National Candy Day
National Candy Day is celebrated every year on November 4 so get your candy jars ready with gummies, chocolate balls or sour candies.
This gives candy lovers an excuse to cherish their favorite candies without any guilt. From the fondness of childhood candy stores to the exhilaration of discovering novel flavors, National Candy Day is a day to relish all things sweet.
There are no clear records as to when the celebration first started, but it honors the age-old love affair between humans and candies.
The Candid History Of Candy
The word “candy” is derived from the Old French term çucre candi, and this has Arabian, Sanskrit and Persian roots, all of which means sugar.
It is also known that sugarcane is native to tropical Asia, and ancient Indians derived sugar by boiling sugarcane juice which means khanda.
The Greeks and Persians discovered sugar later in India and spread its cultivation across the globe.
At first, candy was made with honey in ancient cultures like the Middle East, Egypt, and China which was used to preserve flowers and fruits.
Prior to the Industrial Revolution, candy was frequently seen as medicine, especially among the wealthy, and featured sugar and spices to help in digestion.
The Middle English term “candy” made an appearance in the late 13th century and in the early 18th century, Americans brought candy to the states from France and Britain, but it was only available to the wealthy.
With the advancement of technology, the candy industry underwent a major transformation in the 1830s which made it accessible to every class of people. Penny candies became popular in the market which were the first goods that children brought from their own money.
With the innovation of candy press in 1847 and the revolving steam pan in 1851 made candy production revolutionary, allowing fewer people to run candy businesses.
With the growing industry, adulteration of food became concerning as harmful additives were being used for color.
These dangers were highlighted by a satirical cartoon in 1885 and by 1906, with public pressure and research, the Pure Food and Drug Act were created which was the first federal law regulating food and drugs, including candy.
The tradition of enjoying sweet treats goes back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Chinese crafted candies using honey, fruit, and nuts.
Candy arrived in America during the 18th century, and with the rise of the Industrial Revolution, it became available to all, not just the wealthy. Today, candy is a beloved part of our culture, with a wide variety of treats enjoyed around the world.
Popular Candies Across The Globe
- M&Ms: Colorful chocolate candies with a hard shell and various fillings, beloved for their fun and shareable nature.
- Haribo Goldbears: Iconic gummy bears known for their fruity flavors and chewy texture, making them a favorite among children and adults alike.
- Pocky: Delicious biscuit sticks coated in chocolate or various flavors, popular as a snack in Japan and around the world.
- Cadbury Dairy Milk: Rich and creamy milk chocolate bar from the UK, known for its smooth texture and indulgent taste.
- Toblerone: Distinctive triangular chocolate bar filled with honey and almond nougat, famous for its unique shape and Swiss origin.
- Nerds: Tiny, tangy, crunchy candies that come in various fruity flavors, often sold in a fun dual-chamber box.
- Dulce de Leche: A sweet, creamy caramel treat popular in Mexico, made by slowly heating sweetened milk until it becomes thick and caramelized.
- Maltesers: Light and airy chocolate-covered malt balls from the UK, known for their crunchy texture and delicious chocolate coating.
- Tim Tams: Chocolate biscuits from Australia filled with creamy filling, famous for their irresistible taste and the “Tim Tam Slam” eating technique.
- Chupa Chups: Iconic lollipops from Spain that come in a wide variety of flavors, known for their vibrant packaging and fun shapes.
- Kinder Surprise: Chocolate eggs from Italy that contain a toy inside, combining the joy of candy with the excitement of a surprise.
- Ritter Sport: High-quality chocolate squares from Germany available in various flavors and fillings, celebrated for their square shape and rich taste.
- Mochi Ice Cream: A delightful Japanese treat made of sweet rice dough filled with ice cream, offering a chewy texture and a cool, creamy center.
- Sour Patch Kids: Gummy candies from the US that are sweet and sour, famous for their playful taste and fun shapes.
- Kexchoklad: A beloved Swedish chocolate wafer bar known for its crunchy texture and smooth chocolate coating.
- Bounty: A chocolate bar from the UK filled with moist coconut, offering a tropical flavor wrapped in rich milk chocolate.
- Milka Chocolate: Creamy milk chocolate from Switzerland, known for its smooth texture and signature purple packaging.
How to Observe National Candy Day
What better way to enjoy a delightful way to enjoy your favorite candies than celebrating National Candy Day?
A fun idea is to visit your local candy store and load up on your favorite treats or ones that you have never tried before.
If you are feeling a bit more enthusiastic, try making your own candy - be it simple fudge or colorful candies, there are several easy recipes for you to find and get started.
You can also go around and distribute candies to orphanages to earn some extra smile and love.
