, most candy corn isn’t actually vegan. And while the candy itself is gluten free, make sure to look for a specific gluten-free label, like with this candy corn from Amazon, as these candies are otherwise known to be exposed to non-gluten free products in factories.

Most common candy corn FAQs and trivia

Is candy corn vegan?

While most candy corn is not vegan, there are vegan candy corn recipes like this one that can be a healthier option than the original. You can even get discounts on ingredients at your local Target.

How many pounds of candy corn are produced each year?

More than 35 million pounds (or 9 billion pieces) of candy corn are produced each year!

What does candy corn taste like?

Fans love candy corn’s creamy and almost marshmallow-y texture and its classic hints of vanilla.

Why is candy corn orange?

Traditional candy corn colors of yellow, orange, and white represent the fall harvest or corn on the cob, but today it comes in several fun varieties.

So, is candy corn good?

Well, the ultimate answer is up to you! Ignore the haters and give candy corn a try. You might love it!

How can I save on candy corn this Halloween?

Use our rewards app to log your receipts and stack up on savings. You’ll have enough points for free Amazon or Target gift cards and, in turn, free candy corn in no time!

Fun fact about candy corn: "In October 2022, candy corn decreased in price by $1 by the end of the month."

Don’t be corny: Earn points on Halloween candy with Fetch!

Check out your offers in the Fetch receipt app for point-earning opportunities on popular candy brands like Brach’s and Jelly Bean. Wanna know how to get free gift cards? Snap all your receipts with Fetch! Then you can nab your next ghoulish Halloween costume by redeeming your points for free gift cards.

Topics: Food and Drink, Shopping Lists


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Jasper Joyner

Jasper "Jaz" Joyner is a copywriter, humorist, and author. Outside of the #FetchFam, you can find their essays, poetry and/or yuk yuks in Teen Vogue, Huffington Post, The Mary Sue, Oldster Mag, or their self-titled bi-weekly newsletter.