Why Are They Called Beans?

The genius' name is unknown but at some point in history, a confectioner had the brilliant idea of combining a hard shell with a gummy center and the jelly bean was born.  A common story has it that William Schrafft, a Boston candy maker, urged families to send jelly beans to soldiers battling in the Civil War, greatly increasing popularity of the sweet treat.. We do know that "jelly bean" made it into the Webster's dictionary by 1905 - so the colorful candies have been around for a very long time.

Why the name Jelly Bean? Producing candy in shapes familiar to customers was common in the early days of candy making. (Familiarity - an early marketing ploy!) Some shapes weren't necessarily appetizing - candy mice were a favorite of English children during the holidays!  In the early 1800's, family diets were dominated by beans and vegetables grown in their own gardens. A bean shaped candy would have been a fun play on the diet staple.

Today, jelly beans come in every flavor imaginable - draft beer, maple syrup, bacon - even earthworm, dirt and earwax (ugh).  As of Jelly Belly's last census, cherry is the most popular flavor.

If you missed the link on our social media, take a minute to watch The Time You Have (In Jelly Beans).  It will make you think about life, how you spend your time and, of course, jelly beans. 

Your product may not be as colorful (or yummy) as jelly beans but Admarc can help you create a marketing campaign that will have your clients eating it up!  Contact us today.