Buzz
Everyone has a candy they adore. For some, it's the sugary burst of Pixy Sticks, while others lean toward timeless favorites such as lemon drops and root beer barrels. Some enjoy the chewiness of licorice, while others savor the slow dissolve of jawbreakers.
Those with a sweet tooth know candy is the ultimate treat. Yet, many are unaware of the intriguing backstories behind their favorites—how they were named, their creation process, or the reasons behind their unique flavors.
10. Saltwater Taffy Likely Got Its Name as a Playful Joke
The exact origin of saltwater taffy remains a mystery, but it is believed to have first appeared either on the Atlantic City boardwalk in New Jersey or at 19th-century Midwestern county fairs.
Taffy is crafted using sugar, salt, flavorings, corn syrup, and other recipe-specific ingredients. The mixture is pulled and molded to introduce air, giving it a soft and chewy texture. Despite its name, saltwater taffy typically contains no seawater, though some variations include additional salt.
Legend has it that saltwater taffy earned its name from candymaker David Bradley. After an 1883 storm flooded his shop with Atlantic Ocean water, soaking his taffy stock, customers continued to ask for his treats. Bradley humorously referred to it as “saltwater taffy,” and the name caught on.
In 1923, John Edmiston attempted to trademark the name and claim royalties from its use. However, the Supreme Court ruled against him, stating the term was too widely used in the candy industry. Consequently, Edmiston received no royalties, and the name became universally accepted for marketing taffy, regardless of its salt content.
9. Dentists Played a Role in Promoting Cotton Candy
Initially known as fairy floss, cotton candy has been called various names, including candy floss and spun sugar. John C. Wharton and William J. Morrison secured a patent for their cotton candy machine in 1899. They debuted the machine and their innovative sugary creation at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, selling approximately 70,000 boxes of the treat.
Since cotton candy is essentially caramelized sugar, most people understand that indulging in such a sugary delight might lead to a dentist visit. Ironically, Morrison, one of its creators, was a dentist. He also had careers as a lawyer, author, and civic leader, but the idea of a dentist inventing cotton candy is undeniably surprising.
In 1900, Thomas Patton introduced cotton candy to the Ringling Brothers using a more advanced version of the cotton candy machine. Later, Josef Lascaux, also a dentist, developed another iteration of the machine, though he never patented it. He is credited with naming the treat “cotton candy.”
The involvement of multiple dentists in cotton candy’s rise to fame might be linked to the inevitable increase in cavities that followed its popularity.
8. Pop Rocks Sparked Urban Legends and Widespread Fear
Pop Rocks, the fizzy candy, were invented in 1956 by William A. Mitchell, a scientist at General Foods. Initially sold for 15 cents per pack in the 1970s, they were available in flavors like orange, cherry, and grape. These tiny, carbonated sugar crystals contain trapped carbon dioxide bubbles that create a popping and crackling sensation when they dissolve in your mouth or water.
The unique popping sound gave rise to an urban legend. By 1979, stories circulated about a child allegedly exploding after consuming Pop Rocks with soda. The rumors grew so widespread that the FDA established a hotline to address concerned parents’ questions about the candy’s safety.
Despite a significant marketing campaign to dispel the myths captivating the public, Pop Rocks were pulled from store shelves in 1983. However, they later made a comeback and regained popularity.
The bizarre rumors persist and were even explored on MythBusters. Rest assured, though, the worst that Pop Rocks and soda can do is cause a minor stomach upset—nothing as dramatic as bursting your stomach.
7. The Origins of the Name 'Lollipop' Are Quite Unusual
For centuries, people have enjoyed candies and sugary treats attached to sticks for convenience. In the 17th century, boiled sugar pressed onto sticks became a popular treat. While these were soft candies, they laid the groundwork for the modern lollipop.
In the early 20th century, the owner of McAviney Candy Company would bring home extra sticks used for stirring candy batches. He started selling these sticks in 1908, around the same time the first automated machine for inserting sticks into hard candy was invented. Samuel Born, the machine's creator, was honored with a key to San Francisco for his innovation.
In 1908, George Smith introduced the modern lollipop through his company, Bradley Smith Company. He named it “lollipop” in 1931, inspired by a famous racehorse named Lolly Pop.
During the Great Depression, lollipop production halted, and the name entered the public domain. The term also carried a playful meaning akin to “tongue slapper,” as “lolly” was Old English slang for “tongue” and “pop” meant “to slap.”
Some linguists trace the name to the Roman phrase loli phaba (“red apple”), which may refer to the classic Roman toffee apple treat. Thus, the name’s origins could stem from a racehorse, Old English slang, ancient Rome, or even pure invention. Regardless, it offers a fascinating perspective on lollipops.
6. The Name 'Snickers' Has an Equally Curious Backstory
The Snickers bar boasts an intriguing naming history. While it wasn’t the first candy bar combining peanuts, caramel, and nougat, it became one of the most beloved and long-lasting treats of its era.
Frank and Ethel Mars, the founders of Mars, Inc., achieved significant success with the Milky Way bar and were eager to create new confections. After three years of experimentation, the Snickers bar debuted in 1930.
Shortly before the candy bar’s launch, Ethel’s beloved horse, Snickers, passed away. Devastated by the loss, she and her husband decided to name their new creation “Snickers” as a tribute to the cherished horse.
Notably, the farm where Snickers had resided was named Milky Way Farm, mirroring their other iconic candy bar. Despite this naming pattern, Snickers remains one of the top-selling candies globally.
