Which Candy Originated As A More Palatable Cough Medicine
The History of Cough Medicine Candy
Do you know that one of the most popular candies today was once used as a cough medicine? It may sound crazy, but it's true! The candy in question is none other than the famous "Jelly Belly" jelly beans. These tiny, colorful candies are now enjoyed by people of all ages around the world, but they have a rather surprising origin story.
The history of Jelly Belly dates back to the late 1800s when a German immigrant named Gustav Goelitz started making candy in Illinois. Goelitz's candy business was successful, but it wasn't until his son, Herman, took over that the family business really took off.
The Invention of "Goelitz Confectionery"
In 1904, Herman Goelitz developed a new type of candy that he called "Goelitz Confectionery". The candy was made from natural flavors and colors, and it was designed to be a more palatable alternative to the cough medicines of the day.
At the time, cough medicines were typically made from bitter-tasting herbs and other natural remedies that were difficult to swallow. Herman Goelitz believed that he could create a candy that tasted good and also had medicinal properties that could help soothe a sore throat and cough.
The Birth of the Jelly Bean
To create his new candy, Herman Goelitz started experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. He eventually came up with a small, bean-shaped candy that was easy to swallow and tasted great.
The candy was a hit, and soon became known as the "Jelly Bean". Over time, the candy became more popular and the Goelitz family business grew into what is now known as the Jelly Belly Candy Company.
The Evolution of Jelly Belly
Today, Jelly Belly jelly beans come in a wide variety of flavors and are enjoyed by millions of people around the world. While the candy is no longer marketed as a cough medicine, it's interesting to think about the candy's origins and how it evolved over time.
In addition to their classic jelly beans, Jelly Belly now offers a wide variety of other candy products, including gummies, sour candies, and chocolate-covered treats. The company is also known for its innovative flavors, such as "Buttered Popcorn" and "Tabasco".
Conclusion
So there you have it, the surprising history of one of the world's most popular candies. Next time you enjoy a handful of Jelly Belly jelly beans, you can think back to their origins as a more palatable cough medicine and appreciate just how far they've come.