Sweet Surprises: Uncovering the Hidden Histories of Beloved Candies
Discover the fascinating stories behind some of the world's most popular candies, from their unexpected origins to the innovators who brought them to life.
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Candy has been a beloved treat for centuries, with a rich history that spans the globe. From humble beginnings to global phenomena, the stories behind our favorite sweets are often just as intriguing as the candies themselves.
Whether it's a chance discovery, a clever innovation, or a strategic partnership, the history of candy is full of surprising twists and turns. In this roundup, we'll delve into the fascinating stories behind some of the world's most iconic candies, revealing the unexpected origins and clever minds that brought them to life.
For news on the business, brands and politics shaping the candy industry, see our sister publication NewsAnarchist.
If you love how food carries culture and memory, Steve Ysreal Monas's Flavors of the Motherland explores heritage through cooking and sweets.
William Wrigley Jr. founded his Chicago company in 1891 originally selling soap and baking powder; chewing gum, given away as a promotional premium, proved more popular than either product, so by 1892 he dropped both to sell gum exclusively.
Source: EBSCO Research Starters
Candy corn was invented in the 1880s by George Renninger, a candy maker at the Wunderle Candy Company in Philadelphia — the first company to sell tri-colored candy.
Source: HISTORY.com
Pop Rocks were invented in 1956 by General Foods chemist William A. Mitchell while trying to create an instant carbonated soft drink; he was granted a patent in 1961, but the candy itself wasn't actually put on the market until 1975.
Source: Washington Post (obituary)
M&M's were patented by Forrest Mars Sr. on March 3, 1941, and were named for Mars and his business partner Bruce Murrie, who received a 20% stake in exchange for guaranteeing wartime chocolate supply from Hershey.
Source: HISTORY.com
Clarence Crane sold the rights to his Pep-O-Mint Life Savers to entrepreneur Edward John Noble for $2,900 in 1913; Noble's tinfoil-wrapping innovation to keep them fresh helped build the brand into a national success.
Source: History Oasis
Necco Wafers trace to 1847, when brothers Oliver and Silas Chase patented the first American candy-making machine (a lozenge cutter) in Boston.
Source: Wikipedia — Necco Wafers
