When you think of old-fashioned candy, chances are, the image of a small, individually wrapped treat comes to mind. Wrapped penny candies, a staple of American candy culture, were once sold for just a penny, and many of these nostalgic sweets are still loved today. But have you ever wondered what the very first wrapped penny candy in America was? Let’s take a step back in time to explore this historical treat and its origins.
The Birth of Wrapped Penny Candies
In the 19th century, candy was not as widely available as it is today. It was often made at home, and the concept of commercially produced candy was still in its infancy. However, as the candy industry began to grow, there was a significant shift in how candy was sold. With the rise of industrialization and advancements in packaging, manufacturers began to wrap candy individually, making it easier to distribute and sell in bulk.
The term “penny candy” refers to small, individually wrapped pieces of candy that were sold for a single penny, making them affordable for children and families. Wrapped candy not only offered convenience and hygiene but also provided a way for candy makers to ensure freshness and quality.
The First Wrapped Penny Candy: “Taffy”
While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact first wrapped penny candy, one of the earliest and most iconic wrapped penny candies in America was taffy. Taffy is a chewy, sweet confection made from sugar, butter, and flavorings, and it became a popular treat in the late 19th century.
The most famous story about the first wrapped penny candy centers around Salt Water Taffy. According to popular folklore, in the late 1800s, a candy maker in Atlantic City, New Jersey, had his candy shop flooded by a storm. After the water receded, the candy was discovered to be covered in salt water from the ocean. Rather than discard the batch, the clever candy maker decided to sell it as “Salt Water Taffy.” This new flavor became a hit, and it wasn’t long before the candy was individually wrapped to preserve its freshness, making it easy to sell for just a penny.
Though the exact origin of the wrapped penny candy is unclear, Salt Water Taffy is often considered one of the first candies to be individually wrapped and sold for a penny, making it a key player in the history of American candy culture.
The Rise of Other Wrapped Penny Candies
As Salt Water Taffy gained popularity, other wrapped penny candies followed suit. These small, individually wrapped treats began to appear in candy shops across the country, with many sold for just a penny or a few cents each. Some of the other early wrapped penny candies included:
- Lollipops: Though lollipops had been around in some form for centuries, they became commercially available and wrapped individually in the late 19th century. Brands like Tootsie Roll began selling their lollipops wrapped in colorful paper, making them a popular choice for kids.
- Caramel Candies: Caramels, which are made by boiling sugar, butter, and cream, were also wrapped in small portions. These chewy treats became a classic penny candy, and companies like Werther’s Original eventually turned them into a globally recognized brand.
- Peppermints: Hard candies like peppermints and cinnamon discs were also sold as individually wrapped penny candies. These simple yet flavorful treats were favorites in many households, particularly around the holidays.
- Chocolates: Although chocolate was often sold in larger bars, small chocolate-covered candies, such as chocolate-covered nuts or chocolate caramels, started to be sold individually wrapped by the early 1900s.
Why Were These Candies Wrapped?
The wrapping of penny candies served several purposes. First and foremost, wrapping ensured hygiene. Without refrigeration or modern preservatives, candy was more prone to contamination from dirt, moisture, and other environmental factors. Wrapping each candy in a small piece of paper or foil kept the candy clean and protected.
Additionally, wrapping made it easier to sell the candy in individual portions. In a time before the proliferation of large-scale candy bars, small, individually wrapped candies were more convenient for both vendors and consumers. Kids could buy a single piece for just a penny, and parents could stock up on an affordable treat to keep on hand.
The Decline and Legacy of Penny Candies
As the 20th century progressed, the cost of living increased, and the price of candy also began to rise. While penny candies remained popular for many decades, the true “penny” price began to disappear as inflation made it harder for manufacturers to sell individually wrapped candies for such a low price.
However, many of the iconic wrapped penny candies from the past have endured, though their price has certainly gone up. Today, candies like Salt Water Taffy, caramel chews, and peppermints are still sold in nostalgic candy stores and are often a part of candy gift assortments.
Conclusion
While it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly which candy was the first wrapped penny candy in America, Salt Water Taffy stands out as one of the earliest examples of this beloved tradition. Its success helped pave the way for the wide variety of wrapped penny candies that followed, each offering a little bit of sweetness wrapped in a small, affordable package.
As we look back on the history of American candy, wrapped penny candies represent a simpler time when a single penny could buy you a small, satisfying treat. And although the cost of candy has increased over the years, the charm of those tiny, individually wrapped sweets remains a part of our candy culture, cherished by generations past and present.