- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- CanadianDessertSweet Food
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every July 31
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍬
National Jump for Jelly Beans Day lights up July 31, inviting everyone to celebrate the iconic candy. This day is a sweet excuse to savor your favorite flavors, discover new ones, and share the joy with friends and family. Gather your favorite assortment, try a new recipe, or simply appreciate the chewiness of these delightful treats.
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History of National Jump for Jelly Beans Day
Even though widely consumed in America, Jelly beans are not an idea original to America. These candies have, however, taken precedence over other kinds of candies in the country, so much so that they were even sent up as a surprise to astronauts in space. The making of Jelly beans was inspired by the Turkish confection known as ‘Turkish delight,’ which is a soft version of this hard candy. A huge variety of jelly beans exist where companies that produce the candy make them in different colors for both aesthetic and identification purposes. Additionally, a wide variety of flavors are added to the candy to offer consumers different tastes.
Although it’s not known when jelly beans began to be celebrated, two occurrences are responsible for popularizing it. The first was in the 1860s, during the American civil war when William Schrafft, owner of a Boston, candy-producing company urged people to send jelly beans to soldiers fighting in the civil war as a morale booster. His marketing strategy proved effective and more people began to notice and appreciate the candy. The second was when Ronald Reagan declared jelly beans his favorite candy in the 1960s. During his reign as president in the 1980s, a jar of it could always be found on his desk in the White House. He was so in love with jelly beans that at one point, a flavor was specially made for him. It was this same fondness for the candy that prompted the president to regularly give them out as gifts.
Besides National Jump for Jelly Beans Day, another celebration is held in April for the candy, known simply as National Jelly Bean Day. This goes to show just how much jelly beans are appreciated.
National Jump for Jelly Beans Day timeline
On Schrafft's suggestion, jelly beans are sent to soldiers during the American civil war.
Jelly beans begin to be associated with Easter because of their egg-like shape.
Jelly bean flavors such as lemon, licorice, grape, green apple, and tangerine, among others are introduced.
A special type of jelly bean is made from real fruit juices.
President Reagan sends jelly beans to astronauts in space as a surprise.
National Jump for Jelly Beans Day FAQs
When is National Jump for Jelly Beans Day?
National Jump for Jelly Beans Day 2026 falls on Friday, July 31. It’s the perfect mid-summer day to indulge in your favorite chewy treats and discover new flavors.
How many jelly bean flavors exist?
While classic brands like Jelly Belly offer over 100 official flavors, the total number of jelly bean flavors across all brands is likely much higher. Enthusiasts can find everything from traditional fruit to gourmet and even ‘gross’ flavors.
How popular are jelly beans in the U.S.?
Jelly beans remain one of the most popular candies in the U.S., especially around holidays like Easter, when billions are consumed. They consistently rank high in candy sales, appealing to a wide demographic.
What is the origin of jelly beans?
The exact origin of jelly beans is debated, but they are believed to have evolved from Turkish delight and Jordan almonds. The first known mention of jelly beans in America dates back to 1861, when confectioner William Schrafft encouraged people to send them to Union soldiers during the Civil War.
National Jump for Jelly Beans Day Activities
Eat jelly beans
Grab a cupful of multicolored jelly beans. Relish their sweetness as you gorge on them.
Try other jelly beans flavors
If you usually stick to one flavor then today is a good time to experiment with others. Why not try Reagan's personal favorite, licorice?
Share the love of jelly beans
Knock on a neighbor's door with a bucketful of jelly beans. Take the fun up a notch by closing your eyes while choosing and eating one and guess what flavor it is.
5 Interesting Facts About Jelly Beans
Made using a French process
Jelly beans are produced using a candy-making process known as 'panning.'
They take days to make
Jelly beans take about one to three weeks to be produced because of the panning process.
Has numerous flavors
The Jelly Belly jelly beans-producing company makes over 100 different flavors of jelly beans, ranging from fanciful to gross flavors.
They are widely consumed
The amount of jelly beans consumed in a year is enough to circle the earth five times over.
First to be sold as penny candy
Jelly beans were the first candy to be sold by filling a bag and paying for it according to its weight.
Why We Love National Jump for Jelly Beans Day
They are energy sources
Jelly beans contain calories that your body needs for energy. Remember though, that not burning enough calories off leads to weight gain.
They bring joy
Whether to children or the elderly, getting a cupful of jelly beans lifts one's spirit. See who you can gift some jelly beans to today!
Different flavors abound
You don't need to get different candies for different tastes. Jelly beans have a variety of flavors for you to enjoy.
