When you think of fall, what comes to mind might be the beautiful fallen leaves, pumpkins, pumpkin spice lattes, and candy corn. Candy corn is the timeless candy that seems to receive a mix of emotions; you either love candy corn, hate candy corn, or don’t really care about candy corn. Many may say that candy corn is terrible, but I think it is good because of its sweet taste and nostalgic feel.
Candy corn consists of three layers made out of sugar, corn syrup, water, and food coloring that are filled into cornstarch coated molds, according to Stephanie Watson and Kathryn Whitbourne in their article “What is Candy Corn and How Is It Made?”. After the layers cool, the candy is coated in a glaze which gives the candy corn its signature waxy exterior. Many judge candy corn for its waxy texture, but I think the unique texture gives the candy character that makes it distinct.
The typical critique for candy corn is that it is too sweet. The candy is fairly similar to marshmallows in its flavor profile but is typically judged for tasting too sugary. If marshmallows can be beloved even though they taste super sweet, then why can’t candy corn? Some may argue that because candy corn is too sweet they can only have a couple pieces before the candy becomes overwhelmingly sweet, but I think that makes candy corn a better candy. Candy should be eaten in moderation so a couple pieces of candy corn is more satisfying than wanting to eat more and more of another type of candy.
Candy corn, along with its sweetness, will also leave you with a feeling of nostalgia. Candy corn dates back to the 1880s when the candy was originally made to resemble chicken feed since much of the population in America at the time were tied to agriculture according to Becky Little in her article “Who invented Candy Corn” on the History Channel website. The candy would later become more popular as a fall or Halloween treat by the 1960s. Needless to say, the candy has become a fall staple that reminds me of pleasant fall days and the days leading up to Halloween that excites every little kid. The nostalgic feel you get when eating a handful of candy corn is one of the many reasons why candy corn is good.
For those that aren’t too fond of the traditional candy corn, it is not the only candy corn out there. Many companies that make candy corn are also starting to sell more and more types of themed candy corn for various holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Christmas. There are also different candy corn flavors that have been made that put a new twist on the classic candy which include chocolate, caramel apple, pumpkin spice, caramel, s’mores, and even peppermint.
One of the best types of candy corn in my opinion is in Brach’s Autumn Mix bag which includes traditional candy corn, chocolate candy corn, and pumpkins mellowcreme candies. The pumpkins, despite not being corn, are the best type of candy corn because of their even sweetness. I would highly suggest that you try the candy corn pumpkins for yourself, especially if you don’t care for regular candy corn because I think they are a little less sweet. There really is a difference between the corn and pumpkin candy that makes the pumpkins melt in your mouth more than the traditional.
Overall, candy corn is a classic candy that all ages can enjoy. The bite sized candy is a sweet and sentimental way to celebrate autumn and Halloween. Whether you love candy corn, hate candy corn, or are somewhere in the middle, candy corn has been a nostalgic part of many people’s autumn season and Halloween.
