Turns out its seasonal popularity is due to targeted marketing but its fall colors probably didn't hurt either.
Way back in 1898, when the Goelitz Candy Company (now Jelly Belly Candy Company) bought the candy corn recipe, they named it Chicken Feed candy.
Because farming was HUGE at the time, they decided to market the candy to children of farmers. Chicken feed, considered a penny candy, was later renamed candy corn and it became popular because it tasted good and everyone could afford it.
But it was in the 1950s that candy corn became inseparable from Halloween.
During that time candy companies made the decision to advertise candy corn only during the Halloween season - even though they marketed their other types of candy all year long.
Their tactic clearly worked. Despite its short season, according to the National Confectioners Association, more than 35 million pounds of candy corn are sold every year.
So, time to pour some into a candy dish or an antique bowl for instant fall decorating. I'm craving homemade brownies and naturally, I'll add candy corn to the tops. After all, I still need my chocolate fix.
If you're a bit more adventurous and looking for some awesome candy corn recipes, check out 10 Mind-Blowing Candy Corn Dessert Ideas.
