The Sweet History of Candy Corn
The Sweet History of Candy Corn: From “Chicken Feed” to Halloween Favorite
Candy corn is an iconic Halloween treat in the United States, instantly recognizable by its tri-colored stripes of yellow, orange, and white. While it’s often a love-it-or-hate-it candy, its history is as fascinating as its distinctive appearance. I am definitely not a fan of candy corn, especially when there are so many other delicious candy options. What many people don’t know is that candy corn wasn’t always associated with Halloween and it wasn’t always called “candy corn.” In fact, when it was first introduced in the late 1800s, it was known as “chicken feed.” Here’s a look at the origins of candy corn and why it started out with a very different name.
The Origins of Candy Corn
Candy corn was invented in the 1880s by George Renninger, a candy maker at the Wunderle Candy Company in Philadelphia. Renninger came up with the tri-colored treat, which was designed to resemble kernels of corn, and his creation quickly gained popularity. In 1898, the Goelitz Confectionery Company (now known as Jelly Belly) began mass-producing the candy and marketed it as a fun treat.
At the time, agriculture was a significant part of American life. The vast majority of the population lived in rural areas and worked on farms, so food-themed novelty candies were common. Corn, in particular, was a symbol of the rural, agrarian lifestyle, making candy corn a relatable and appealing sweet for many people. This connection to the farming culture helped candy corn gain popularity, especially among children.
Why Was It Called “Chicken Feed”?
In the early days, candy corn wasn’t marketed as a seasonal or Halloween-specific treat. Instead, it was sold year-round, primarily to rural families and farmers. The Goelitz Confectionery Company packaged the candy in boxes labeled “Chicken Feed,” playing up the fact that real corn was often used as food for livestock, including chickens. The slogan on the box read, “Something worth crowing for,” further connecting the candy to farm life.
At the time, the association between corn and chicken feed was strong. Corn was a staple of livestock diets, and the idea of a corn-shaped candy being “chicken feed” made perfect sense to consumers of the time. The corn-shaped candy was a novelty, and its resemblance to actual corn kernels made it a fun treat for both children & adults.
From Farm Treat to Halloween Icon
Despite its origins, candy corn eventually became a Halloween staple, but this didn’t happen overnight. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century, when Halloween began to evolve into a more commercial holiday with trick-or-treating at its core, that candy corn found its place as a popular Halloween candy.
In the 1940s and 1950s, sugar rationing during World War II led to a decline in candy production. However, once the war was over and sugar became more widely available again, candy manufacturers looked for ways to market inexpensive candies in bulk. Candy corn, which was easy to produce in large quantities, became a popular choice for handing out to trick-or-treaters.
Its colors (yellow, orange, and white) also happened to align with the autumn season. By the 1950s, candy corn was being marketed specifically for Halloween, and it has remained a holiday staple ever since.
The Evolution of Candy Corn
Today, candy corn is produced by various companies, but Jelly Belly (formerly Goelitz) remains one of the most well-known manufacturers of the treat. Despite its humble beginnings as “chicken feed,” candy corn has become a symbol of the Halloween season. While some people still view it as a divisive candy (you either love it or you don’t), it’s hard to deny its place in Halloween tradition.
Candy corn has even inspired a range of spin-off flavors and variations, from pumpkin-shaped candies to autumn-themed mixes with chocolate or fruit flavors. However, the classic tri-colored candy remains the most popular and enduring version.
What started as “chicken feed” for farm kids in the late 19th century has since transformed into one of the most iconic symbols of Halloween. While its original name reflected its roots in America’s agricultural culture, candy corn’s enduring appeal lies in its nostalgia, simplicity, and association with the spooky season. So, the next time you snack on a handful of candy corn, remember that it was once a treat “worth crowing for.”
Candy Corn FAQ
What is candy corn made of?
Candy corn is primarily made sugar, corn syrup, honey, marshmallows and food coloring
Who invented candy corn?
George Renninger, a candy maker at Wunderle Candy Company in Philadelphia, created it around 1880 as a “Chicken Feed” novelty for farmers.
Why does candy corn have three colors?
The yellow, orange, and white layers represent the ripened corn kernel: yellow for the corn, orange for the husk, and white for the sugar coating.
How many pieces of candy corn are in a pound?
About 400–450 pieces, depending on the brand
Is candy corn seasonal or available year-round?
It’s most popular in fall (September–November), but major brands like Brach’s produce it year-round for die-hard fans.
Why do people love or hate candy corn?
Fans rave about its sweet-tangy flavor & nostalgia. Haters usually just don’t like the taste or texture. Polls have shown around 40% of people (in the US) don’t like it.
What’s the history behind candy corn’s Halloween association?
It gained traction in the early 1900s via mail-order catalogs, but exploded in popularity during the 1950s as a Halloween staple. It sells over 35 million pounds annually in the U.S.
Are there candy corn-flavored variations?
Yes, although the texture is still kind of the same. You can find pumpkin spice, caramel apple, chocolate and even savory options like “Indian corn” with nuts.
Is candy corn gluten-free or vegan?
Most traditional versions (like Brach’s) are gluten-free, but not vegan due to gelatin or honey.
How long does candy corn last?
Unopened, it stays fresh for up to two years; opened, about 9 months in a cool, dry place. You should avoid refrigeration to prevent stickiness.