Alright, Spooniverse, I have to say it — I’m disappointed in you. I thought this place was full of respectable and intelligent Spoonies, so why does 6 Reasons Why Candy Corn is the Worst Part of Halloween exist? This discrimination needs to be stopped — it’s just not right. There are people out there who love the artificial taste and the squeaky texture of a good kernel of candy corn, and I am proud to say that I am one of those people.

Alex Weiner

Though this treat could start more heated debates than even some presidential candidates are capable of, you should definitely know what you’re (not) eating. Here’s everything you ever wanted to know about candy corn (and more).

History

vegetable, sweet, candy
Kelda Balijon

It was invented by George Renninger, an employee at Wunderlee Candy Company, which was the first company to produce the candy. Wunderlee was followed by the Goelitz Candy Company (now the Jelly Belly Candy Company), which has been producing the tri-colored candies since 1898.

So, WTF is it?

Contrary to popular belief, candy corn is not made of plastic, and I can guarantee you that it is actually safe to eat. This treat contains sugar, corn syrup, vanilla flavor, marshmallow coloring, artificial coloring that dyes the three layers, and fondant all melted together and coated in glaze and edible wax. 

Viola Spahiu

The main ingredients get pumped into cornstarch coated molds, one shade at a time, so that the layers can stick to the mold and set separately (yellow on bottom, orange in the center, and white to top it off). After drying for 24 hours, the kernels make like T Swift and shake it (the corn starch) off before receiving their final coating.

Nutritional Content

vegetable
Alex Weiner

Although the intense flavor of the kernels quickly satisfies any sweet tooth, candy corn doesn’t set you back that far calorie-wise — especially in comparison to your other Halloween candy options.  

Fun Facts:

1. Dentists hate it

candy, sweet, gelatin, sweetmeat, bonbons
Viola Spahiu

If you happen to be a hater, you’re not alone. Many dentists argue that candy corn is, indeed, the worst candy because the sticky consistency of the treat makes them extremely difficult to remove from teeth.

2. It does, in fact, go bad

chocolate, candy
Kelda Balijon

Contrary to popular belief, unopened candy corn only lasts for 9 months. Hate to break it to you, but this means you must stop stealing your little brother’s leftover candy from last Halloween — effective immediately. 

3. It's not only for Halloween

candy, sweet, vegetable, sweetmeat
Kathryn Stouffer

Candy corn actually disguises itself way past the Halloween season. It is produced as s'mores corn, Indian corn during Thanksgiving, reindeer corn for Christmas, cupid corn for Valentine’s Day, bunny corn for Easter, and freedom corn for the Fourth of July.

Question of the day: Which should be next? New Year’s glitter corn or maize kernels for National Corn on the Cob Day?

4. Corn and candy corn are not really the same

corn, pasture, straw, hazelnut, cereal, popcorn, vegetable, meat, sweet corn, maize
Allie Coneys

A kernel of candy corn has 466.67% the amount of calories a kernel of regular corn has.  

Cooking with Candy Corn

rice, vegetable
Katherine Baker

When candy corn is available by the pound during Halloween season, you need to take advantage. I actually don’t understand the alternative. How do you even fall without candy corn? If you enjoy cooking, these ideas will definitely bedazzle your baking recipe box. 

Throw in a few kernels the next time you’re making Rice Krispies Treats or just dye portions with food coloring and mold them into a candy corn shape. This pumpkin pizza cookie will definitely help you channel fall, but if you’re looking to be even fancier this season, try Alton Brown’s candy corn recipe. Don't feel like baking? Whip up a batch of candy corn jello shots. Even the haters will love that ish – undoubtedly better than a shot of Bernasties, I promise. 

Candy Corn FTW

tea, wine, alcohol, liquor, whisky, honey
Kathleen Lee

So, what have we learned today, class? Candy corn, yes, is edible. Yes, your dentists hate it, and yes, it is, in fact, much worse for you than eating fresh corn. But, hey, it is CANDY corn, so what did you expect? Now, be free and go proudly enjoy this delicious Halloween treat. Haters gonna hate, but at least there's more for you.