Raisins and the Demise of a Tradition
As I thought about a "worst Halloween candy" story, I immediately considered raisins. However, I always say "raisins" when discussing Halloween, but the truth is I like them, and I loved them when I was a kid. Raisins are not candy, and I felt cheated when people gave them out at Halloween.
Raisins have been replaced by a new favorite: candy corn. Candy corn, a type of candy, was invented in the 1880s and was originally known as "chicken feed" because corn was what most chickens ate back then. Today, opinions about candy corn are sharply divided. While some people enjoy its sweet and nostalgic taste, others despise it.
The Great Candy Corn Debate
The love-hate relationship with candy corn is reflected in various Halloween candy polls. In a 2024 survey conducted by CandyStore.com, candy corn took the top spot in both Maryland and Utah, and placed second or third in several more, including New Mexico, Maine, and Michigan. On the other hand, the polarizing nature of candy corn is also reflected in the fact that half the states agree to disagree.
A Tale of Two Cokes
The fierce loyalty to candy corn is not limited to the general public. I have friends who are also divided on the issue. My editor, Cassie, loathes it, calling it "waxy." My friend, Content creator and food photographer Julius Mayo Jr. (aka Droolius), also dislikes it, claiming it tastes like pure sugar. However, there are those who, like me, enjoy it in moderation.
The Middle Ground
Interestingly, my own boyfriend and I fall in the middle. I enjoy the candy corn aesthetic, and they look forward to seeing them return to stores each year. While I’m not obsessive about them, I do appreciate their nostalgic value. My boyfriend, too, is a candy corn guy, and he’s not alone.
The Middle-Ground Congregation
A survey of my colleagues revealed a similar indifference. Theme Parks reporter Dewayne Bevil prefers the kind with a chocolate tip, but it’s not a strong preference. Theater critic Matthew J. Palm, who gets paid to have opinions, is neither hot nor cold about candy corn. Disney cookbook goddess Pam Brandon has a love-hate affair with the sugary, little devils, primarily due to nostalgia.
The Power of Nostalgia
For me, nostalgia plays a significant role in my affection for candy corn. It’s a sensory trigger that evokes memories of childhood parties and being handed a bag of candy corn by my best friends. It’s not just about the taste, but about the emotional connection.
A Versatile Treat
While opinions about candy corn are sharply divided, its versatility cannot be denied. It’s perfect for art projects, and some people even use it to make boo-tique biscotti. For others, like my editor, it’s a necessary evil. My own progeny, a teenager, agrees, saying it’s decent but incredibly sweet.
Conclusion
Candy corn may not be for everyone, but it’s undeniable that it evokes strong emotions. Whether you love it, hate it, or fall somewhere in between, candy corn is a staple of the Halloween season. As I indulge in these tiny, sugary treats, I’m reminded of the power of nostalgia and the importance of embracing our childhood favorites, no matter how polarizing they may be.
FAQs
Q: What is candy corn?
A: Candy corn is a type of candy invented in the 1880s, originally known as "chicken feed" because it resembled the corn chickens ate.
Q: Why is candy corn so divisive?
A: Opinions about candy corn are sharply divided, with some people loving its sweet and nostalgic taste, while others despise it for its waxy texture and sugar content.
Q: Is candy corn a necessary part of Halloween?
A: While opinions vary, candy corn is a staple of the Halloween season, with many people enjoying its flavorful and nostalgic value.
Q: Can you use candy corn for anything besides eating?
A: Yes, candy corn is often used for arts and crafts projects, and some people make boo-tique biscotti with it.
