Which Popular Candy Has Been Around The Longest
The Ancient History of Candy
Candy has been around for a long time, in fact, it dates back to ancient times. The first recorded mention of candy was in 3000 BC in Egypt where they made candy from honey and nuts. The Chinese also have a long history of candy making dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) where they made rock candy from sugar.
The Birth of Chocolate
In the 16th century, chocolate was introduced to Europe and quickly became a popular treat. The first chocolate bar was made in 1847 by Joseph Fry and Sons in England. The Hershey Company, which is now one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world, was founded in 1894 in Pennsylvania.
The Oldest Candy Company in America
The oldest candy company in America is the NECCO Company which was founded in 1847 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. NECCO stands for New England Confectionery Company and they are best known for their candy wafers which have been around since 1847.
The First Wrapped Candy
In 1900, the first individually wrapped candy was introduced by the Squirrel Brand Company. The candy was called "Squirrel Nut Caramels" and they were wrapped in wax paper.
The Invention of the Lollipop
In 1908, the first lollipop was invented by George Smith. He named it after a popular racehorse of the time called Lolly Pop. The first lollipops were made by hand and were a simple hard candy on a stick.
The Introduction of the Jelly Bean
In 1861, the first jelly bean was made by an unknown American candy maker. They were originally called "Jelly Drops" and were sold in bulk. It wasn't until the 1930s that the Jelly Belly Company was founded and began making jelly beans in a variety of flavors.
The History of Pez Candy
Pez candy was invented in Austria in 1927 by Eduard Haas III. The name Pez comes from the German word for peppermint, "pfefferminz". The first Pez dispenser was introduced in 1949 and featured a character named Popeye.
The Origin of Gummy Bears
Gummy Bears were invented in Germany in the 1920s by Hans Riegel. The candy was inspired by the dancing bears that were popular in Europe at the time. The Haribo Company, which was founded by Hans Riegel, is still one of the largest gummy bear manufacturers in the world.
The Introduction of M&Ms
M&Ms were introduced in 1941 by the Mars Company. The candy was originally created for soldiers during World War II because they were easy to transport and didn't melt in their pockets. The "M" on each candy stands for the last names of the founders of the Mars Company, Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie.
Conclusion
Candy has a long and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. It has evolved from simple honey and nut candies to the wide variety of treats we have today. Whether you prefer chocolate, gummy bears, or hard candy, there is a candy out there for everyone.