Why Candy Corn Is Closer to Car Wax Than You Think...🍬😱

The Candy Corn Secret You Didn’t Know 🎃🍬

Let’s Break it Down

Today, we’re taking a bite out of a Halloween favorite: candy corn! Love it or loathe it, this iconic treat is a fascinating mix of chemistry and... wax? But first…some trivia!

How it Works

Sugar & Corn Syrup: The Sweet Foundation 🍯

Candy corn starts with a base of sugar and corn syrup—two key ingredients that give it its sweetness and soft chewiness. When these ingredients are melted together, they create a sticky syrup. After cooling, this syrup solidifies into that familiar waxy texture. This texture lets candy corn hold its shape, even after hours in a trick-or-treat bag.

Confectioner’s Glaze: The Shiny Surprise ✨

Ever noticed the glossy shine on each candy corn piece? That's confectioner’s glaze. This coating, also known as shellac, is made from the resin of lac bugs (yes, really!) and gives the candy its smooth, shiny surface. This glaze is also used in car wax, furniture polish, and some makeup products. While it might sound odd, this edible coating is completely safe and commonly used in sweets!

Why It’s Like Car Wax (Sort of!) 🚗🍬

Car wax and candy corn both use confectioner’s glaze, but for different reasons. In cars, this glaze protects the paint and gives a sleek finish. In candy, it helps preserve the treat’s shape and color. So, while you’re probably not ready to swap car wax for candy, the chemistry behind both uses is surprisingly similar!

Flavor and Color Magic 🌈

To create the iconic yellow, orange, and white layers, candy corn uses artificial coloring mixed into the candy syrup at different stages. Flavorings, like honey or vanilla, are added to make the candy corn taste like…well, candy corn! Together, these layers create a treat that’s a little chewy, a little sweet, and a lot mysterious.

By The Numbers

Did You Know?

Candy corn was originally called "chicken feed" because of its resemblance to corn kernels! 🐔

Impress Your Friends

Hit ‘em with some obscure knowledge: The main component in that waxy coating, carnauba wax, is also used in toothpaste, keeping it smooth and helping it glide over your teeth. So every time you eat candy corn, you’re getting a little bit of a “waxing” too! 😉

Want to Know More?

If you'd like to know more about the fascinating chemistry behind candy corn, check out this insightful article from Chemical & Engineering News that breaks down everything from its sugary base to its unique layering process and shiny carnauba wax coating—a key ingredient also used in car polish!

For a more comprehensive understanding, including how ingredients like shellac play a role, you might also explore this resource from Verywell Health, which explains candy corn's unusual ingredients in detail and how these relate to food safety.

Answer Reveal! 🥁

If you guessed Gummy bears—you’re spot on! 🎉 Gummy bears and other gummy candies often contain gelatin, which is also used to coat pills to make them easier to swallow.

P.S.

Candy corn may divide Halloween lovers, but science is all about discovery... even if it’s just finding out why candy tastes so waxy! 🎃