- Candy has been enjoyed for thousands of years, with early civilizations like the Egyptians and ancient Chinese making sweet treats from honey and fruits.
- The word "candy" comes from the Arabic word "qandi," which means "made of sugar."
- The first candies were made from honey, nuts, and fruits by early civilizations.
- Hard candies, like lollipops and peppermints, became popular in the Middle Ages when sugar became more readily available.
- Chocolate, a beloved candy ingredient, was first consumed as a beverage by the ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations.
- The first solid chocolate bar was produced by Joseph Fry in 1847.
- The world's largest candy store is Dylan's Candy Bar in New York City, spanning over 15,000 square feet.
- Cotton candy was invented by a dentist named William Morrison and confectioner John C. Wharton in 1897.
- Candy corn, a Halloween staple, was created by George Renninger of the Wunderle Candy Company in the 1880s.
- Jelly beans gained popularity during the Civil War when they were sent to soldiers as a portable treat.
- The average American consumes about 22 pounds of candy each year.
- M&M's were created in 1941 as a way for soldiers to enjoy chocolate without it melting.
- The Guinness World Record for the largest box of chocolates weighed over 3,000 pounds.
- The world's largest gummy bear weighs approximately 5 pounds and contains over 6,000 calories.
- Swedish Fish, a popular gummy candy, was originally from Sweden but is now made in Canada.
- Sour Patch Kids were originally called "Mars Men" when they were first created in the 1970s.
- The Pez candy dispenser was invented in 1927 and originally marketed as an alternative to smoking.
- Tootsie Rolls were invented in 1896 by Leo Hirschfeld and were named after his daughter Clara's nickname, "Tootsie."
- Licorice, a candy made from the root of the licorice plant, has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties.
- The longest licorice rope ever made measured over 1,200 feet long.
- The world's largest gummy worm weighs about 3 pounds and is over 2 feet long.
- Jawbreakers, also known as gobstoppers, can take up to 14 days to make.
- The world's oldest candy is believed to be a piece of honey found in the tomb of a Sumerian queen dating back to 2000 BCE.
- Candy canes were originally straight and all white until they were given their iconic hook shape and red stripes in the 20th century.
- The first chocolate Easter eggs were made in Europe in the early 19th century.
