What comes to mind when you think of the most controversial candies? Do you think of Circus Peanuts, Mary Janes, or Candy Corn? After much research, I have learned that the top three most controversial candies in America are those three. People think of circus peanuts as confections, not even candy, candy corn is one of those candies that you either love or hate, and as for Mary Janes, people say that peanut butter shouldn’t be chewy. But I think there are some really great aspects of these candies that consumers should stop overlooking, so let’s take a deeper look.
Candy corn
is a small triangular candy split into 3 different colors: yellow, orange, and white. These bite size pieces really pack a flavor punch though. With their slightly bitter butter flavor, one is normally very intrigued by the sharpness or completely disgusted. It is claimed that a Pennsylvania candy company worker in the 1880s named George Renninger was the creator of the most debated candy in America. He must’ve been very proud of himself. These little nuggets of sweetness are the perfect Halloween treat, but can be eaten year round, and can be used to make some mean art projects.
- Share-ability: 10
- Denture Danger: 6
- Convenience: 5
- Novelty: 3
- Overall: 7
Circus peanuts can be described a lot of ways. I’ve heard people say that it is like a hardened banana cotton candy, a puffed air taffy, and a taffy made of foam. These odd little marshmallows are banana flavored and very easily chewed. Circus peanuts started off in the 1800s as penny candies and the inventor is unknown. Although you’d think that because the candies are orange in color, they would be orange in flavor too- the candies are actually that sweet artificial banana flavor that I have always loved. These marshmallow treats are quick dissolving and fast to eat. They are also fat free and don’t leave you with a nasty aftertaste. With all that in mind, just remember that these strange little candies will always give you a lot to talk about.
- Share-ability: 8
- Denture Danger: 2
- Convenience: 7
- Novelty: 8
- Overall: 6
Mary Jane’s are small tan rectangles that are meant to be chewy, but are actually very difficult to eat. They have a peanut butter and molasses taste which is very evident once they eventually become soft. These little candies were created in 1914 by the Charles Miller company and they were named after the creator’s aunt. After trying these candies, I have really learned to appreciate them. At first I had a hard time getting used to the amount of work that it took to eat them, but after that, I found the flavor to be quite enjoyable. I have always been a peanut butter fan and on the inside there is a bit of the gooey food for consumers to love as well. These are now one of my favorite candies because they are very tasty and have a texture that doesn’t really exist within any other candies.
- Share-ability: 7
- Denture Danger: 10
- Convenience: 8
- Novelty: 9
- Overall: 9
So now that you know a little more about these unique, controversial kinds of candies, I hope that you have found a new appreciation for them. Next time you look at Candy Corn, Mary Janes, or Circus Peanuts sitting on a shelf at a store, maybe you’ll pick up a bag and delve into some flavorful adventures. Or you can buy them right here at CandyFavorites.com.