Love it or hate it, candy corn is a Halloween staple. Some people can't resist candy corn's super-sweet taste, while others think it's too artificial and sugary.
There's little in-between when it comes to this iconic Halloween candy. The great candy corn debate gets people fired up at parties and sparks social media discussion. It's like the pineapple-on-pizza argument but with candy.
Candy corn's unique texture and flavor make it either a classic favorite or a sugary blunder. But no matter how much discussion it provokes, candy corn is a Halloween symbol that you'll find everywhere, just like pumpkins and costumes.
Candy corn: Sweet Halloween icon or a waxy sugar bomb? Find the sticky history and debate surrounding this controversial treat.
The sweet debate
What's the deal with candy corn's love-it-or-hate-it reputation? It all comes down to the flavor. Candy corn is just a mixture of sugar, corn syrup and honey. It's got a waxy feel and a super-sweet taste.
For some, this combo is a match made in heaven; they love the simple, old-school sweetness, which reminds them of trick-or-treating as kids. As Amanda from Simply Awesome Trips reflects, "I love it - It's the perfect bite of sugar. You can't have fall without candy corn. It's like pumpkin spice or Mariah Carey at Christmas. Love it or hate it, the season hasn't truly arrived without these things."
Others think candy corn is just too much; the sugary flavor seems fake to them. The texture is another point of contention - some find it pleasantly chewy, while others say it is weirdly waxy. "I hate candy corn. It's a sad waste of calories! They're pretty to look at, but they taste like a sugary wax candle," Gena Lazcano, from the blog Ginger Casa, argues.
How you feel about candy corn depends greatly on your childhood memories. If you grew up loving it, you're probably still a fan. But if you never liked it, you won't develop a taste for it as you get older.
Generation gap
Your age also affects your candy corn preferences. Older generations tend to view it more favorably, probably due to nostalgia. A survey from the National Confectioners Association (NCA) found that candy corn is most popular with GenXers, with 58% of them enjoying it.
Younger generations are divided; some see it as a retro treat, while others ignore it. The same NCA survey found that only 46% of Millennials enjoy candy corn, showing that the popularity of candy is gradually decreasing.
Cultural impact
Candy corn's influence goes beyond the candy bowl. It is featured in Halloween decorations, costumes and social media posts. Its distinctive three-color design has become a symbol of fall and the Halloween season.
Food manufacturers have created candy corn-inspired products like ice cream, popcorn, coffee creamers and candy corn cookies. Craft breweries even make candy corn-flavored beers. Love it or hate it, candy corn has cemented its place in American pop culture.
You will also see candy corn used to decorate homes. From the blog Get On My Plate, Casey Rooney has found decorating is the solution to her dislike of candy corn, explaining, "I used to hate candy corn, but my daughters love it. They started filling glass jars with it and putting them around the house. It looked so pretty and festive for fall. Instead of eating it, now I just use it as part of my fall decor!"
Alternatives and variations
There are creative alternatives if you want to incorporate candy corn into your Halloween celebrations but aren't a huge fan of the taste. Combine candy corn with other ingredients, or try recipes that feature the iconic candy corn look without the overwhelmingly sweet flavor.
Mixing candy corn with peanuts is very popular. The salty flavor of the peanuts goes perfectly with the sugary taste of the candy corn, and the mix of crunchy and chewy textures makes it extra satisfying to eat.
You can also create treats that capture the spirit of candy corn without the flavor. A simple idea is to make a candy corn-inspired parfait. Layer some mango, mandarin oranges and yogurt in a clear glass jar for a snack that looks like candy corn but tastes fresh and fruity.
Or make candy corn fudge. White chocolate and food coloring can create those signature yellow, orange and white stripes in a treat that tastes like chocolate, not candy corn. Add some food coloring to your favorite Rice Krispie treat recipe, and you've got a snack that looks like it came from the candy store.
Six ways to make candy corn better, even if it is not your thing
Candy corn and cashews
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This simple combination combines sweet and salty in a delicious way. Easy and delightful.
Candy corn Rice Krispie treats
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Add candy corn to an all-time favorite. Chop your candy corn or leave it whole while adding it to the original Rice Krispie treats recipe.
Deep fried candy corn
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When it doubt, deep fry. Likely not the healthiest option, but we are talking about candy corn here. Check out the recipe and instructions.
Candy corn cobs
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Want to make your candy corn even sweeter? Try this recipe from Delish for candy corn cobs.
Candy corn in Chex mix or trail mix
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Add candy corn to either Chex mix or trail mix to add some sweetness to these traditional favorites. Use candy corn to replace other candy in trail mix. For an extra sugar boost, add chocolate covered pretzels. For Chex mix with candy corn, check out this recipe.
Candy corn in the garbage
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Despite these serving suggestions, some will argue there is no way to dress up this holiday candy. So, if you loathe this holiday treat and find some in your home, combining it with your trash can might be the best idea.
