National Candy Corn Day – Oct. 30, 2026

National Candy Corn Day
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CandySweet Food
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United States
Date change rule:
Every October 30
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National Candy Corn Day sweetens the calendar every October 30. This iconic tri-colored treat, a staple of autumn and Halloween, sparks joy and debate in equal measure. Grab a handful, share your favorite way to eat it, and join the sugary celebration!

Want to sponsor National Candy Corn Day? Learn how

Expected National Candy Corn Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Candy Corn Day often coincides with widespread Halloween candy sales. Retailers like Target, Walmart, and CVS typically offer discounts on bulk bags of candy corn and other seasonal treats. Major candy brands such as Brach’s and Jelly Belly may feature special limited-edition flavors or festive packaging. Look for promotions from grocery chains like Kroger and Publix, and don’t be surprised to see local bakeries and coffee shops offering candy corn-themed desserts and drinks. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October 30 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Candy Corn Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalCandyCornDay. Film a creative video showing your favorite (or least favorite) way to eat candy corn.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CandyCornDay. Share a visually appealing photo of candy corn in a festive autumn setting or incorporated into a dessert.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalCandyCornDay. Post a poll asking friends if they love or hate candy corn to spark conversation.

Social Media Tips for National Candy Corn Day

Individuals

Share your personal candy corn traditions, whether it's eating them one color at a time or mixing them with nuts for a sweet and salty snack.

Creators

Create a short tutorial on how to make candy corn-inspired treats, or host a taste test of different candy corn brands and flavors.

Brands

Run a 'Candy Corn Challenge' contest, encouraging followers to share their most inventive recipes or crafts using candy corn for a chance to win prizes.

Top Brands for National Candy Corn Day

  1. Brach's

    Founded in 1904 by Emil J. Brach, Brach's is a leading American candy company. They are the largest manufacturer of candy corn, producing approximately 7 billion kernels annually, making them synonymous with the iconic Halloween treat.

  2. Jelly Belly

    Established in 1869 as Herman Goelitz Candy Company, Jelly Belly is renowned for its gourmet jelly beans. They also produce their own version of candy corn, offering a premium take on the classic tri-colored confection.

  3. Mars Wrigley

    A global leader in confectionery, Mars Wrigley produces many beloved candies. While not primarily known for candy corn, their vast distribution network ensures seasonal sweets, including candy corn, are widely available during autumn.

  4. Hershey's

    Founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1894, The Hershey Company is one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. They offer a range of seasonal candies, often including candy corn-flavored items or mixes during the Halloween season.

  5. Target

    Founded in 1902, Target is one of the largest retail chains in the United States. During the Halloween season, Target stores are a prime destination for candy corn, offering various brands and bulk options for trick-or-treaters and festive decorators.

  6. Walmart

    Founded by Sam Walton in 1962, Walmart is the world's largest company by revenue. As a major retailer, Walmart stocks a vast selection of candy corn from multiple brands, catering to the high demand for this seasonal staple every autumn.

  7. Palmer Candy Company

    Established in 1878, Palmer Candy Company is one of America's oldest candy companies. Based in Sioux City, Iowa, they are known for their seasonal confections, including a popular line of candy corn and other Halloween-themed treats.

National Candy Corn Day Hero

George Renninger

George Renninger is widely credited as the inventor of candy corn. Working for the Wunderle Candy Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the 1880s, Renninger developed the distinctive tri-colored kernel. His innovation introduced a confection that mimicked a kernel of corn, a popular agricultural theme at the time, and it quickly became a staple of American candy culture.

History of National Candy Corn Day

George Renniger, who worked at Wunderlee Candy Company, created candy corn in the 1800s. Working out of Philadelphia he invented it to celebrate what he believed to be the beauty of corn juxtaposed with autumnal colors. Winter was cold, dark, and long and the bright colors of candy would last for a long time, bringing optimism and joy as well as a burst of sugar.

Specialized candy for Halloween turned out to be a winning idea with different Halloween candies becoming increasingly popular over time. Wunderlee was credited for being the first to sell candy corn commercially even though Goelitz, also known as Jelly Belly, is the most linked to commercial candy corn sales.

