Michael Byars, a public radio host in Kansas City, Missouri describes candy corn as "pure sugary deliciousness that reminds me of my youth when everything was simple and easy and the worries and stresses and fears of adulthood werent even on the radar."
On the other side of the candy corn issue is Johner Riehl, a public relations executive in San Diego, California. "As I look at a piece of candy corn, I feel bad for the sugar, corn syrup and industrial dye that were allcongealed together to form a waxy, chewy and gross wedge that resembles (and ta
Compared to chocolate, candy corn is a niche snack. While sales of chocolate topped $15.4 billion, during the 52-week period ending Sept. 16, 2023, candy corn sales hit $59.3 million. In comparison, candy canes ($127 million) and licorice ($411 million) also surpass candy corn in sales, according to
Originally, candy corn was made by hand with candy makers pouring a sequence of passes of different colored hot edible icing called fondant into kernel-shaped molds, according to Jelly Belly, which claims to be the longest continuous maker of the candy and will make about 250,000 pounds, or 125 tons
Yet, for those who love candy corn, the treat can be transportive, says Adams, who recalls his mother eating just the white tips of each piece. "Why is it loved as much as hated? If you grew up eating it, it probably has delightful associations in your mind," he said.
And there's just something about candy corn. "Even the haters still want to have bowls of it at home because it signifies fall. There's this nostalgia thing. But if you ask them if they are going to eat it" ADM's Wright said.