5. Circus Peanuts Were the Inspiration Behind Lucky Charms
Known as one of the earliest penny candies, Circus Peanuts have been a staple since the 1800s. These banana-flavored marshmallows are infamous for their polarizing appeal, dividing candy lovers into two camps.
Perhaps this is why no one has claimed to have invented them, nor attempted to trademark them. Without knowing the creator, the reason behind the banana flavor of these peanut-shaped candies remains a mystery.
Regardless, these small marshmallow treats played a pivotal role in the creation of marshmallow cereals. John Holahan, a General Mills product developer, discovered that combining Cheerios with chopped Circus Peanuts was a winning formula, leading to the creation of the iconic Lucky Charms cereal.
So even if Circus Peanuts aren’t your favorite, you might still owe a debt of gratitude to their unknown inventor if you enjoy marshmallows in your cereal.
4. M&M’S Removed a Color Amid Cancer Concerns
Forrest Mars Sr., the son of Mars, Inc. founders Frank and Ethel Mars, drew inspiration from the candy-coated chocolates found in military rations to create the iconic M&M’S. Named after Forrest Mars Sr. and Hershey executive William Murrie, these candies were patented and began production in 1941.
Initially, they were exclusively sold to the military. After the war, their popularity soared among civilians. Packaged in cardboard tubes, the original colors included brown, red, violet, yellow, and green. However, in 1979, one of these colors was discontinued following FDA test results.
A dye known as FD&C Red No. 2 was associated with tumors in female rats during a 1971 Russian study. However, the study was later deemed flawed, and the dye tested wasn’t even the one used in M&M’S.
Despite this, public fear had already taken hold. Mars faced a panicked audience concerned about the potential risks of FD&C Red No. 2, which was used in various foods like soda, hot dogs, ice cream, and candy. The outcry led to demands for the dye’s removal.
Although M&M’S used Red No. 40, Mars swapped red M&M’S for orange ones to calm public fears. The red color was reintroduced in 1987 and has remained a favorite ever since.
3. PEZ Dispensers Were Designed to Appeal to Smokers
PEZ candies originated in Vienna, Austria, in 1927. Initially, they weren’t the fruity sweets we recognize today but were peppermint-flavored. The name PEZ is derived from pfefferminz, the German term for “peppermint.”
Originally sold in tins, the candies gained popularity as an alternative to smoking, a concept championed by their creator, Eduard Haas III, who was opposed to smoking.
In 1949, Oscar Uxa introduced new PEZ dispensers to provide a hygienic way to share the candies. These dispensers were also crafted to attract smokers, with the flick-open mechanism mimicking the action of a lighter. Haas even adopted the slogan “No Smoking, PEZing Allowed” for a time.
When PEZ entered the American market, they shifted to their now-famous fruity flavors, and the dispensers gained their distinctive character heads. Whether PEZ has truly deterred smoking is uncertain, but they remain a cherished blend of candy and collectible toys.
2. Dubble Bubble Gum Was a Happy Accident
Ancient civilizations chewed on tree bark tar, while the Maya and Aztecs enjoyed chicle from sapodilla trees. In the 1840s, John Curtis pioneered chewing gum using spruce resin and later established the first gum factory.
However, the modern concept of chewing gum emerged in 1928, thanks to an accidental discovery by accountant Walter E. Diemer. A hobbyist experimenter, Diemer improved a flawed recipe, resulting in a gum that was easier to chew and more durable during packaging.
The signature pink hue was chosen simply because it was the only dye available. After a successful test run, the gum was launched as Dubble Bubble. Later, the packaging featured comics starring characters like Dub, Bub, and the beloved Pud.
This innovation significantly boosted the gum’s popularity. During World War II, it was even supplied to the military until material shortages halted production. Factories resumed operations after the war and continue to meet our bubble-blowing and chewing needs today.
1. Necco Wafers Were Transported to the South Pole in Massive Quantities
These chalky candies were created in 1847 when Oliver Chase invented the first lozenge cutter. This machine revolutionized the candy industry, and its first product, Necco Wafers, quickly gained widespread popularity.
During World War II, the military ordered large quantities of Necco Wafers because they were easy to transport without melting. Their affordability during the Great Depression also made them a favorite among civilians.
Arctic explorer Donald MacMillan distributed these candies to indigenous Canadians during his expeditions, but Admiral Richard Byrd took it to another level. For his two-year South Pole expedition, Byrd brought 2.5 tons of Necco Wafers—enough to provide each crew member with roughly 0.5 kilograms (1 lb) of candy per week for the entire journey.
There’s no documentation confirming whether the entire supply was eaten. However, the original eight flavors Admiral Byrd carried are still available today. Aside from the cost, Necco Wafers have remained largely unchanged since their creation.
+ US Senate Candy Desk
The US Senate candy desk, located on the Republican side of the chamber, is filled with assorted candies. It’s accessible to both Republicans and Democrats alike.
The senator occupying this seat is responsible for keeping it filled with candies, typically sourced from their home state. This is the sole seat that is not allocated based on seniority but is instead given to those with a passion for sweets.
This tradition began in 1965 with Senator George Murphy, known for his love of sweets. He filled his desk drawer with candies and shared them with fellow senators. After he left office in 1970, the next senator to use the desk carried on the practice.
The desk’s ownership changes often spark interest, as seen in 2007 when Senator Craig Thomas took over. Concerns arose because Wyoming, his home state, lacked prominent candy companies like Hershey’s, which had provided 180 kilograms (400 lb) of candy annually under Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum.
However, worries about Thomas being unable to maintain the candy supply were unfounded. Local Wyoming artisans stepped up to provide candies, ensuring the tradition continued seamlessly.
