In 1927, PEZ was a breath mint for smokers. Based on the German word for peppermint, “pfefferminz” were eventually made into fruity flavors and marketed to kids in the 50’s.
You would be hard-pressed to find a person who isn’t a fan of candy in some form. Whether it’s gummies, hard candy, suckers, mints, chocolate or any sweet treat concoction, people love to nibble on these tiny treasures. Candy itself can be traced back to Ancient Egyptians, who combined fruit, nuts and honey, and the Ancient Greeks, who were fans of candied fruits and flowers. From there, confection creators dabbled with a multitude of ingredients trying to find new treats to marvel the masses.
Of course, the most famous and well-liked candy has to be the chocolate bar. The first chocolate bar, as we know them, was created in 1847 by Joseph Fry in merry old England. While we enjoy a wide variety of candy treats – cotton candy, candy canes, chocolate bars, lollipops, caramels, etc. – the most fascinating aspect has to be how they came to be called what they are. When we chomp into a Snickers bar, very few people wonder why we know it as that. The fact is that some of the most legendary candy in history has the most odd, hilarious or ironic back story. So, unwrap those bars and get set to discover how some candy got their name!
Conversation Ice Breaker Factoid: The oldest candy bar still created and consumed is actually the very first candy bar invented – Fry’s Chocolate Cream. Started in 1866, it is still popular today and the original company – J.S. Fry and Sons – is now owned by Cadbury.
