What was candy corn originally called? The polarizing treat has an interesting history

Love it or hate it, a certain pyramid-shaped candy is arguably one of the most iconic Halloween treats.

Candy corn has caused division since it was first invented in the 1800s. Some complain about its unappealing waxy texture, others about its lack of flavor.

Before becoming the polarizing candy it is today, it took off in popularity after a Cincinnati-based company started manufacturing them. Despite being a controversial treat, Ohioans pegged it as their favorite Halloween candy in 2022.

What else is there to know about candy corn and its origins?

Where did candy corn come from?

Candy corn was invented in Philadelphia by George Renninger, an employee at the candy company Wunderle. It really took off when a Cincinnati-based company got into the business of manufacturing sweets.

Goelitz Confectionary Co. moved from Belleville, Illinois, to Cincinnati in 1889, where the company started making candy. Its offerings included what we now know as candy corn.

What was candy corn originally called?

When the first forms of candy corn came to the market, it was called "chicken feed" or "buttercream."

How is candy corn made?

Candy corn was first made using sugar, water, corn syrup, fondant (water, sugar and corn syrup), marshmallow (sugar, water and gelatin) and a little wax.

Originally, candy corn was made by hand. The process involved pouring a sequence of passes of different colored fondant into kernel-shaped molds. Candy corn is made essentially the same way today with basically the same recipe, but the process is now machine-automated.

Was candy corn eaten on Christmas?

Halloween didn't take off in the United States until the late 1800s and early 1900s, so Americans weren't eating candy corn during spooky season at first. It was first a popular Christmas treat.

Goelitz factory workers stocked up on candy corn supplies to prepare for the big autumn candy season. It was cooked in huge cauldrons, then poured into 45-pound handheld buckets.

How many pounds of candy corn are produced each year?

According to the National Confectioners Association, over 35 million pounds of candy corn are produced each year.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What was candy corn originally called? Here's its villain origin story