Why Candy Corn Remains a Halloween Staple Despite the Haters

Every October, as leaves turn and ceramic pumpkins come out of the attic, one candy sparks heated debates around kitchen tables and social media feeds: candy corn. Some call it a waxy, overly sweet abomination; others can’t resist grabbing a handful from the candy dish. So, if everyone seems to hate candy corn, why does it remain one of our top selling Halloween candy every year? 

We're here to spill the tea...errr, corn!

A Sweet History: The Birth of Candy Corn

Candy corn’s story begins in the late 19th century, credited to George Renninger of Philadelphia around 1880. Back then, candy-making was labor-intensive, and this tri-colored treat was a marvel of innovation. Its yellow, orange, and white layers mimicked the look of real corn kernels. The Goelitz Confectionery Company (now Jelly Belly) brought it to the masses in 1898, tweaking the original recipe with sugar, corn syrup, and giving it a chewy texture.

Originally, candy corn was a seasonal novelty to celebrate harvest time. Its low cost and long shelf life made it a hit with families, and by the mid-20th century, it became associated with Halloween. Today, over 35 million pounds of candy corn are produced annually—enough to circle the moon four times if laid end to end! That’s a lot of love for a candy that some claim to loathe.

Why the Polarization?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: candy corn divides people like pineapple on pizza. Critics call it too sweet, waxy, or just plain boring.  Yet, all that is part of its charm. That sugary, honey-like flavor reminds everyone of memories of trick-or-treating or raiding grandma’s candy dish.

At Blair Candy, we see the proof in our sales—candy corn consistently ranks among our top Halloween sellers, year after year.  It’s as much a part of Halloween as jack-o’-lanterns and ghost stories. Its iconic colors scream “fall,” making it a go-to for decorating candy dishes, topping cupcakes, or adding a festive touch to desserts. Bakers love using it to garnish pumpkin pies or mix into trail mixes for a pop of color and sweetness. Its small size and familiar look make it perfect for Halloween parades, where snack-pack sizes fly out of floats into eager hands.

At Blair Candy, we offer candy corn in every form to suit your needs. Our snack-size packs are ideal for handing out at parades or stuffing into trick-or-treat bags—they’re just the right portion to satisfy without overwhelming. For those hosting Halloween parties or stocking up for the season, our bulk bags of candy corn are perfect for filling candy dishes or creating eye-catching dessert displays. Whether you’re scattering it over a spooky charcuterie board or using it to top a caramel apple pie, candy corn adds that festive flair.

Love it or hate it, candy corn is here to stay, so be sure to stock up for all your Halloween parties this season!