Humanities › History & Culture The History of Candy and Desserts Food History Print Jessie Jean/ Taxi/ Getty Images History & Culture Inventions Famous Inventions Famous Inventors Patents & Trademarks Invention Timelines Computers & The Internet American History African American History African History Ancient History and Culture Asian History European History Genealogy Latin American History Medieval & Renaissance History Military History The 20th Century Women's History View More By Mary Bellis Mary Bellis Inventions Expert Mary Bellis covered inventions and inventors for ThoughtCo for 18 years. She is known for her independent films and documentaries, including one about Alexander Graham Bell. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on March 19, 2018 By definition, candy is a rich sweet confection made with sugar or other sweeteners and often flavored or combined with fruits or nuts. Dessert refers to any sweet dish, for example, candy, fruit, ice cream or pastry, served at the end of a meal. History The history of candy dates back to ancient peoples who must have snacked on sweet honey straight from beehives. The first candy confections were fruits and nuts rolled in honey. Honey was used in Ancient China, Middle East, Egypt, Greece and the Roman Empire to coat fruits and flowers to preserve them or to create forms of candy. The manufacturing of sugar began during the middle ages and at that time sugar was so expensive that only the rich could afford candy made from sugar. Cacao, from which chocolate is made, was re-discovered in 1519 by Spanish explorers in Mexico. Read More The Surprising History of Ice Cream By Mary Bellis Before the Industrial Revolution, candy was often considered a form of medicine, either used to calm the digestive system or cool a sore throat. In the Middle Ages, candy appeared on the tables of only the most wealthy at first. At that time, it began as a combination of spices and sugar that was used as an aid to digestive problems. The price of manufacturing sugar was much lower by the 17th century when hard candy became popular. By the mid-1800s, there were more than 400 factories in the United States producing candy. The first candy came to America in the early 18th century from Britain and France. Only a few of the early colonists were proficient in sugar work and were able to provide the sugary treats for the very wealthy. Rock candy, made from crystallized sugar, was the simplest form of candy, but even this basic form of sugar was considered a luxury and was only attainable by the rich. Industrial Revolution The candy business underwent major changes in the 1830s when technological advances and the availability of sugar opened up the market. The new market was not only for the enjoyment of the rich but also for the pleasure of the working class. There was also an increasing market for children. While some fine confectioners remained, the candy store became a staple of the child of the American working class. Penny candy became the first material good that children spent their own money on. In 1847, the invention of the candy press allowed manufacturers to produce multiple shapes and sizes of candy at once. In 1851, confectioners began to use a revolving steam pan to assist in boiling sugar. This transformation meant that the candy maker didn't have to continuously stir the boiling sugar. The heat from the surface of the pan was also much more evenly distributed and made it less likely the sugar would burn. These innovations made it possible for only one or two people to successfully run a candy business. History of Individual Types of Candy and Desserts Cake mix (commercial) was invented in 1949. Candy Canes Caramel Apple kits were designed by Kraft Foods sales representative, Dan Walker during the 1950s. The origin of Candy Apples is unknown. Cheesecake Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies Cracker Jack Cupcakes Fig Newton Cookies Fortune Cookies were invented in America in 1918, by Charles Jung. Good and Plenty - On June 12, 1928, the "Good and Plenty" trademark was registered. "Good and Plenty" are the brightly colored, candy-coated, licorice candy. Graham Crackers Granola bars were invented by Stanley Mason. Gum - Bubble Gum, Chewing Gum HOT ROCKS - On October 17, 1961, "HOT ROCKS" Candy was trademark registered. Gummie Candy Ice Cream Jello Life Savers Candy Lollipops Marshmallows & Marshmallow Peeps Moonpies M&M's The Milky Way bar was invented in 1923 by Frank C. Mars. Popsicle Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Bellis, Mary. "The History of Candy and Desserts." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/history-of-candy-and-desserts-1991766. Bellis, Mary. (2023, April 5). The History of Candy and Desserts. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-candy-and-desserts-1991766 Bellis, Mary. "The History of Candy and Desserts." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-candy-and-desserts-1991766 (accessed March 29, 2024). copy citation