3 Myths You Thought Were True About Candy & 3 Fun Facts That Actually Are
If there’s one thing most of us can agree on in this world, it’s that candy is a mouth-watering treat that can be enjoyed any place, any time, at any age. Whether it’s sweet, sour, salty, chocolatey, hard, gummy, or any combination thereof, everybody has a favorite they’ve always craved.
Over the years, you’ve probably heard your fair share of myths and urban legends about certain candies, but how many of them had you convinced? In honor of National Candy Month, we’ve set out to debunk some of these common candy wives’ tales and offer you a few fun candy facts instead!
Candy Myth: It will take you 7 years to digest a piece of swallowed gum.
As a kid, you might remember a friend or classmate telling you that if you swallowed your gum, it would sit in your stomach for the next 7 years. Then, the next time you accidentally swallowed a piece, a jolt of fear ran through you. Fortunately for you and your digestive system, this one is just a myth! While gum is a little harder to break down, you can rest assured that it will still find its way out of your body in a timely manner.
Candy Fact: World War II soldiers were given Tootsie Rolls in their rations.
Because they were known to be able to withstand all weather conditions, Tootsie Rolls were included in soldiers’ rations during WWII. Funny enough, Tootsie Rolls were actually created by an Austrian man! They were first sold in the U.S. though, so there was no reason for anyone to feel guilty about enjoying one of the chewy, chocolatey morsels.
Candy Myth: The holes in Life Savers are there so you don’t choke.
Rumor has it that when Life Savers’ creator Clarence Crane’s daughter choked on a mint, it prompted him to make one that was essentially choke-proof. So, the story goes, he came up with the hole in the middle to allow air to pass through if it got stuck in the throat. The admittedly-less-interesting truth is that it was just easier for the machine to make the mints with the hole. He simply named them for their resemblance to life preservers.
Candy Fact: A dentist invented cotton candy.
In 1897, a dentist named William Morrison and a confectioner named John Warton teamed up to create a machine that would turn sugar into cotton-like strands. They called their masterpiece “Fairy Floss” and introduced it at the 1904 World’s Fair, to a successful and enthusiastic response. As for the name change? Joseph Lascaux, another dentist, invented a similar machine in 1921 and named his confection “cotton candy”, the name that stuck.
Candy Myth: Pop Rocks can kill you.
A lot of people used to believe that eating Pop Rocks and drinking Coca Cola together would make your stomach explode. In fact, so many parents believed this that they campaigned to make Pop Rocks illegal! The real verdict? They’re totally safe! The popping and crackling sounds are just the release of the pressurized carbon dioxide used to make Pop Rocks. Pair them with Coke and the worst you’ll get is some bad gas.
Candy Fact: 3 Musketeers originally came as a pack with 3 different flavors.
When 3 Musketeers came out in 1932, it came as a package containing three pieces of chocolate-covered goodness, one filled with chocolate nougat, one with vanilla, and one with strawberry. This all changed during World War II when restrictions were imposed on sugar and vanilla and strawberry became scarcer. Since chocolate was their most popular flavor anyway, they switched to the full-size chocolate nougat bar we know today.
At Otto’s Granary, we have something for everyone looking to get their candy fix. From gourmet chocolates and popcorn to jelly beans, PEZ candies and more, our in-store and online sweets shop will be able to satisfy your every taste for candy, chocolate, and treats.
Browse our online shop and buy your favorites today!
