Candy Corn - those distinctive little tri-colored kernels. Is there anything more iconic (and controversial) when it comes to Halloween candy? Today, we’re going to dip our fingers into the sugar bowl of history, explore the origins of candy corn, and share some creative ways to use it for your spooky celebrations!

The Origins of Candy Corn

Can you believe candy corn has been around for more than a century? It was way back in the 1880s that a gentleman named George Renninger, who worked at the Wunderle Candy Company, first whipped up this confection. Originally, candy corn was dubbed "chicken feed" because of its resemblance to, well, chicken feed. It wasn’t just a Halloween treat; it was a seasonal candy meant to celebrate the beauty of corn harvests in the fall.

The tri-color design was groundbreaking for its time. The meticulous method of layering – white on the top, orange in the middle, and yellow at the base – was done by hand in those days. It mimicked the look of actual corn kernels, albeit a more sugary and less maize-y version.

Fast forward to today, and candy corn has cemented its status in Halloween culture. However, it's possibly the most polarizing candy out there. Some adore its honey-sweet taste and waxy texture, reminiscing about childhood autumns. Others... well, they compare eating it to munching on sweetened candle wax.

But why such disparity in opinion? Some food experts speculate that our taste in candy, like our taste in music or art, is subjective. Some palates adore the straight-up sugary hit, while others crave more complexity or different textures in their candy. And then, of course, there's the nostalgia factor. For many, candy corn is a link to the past, to simpler Halloweens and fall festivities.

Ways to Use Candy Corn in Halloween Celebrations

Halloween Candy Buffets: If you're setting up a candy buffet for your Halloween party (and why wouldn’t you?), candy corn is an aesthetic and tasty choice. Its vibrant colors pop against darker Halloween candies. You can set them up in clear jars or mix them with chocolate and nuts for a sweet-and-salty treat.

Dessert Toppings: Sprinkle candy corn over your pumpkin pie, or blend it into a milkshake. How about candy corn cupcakes or cookies? Their sugary crunch can be a delightful surprise!

Candy Corn Crafts: Okay, so this isn’t about eating, but did you know you can use candy corn for crafts? Make candy corn necklaces or use them to decorate DIY Halloween cards. Just remember to resist the temptation to eat your art materials!

Candy Corn For Trick or Treat? 

Individually wrapped bags of candy corn are perfect for handing out to all the trick or treaters who will be visiting come Halloween night and they're prefect for several reasons:

Hygiene: In our ever health-conscious world, individually wrapped candies offer a tad more peace of mind.

Portion Control: For those of us who can’t resist digging into the candy bowl again and again (no judgment here!), these little bags can help keep our candy consumption in check.

Sharing the Love (or Hate): For trick-or-treaters who’ve never had candy corn, these packets are the perfect intro. And if they hate it? Well, they can always trade it with a candy corn lover!

So, whether you're firmly in the 'love it' camp or the 'can’t stand it' group, one thing's for sure: candy corn is here to stay. Embrace the sweetness, enjoy the history, and have a fabulous Halloween full of treats (and maybe a few tricks)!