National Jellybean Day

Colorful jellybeans arranged in a playful pattern, accompanied by a group of young children in summer outfits, enjoying a picnic in a sunny park.. — National jellybean day illustration

Hey there, jellybean enthusiasts! Get ready to celebrate National Jellybean Day, a day dedicated to these tiny bursts of sugar-coated joy. Get ready to explore the fascinating history, fun facts, and the wacky world of jellybeans. So grab a handful of your favorite colorful candies and let's dive in!

When is Jellybean Day?

It's national jellybean day on the 22nd April.

The Sweet Origins of National Jellybean Day

While jellybeans have been around for hundreds of years, National Jellybean Day as we know it today burst onto the scene in recent history. The exact origin of this sweet celebration is a mystery, but one thing's for sure--it's an opportunity to indulge in these bite-sized treats and appreciate their vibrant flavors!

Jellybeans: Internet Sensation or Ancient Delicacy?

Did you know that jellybeans have quite the presence on the internet? From adorable jellybean art to jellybean-inspired recipes, the online world simply can't resist their sugary charm. That's right, these tiny candies have gone from being a classic candy delight to a viral sensation.

But let's not forget that jellybeans also have a rich history. Some believe that jellybeans were first created during the American Civil War when a candy maker decided to coat panned candies in soft, fruity gel. Others argue that jellybeans originated in ancient cultures, where a similar candy was used for religious ceremonies. Whatever their true origin is, jellybeans have become a beloved treat around the world.

Fun Facts About Jellybeans You Never Knew

As you celebrate National Jellybean Day, here are some fun facts to chew on:

The most popular jellybean flavor is cherry. Sorry, lime lovers!
The world's largest jellybean weighed an astonishing 6,050 pounds, which is heavier than a small elephant!
In the Harry Potter series, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans include some interestingly disgusting jellybean flavors, like earwax and dirt. We'll stick to the tasty ones, thank you very much.

Are Jellybeans a Healthy Snack?

While jellybeans may not be the healthiest option out there, they sure do bring joy to our taste buds. Remember to enjoy them in moderation, and perhaps balance out your sugar intake with some healthier snacks. That said, National Jellybean Day is the perfect excuse to indulge a little!

Spread the Jellybean Love

Whether you're sharing them with loved ones, using them to decorate baked goods, or simply savoring them on your own, jellybeans are a delightful treat that brings people together. So go ahead, share the jellybean love!

History behind the term 'Jellybean'

1861

Invention of jelly beans

The term 'jellybean' was first introduced in 1861, when a confectioner named William Schrafft from Boston began producing jelly candies. These chewy treats were small in size and had a gelatin-based center, coated with a hard sugar shell. Initially, jellybeans were sold in a variety of flavors and colors.

1861

The first jellybeans are made.

Jellybeans make their debut in the United States in 1861. An innovative candy confectioner named William Schrafft developed a candy called 'Boston Corn' that was bean-shaped and flavored. While not explicitly called jellybeans, this early version laid the foundation for the popular candy we know today.

1861

The Origins of the Jellybean

The term 'jellybean' was first coined in 1861. Originally, it referred to a type of candy made with a hard exterior shell and a soft, jelly-like center. These small confections were created using a process known as panning, where multiple layers of sugar syrup were coated onto a gum arabic or gelatin base. The candy was then shaped into small bean-like forms, hence the name 'jellybean'.

1905

Jellybeans gain popularity

By the early 1900s, jellybeans had gained significant popularity among candy lovers. Their miniature size and assortment of flavors made them a hit. During this time, jellybeans were mainly sold in bulk and were often purchased by weight from candy counters or penny candy stores.

1930s

An American Favorite

During the 1930s, jellybeans gained immense popularity in the United States. They became closely associated with Easter, as their colorful and egg-like appearance made them a perfect addition to Easter baskets. The widespread availability of jellybeans during this time period further contributed to their rise in popularity, and they quickly became a staple in American candy shops and households.

1905

The term 'jellybean' becomes popular.

The term 'jellybean' starts to gain popularity in the early 20th century. Its first recorded usage in print is found in an article published in The Chicago Daily News in July 1905. The term was used to describe small, bean-shaped candies with a jelly-like interior and a colorful sugar coating, which closely resembled the modern-day jellybeans.

1960s

The association with Easter and President Reagan.

During the 1960s, jellybeans became closely associated with the Easter holiday. The colorful candies were often used as fillers in Easter baskets and enjoyed during traditional egg hunts. The popularity of jellybeans skyrocketed in the 1980s when President Ronald Reagan confessed his love for the candy. He even had jellybeans on his desk in the Oval Office.

1930s

Jellybeans become an Easter tradition

In the 1930s, the association between jellybeans and Easter began to form. The egg-like shape of the jellybeans made them a perfect fit for Easter baskets, and their bright colors added to their appeal. Easter-themed ads and packaging further solidified the connection between jellybeans and the holiday.

1960s

Jellybeans Go to Space

In 1961, the year of the first manned spaceflight by Yuri Gagarin, jellybeans made their way to outer space. Astronauts on NASA missions were provided with jellybeans as an easy-to-eat, bite-sized snack that would not crumble or break in zero gravity. The candy-coated shell and chewy center of jellybeans made them a perfect treat for space missions, and they soon became a beloved space food.

1976

The introduction of gourmet jellybeans.

In 1976, a California-based company named Herman Goelitz Candy Co., now known as Jelly Belly Candy Company, revolutionized the jellybean industry. They introduced gourmet jellybeans with rich and authentic flavors like strawberry, grape, root beer, and many more. These gourmet jellybeans elevated the reputation of jellybeans from a simple candy to a sophisticated treat.

1960s

Jellybeans in the White House

Jellybeans entered popular culture when they became a favorite snack of President Ronald Reagan. Reagan's love for jellybeans was well-known, and he often had jars of them placed throughout the White House. This elevated the status of jellybeans and increased their demand among the public.

1970s

Gourmet Jellybeans Arrive

In the 1970s, a revolution in jellybean flavors began. The Jelly Belly company, founded by David Klein and later made famous by Ronald Reagan, introduced a wide array of gourmet flavors, ranging from traditional fruit flavors to unique creations like buttered popcorn, toasted marshmallow, and even flavors inspired by cocktails. This innovation in jellybean flavors elevated them from ordinary candy to a gourmet treat, enjoyed by people of all ages.

1983

The invention of Jelly Belly jellybeans

In 1983, Jelly Belly Candy Company took the jellybean experience to a whole new level with the invention of Jelly Belly jellybeans. These jellybeans stood out with their vibrant flavors and realistic taste profiles. Jelly Belly jellybeans were the first to offer flavors like toasted marshmallow, buttered popcorn, and watermelon. Their popularity soared, and they became an integral part of popular culture.

1980s

Jelly Belly revolutionizes the jellybean industry

In the 1980s, a jellybean revolution occurred with the introduction of Jelly Belly. This brand offered a wide range of unique and gourmet flavors, such as buttered popcorn, root beer, and toasted marshmallow. Jelly Belly's innovative approach to jellybeans elevated them from a simple candy to a sophisticated and sought-after treat.

2001

National Jellybean Day is established

To celebrate the joy and nostalgia associated with jellybeans, National Jellybean Day was established on April 22nd, 2001. This day honors the history and cultural significance of jellybeans, encouraging people to indulge in these delightful candies and share their love for them.

Did you know?

Did you know that the most mentions of National Jellybean Day were recorded on April 22, 2016? It seems like people just couldn't resist talking about these sweet little candies!