Candy corn: the sugar rush that leaves a sour taste – explore the scientific reasons why it’s so gross
What To Know
- It can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, leading to feelings of nausea and fatigue.
- The waxy texture is due to the high concentration of corn syrup in candy corn.
- Other artificial flavors include ethyl maltol, which is a sweet, fruity flavor, and benzaldehyde, which is a nutty, almond-like flavor.
Candy corn is a polarizing candy that elicits strong opinions. Some people love its sweet, waxy texture and its signature yellow, orange, and white stripes. Others find it to be overly sweet, artificial, and downright nasty.
If you’re part of the latter camp, you’re not alone. Candy corn is often ranked as one of the worst candies in existence. But what is it about this seemingly innocuous treat that makes it so unpalatable to so many people? Let’s delve into the reasons why candy corn is nasty.
The Overwhelming Sweetness
Candy corn is one of the sweetest candies on the market. It contains a whopping 50 grams of sugar per 100-gram serving. That’s more than twice the sugar content of a Mars bar!
This excessive sweetness can be overwhelming to many people. It can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, leading to feelings of nausea and fatigue. It can also contribute to weight gain and tooth decay.
The Waxy Texture
Candy corn has a unique waxy texture that some people find unpleasant. It’s not as soft and chewy as other candies, and it doesn’t melt in your mouth. Instead, it tends to stick to your teeth and leave a lingering aftertaste.
The waxy texture is due to the high concentration of corn syrup in candy corn. Corn syrup is a thick, gooey substance that gives candy corn its characteristic shape and texture. However, it can also make the candy feel artificial and unappetizing.
The Artificial Flavors
Candy corn is flavored with a combination of artificial and natural flavors. The main artificial flavor is vanillin, which is a synthetic compound that imitates the taste of vanilla. Other artificial flavors include ethyl maltol, which is a sweet, fruity flavor, and benzaldehyde, which is a nutty, almond-like flavor.
These artificial flavors can be overpowering and unpleasant to many people. They can also be harmful to your health. Some studies have linked artificial flavors to cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental disorders.
The Lack of Nutritional Value
Candy corn is a completely empty calorie food. It contains no vitamins, minerals, or fiber. It’s nothing but sugar and artificial ingredients.
Eating candy corn provides no nutritional benefit whatsoever. In fact, it can actually be harmful to your health. The sugar in candy corn can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and other health problems.
The Seasonal Nature
Candy corn is a seasonal candy that is only available for a few months each year. This can make it even more frustrating for people who dislike it.
If you’re one of the many people who find candy corn to be nasty, you’re not alone. There are many other people who share your opinion. So next time you’re offered a piece of candy corn, feel free to politely decline. There are plenty of other, more delicious candies out there.
The Unnatural Colors
Candy corn is known for its signature yellow, orange, and white stripes. These colors are achieved through the use of artificial dyes.
Artificial dyes have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, hyperactivity, and allergies. They can also be harmful to the environment.
The Poor Quality Ingredients
Candy corn is made with a number of low-quality ingredients, including corn syrup, sugar, and artificial flavors. These ingredients are not only unhealthy, but they can also make candy corn taste bad.
Corn syrup is a cheap sweetener that is often used in processed foods. It is high in fructose, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
Sugar is another unhealthy sweetener that is often used in candy corn. It provides no nutritional value and can contribute to weight gain and tooth decay.
Artificial flavors are synthetic compounds that are used to imitate the taste of real flavors. They are often made from chemicals that can be harmful to your health.
Final Thoughts: Why Candy Corn is Nasty
Candy corn is a polarizing candy that elicits strong opinions. Some people love its sweet, waxy texture and its signature yellow, orange, and white stripes. Others find it to be overly sweet, artificial, and downright nasty.
If you’re part of the latter camp, you’re not alone. There are many other people who share your opinion. So next time you’re offered a piece of candy corn, feel free to politely decline. There are plenty of other, more delicious candies out there.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Why do people like candy corn?
A: Some people like candy corn because of its sweet, waxy texture and its signature yellow, orange, and white stripes. They may also enjoy its nostalgic value, as it is a candy that is often associated with Halloween.
Q: Why do people hate candy corn?
A: Some people hate candy corn because it is overly sweet, artificial, and has a waxy texture. They may also dislike its lack of nutritional value and its use of artificial colors and flavors.
Q: Is candy corn vegan?
A: No, candy corn is not vegan. It contains gelatin, which is an animal-based product.
Q: Is candy corn gluten-free?
A: Yes, candy corn is gluten-free. It does not contain any wheat, rye, or barley.
Q: Is candy corn kosher?
A: Yes, candy corn is kosher. It does not contain any ingredients that are forbidden by Jewish dietary law.
