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Candy is one of the world’s most commonly loved treats and there is no doubt that it dominates grocery store shelves in so many countries. This is a sweet slice of life which is loved by adults and kids, and this has been the same throughout history. If there is one negative about this kind of foodstuff, is that it uses a great deal of sugar, which is why it is so important that it enjoyed from time to time, rather than in abundance. There is a wider range of candy available than ever before and whether you are going to buy bulk lollies online from the Lolli Shop or delve into your local store, choice is something you can count on.

Let’s take brief look at candy’s history, and how it impacts our diet.

Origins

Candy can be traced back as far as the 4th Century, where it was often consumed in Ancient India, made using honey as the base. Following on from this the Persians and then the Ancient Greeks after them, realized that sugar cane could be used to produce a similar flavor for their treats. As the South Asian crop sugarcane became so sought after, many civilizations began to use this syrupy mixture to coat fruit, in order o receiver it. The sweet fruit soon grew in popularity and those were the earliest candies known to date.

Changing Flavors

Over the years candy makers would try out different seeds, fruits and ingredients to coat the sugar in, which of course brought about more flavors. Candy first came to the Americas in the 13th Century and then in the 18th Century it arrived in Britain. As the British began to consume more candy, we would see it arrive on Australian shores with the sailors who brought their sweet treats with them.

Changing the Recipe

Around the 18th Century people would begin to simplify the candy-making process, in creating the rock candy, which was nothing more than crystalized sugar. These candies were considered as luxury items however, and the flavors ranged greatly.

Industrial Revolution

The industrial revolution in the 1850s changed everything and mass production of candy meant that it became a product which was enjoyed by the working class as much as the upper classes. Candy presses enabled confectioners to branch out in size and flavors, and candy swept through nations at great speed.

Packaging

Packaging changed the game in the 20th Century it was around this time that we saw an explosion of flavors and ingredients being added. Artificial flavorings were the ideal solution to flavor challenges, and wrapped sweets and candies were able to last longer and be transported further.

Changes in Diet

Medical breakthroughs identified sugar as a potential risk to health in the mid-20th Century, and candy was seen as a treat which should be consumed only on occasion. There are some countries such as the United States which have enormous candy markets, and it is no surprise that obesity is an issue in the country. Most countries however, have a sensible approach to candy and they understand that to enjoy this delicious treat occasionally is the best way to go about consuming delicious candy. Perhaps one day we will find delicious candy which is super healthy! The evolution continues.