October is Autumn's Best Treat

Ah, October. It’s autumn, leaves are falling, and the days are getting shorter. Of course, the best thing about this month may be the permission to indulge in some extra sweets. October is not without controversy, however, and there is one debate in particular that rises above all others. We need to talk about candy corn.

Believe it or not, October 30 is National Candy Corn Day, and this nostalgic treat has some interesting history. Perhaps these little known facts could change your mind about it, whether you love it or hate it.

Candy corn was invented in the 1880s by George Renninger at the Wunerle Candy Company in Pennsylvania. But it was another company that would find success making it. (For all you haters, the candy was so popular, it kept the company in business through two world wars and the Great Depression!) You might be familiar with that company. It’s called Jelly Belly today.

Candy corn was originally called “chicken feed” because of its corn-like appearance and the tagline was “something worth crowing about.” If you stack the candy, yellow side out, it bears a striking resemblance to corn on the cob.

Jelly Belly still makes candy corn, but Brach’s is the top seller. Candy corn was not even intended to be associated with Halloween at all. It was first marketed as a summer treat and later was among Brach’s fine candies.

Candy corn is not just for fall anymore. Diehard fans can have Reindeer Corn, Cupid Corn, and Bunny Corn, too. Brach’s introduced six new flavors this year as “fall festival” candy corn.

We must also remember that candy corn is not the only thing that evokes such strong opinions this time of year. There’s also the popular pumpkin spice (which btw contains no pumpkin). And if you really want to start a rumble, set out a bowl of pumpkin spice candy corn. We live in a world where this exists.

Just for fun this month, we invite you to tell us your opinion about these two polarizing flavors in our poll below. While likely not a representative sampling, perhaps there are some passionate defenders of these “delicious” treats.

And finally, as we approach our second Workday Student milestone, don’t be scared. There are no tricks ahead, only treats!