Candy Corn’s Divisive Nature Every Halloween, the triangular, tricolored candies known as candy corn ignite intense feelings. Their waxy texture and sugar-laden taste drive a wedge between those who eagerly anticipate their yearly appearance and those who scorn them.
Voices from the Candy Corn Camp Comedian Shannon Fiedler voiced her affection on TikTok, saying, “It’s sugar! What is not to love?” She acknowledges its peculiar nature, claiming that its offbeat taste is what makes it endearing. Paul Zarcone, from Huntington, NY, concurs, emphasizing his love for the candy despite its candle-like appearance and the satisfaction he derives from the divisive nature of the treat.
A Candy Powerhouse Despite the divided opinions, Brach’s, the leading candy corn manufacturer, reports producing around 30 million pounds of the treat annually. This staggering amount equates to a whopping $75 million in sales, dominating a significant portion of the $88.5 million candy corn market, as stated by Circana, a consumer research firm.
Cultural Impact Beyond the Candy Aisle While other candies have their fair share of critics, none have permeated popular culture quite like candy corn. Social media platforms teem with candy corn memes, and the iconic design inspires fashion, hairstyles, and makeup. Their influence doesn’t stop at aesthetics; they’ve been incorporated into a myriad of dishes, from trail mixes to Rice Krispie treats. Global brands, including Vans and Nike, have also unveiled candy corn-themed merchandise.
Innovative Twists to the Classic To cater to evolving tastes, Brach’s introduced various mixes and flavors over the years. The “Turkey Dinner” mix, launched in 2020, captured attention with flavors mimicking a complete Thanksgiving meal, ranging from roasted turkey to apple pie.
As the Halloween season peaks, the love-hate relationship with candy corn shows no signs of waning, keeping it firmly rooted as a quintessential part of the spooky celebrations.