Candy corn began its life as food for chickens and used to be available between March and November only. It was originally a type of mellow cream known as ‘‘Butter Cream Candies.” The name was changed in the 1950s due to false advertising as it had no butter inside it.

The original method of making candy corn was to pour each color into molds separately but this was a very time-consuming process. The recipe was sugar, corn syrup, and water. Later on, marshmallow and fondant started being added, and then so was carnauba wax. Today, the recipe is pretty similar and gives us plenty of energy for trick or treating.

National Candy Corn Day timeline

1898
Sweet Business

The second generation of Goelitz candy makers starts a candy corn business.

1940s
Bag It

Companies begin using clear cellophane bags to keep their Candy Corn fresh.

1997
Candy Corn River in the TV Room

A Halloween episode of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch airs called ‘‘A River of Candy corn Runs Through it.’’

2016
Sweet Producer

Annual production in the US is 35 million pounds.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Candy Corn Day

Local businesses can embrace National Candy Corn Day by offering themed specials and promotions. Bakeries could create candy corn-decorated cupcakes or cookies. Coffee shops might introduce a limited-time candy corn latte. Retail stores could offer discounts on bulk candy or feature candy corn in their window displays. Even offices can join in by providing bowls of candy corn for employees, sparking lighthearted discussions about the polarizing treat and adding a festive touch to the workplace.

National Candy Corn Day FAQs

When is National Candy Corn Day?

National Candy Corn Day 2026 is observed on Friday, October 30. It’s the perfect sweet lead-up to Halloween weekend.

How much candy corn is produced each year?

Approximately 35 million pounds of candy corn are produced annually, which equates to roughly 9 billion individual kernels. Most of this production occurs in the months leading up to Halloween.

Is candy corn popular?

Despite its polarizing reputation, candy corn consistently ranks among the top-selling Halloween candies. Its nostalgic appeal and unique flavor profile ensure its enduring popularity, especially during the autumn season.

What is candy corn made of?

Candy corn is primarily made from sugar, corn syrup, confectioner’s wax, artificial colors, and marshmallow creme. Its distinct texture comes from a process that involves layering the ingredients.

National Candy Corn Day Activities

  1. Make Candy Corn Cookies

    Try the many great recipes online for homemade candy corn cookies. Make the usual cookie dough batter and sprinkle in candy corn instead of chocolate chips. These may turn out to be your favorite Halloween snack.

  2. Add it to other snacks

    Add candy corn to your popcorn or make a Halloween trail mix with peanuts, M&M’s or even cereal. You can also make candy corn cupcakes and try buttercream frosting on top.

  3. Buy Candy Corn

    Buy a bunch of candy corn for trick or treaters or for your friends and family. Indulge and enjoy the day by using #NationalCandyCornDay and share the photos and posts on social media.

5 Facts About National Candy Corn Day

  1. Major name change

    The snack used to be called ‘‘Chicken Feed.’’

  2. Goelitz corn

    ‘‘The Goelitz Candy Company’’ was the first to mass manufacture candy corn.

  3. Oh, so, much, candy

    Annually 35 million pounds or 9 billion pieces of Candy Corn are consumed worldwide.

  4. Calorie count

    One serving of candy corn has 140 calories.

  5. Top ten

    Candy corn is one of the top ten most popular Halloween candies.

Why We Love National Candy Corn Day

  1. It’s a tradition

    Candy corn is a staple for Halloween. The holiday is just not the same without a helping of this unique treat. They’ve been around for more than a century and deserve recognition for their longevity.

  2. They’re original

    The colouful and amazing tasting corn we all know and love has no competition in our eyes. It’s a beast in its own lane with three flavors in one bite.

  3. Sweet love

    The versatility of Candy Corn is unreal with top chefs like Amie Liming even commenting on how many fun things you can do with it.

National Candy Corn Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 October 30 Friday
2027 October 30 Saturday
2028 October 30 Monday
2029 October 30 Tuesday
2030 October 30 Wednesday