What Candy Was Popular During the Civil War?

During the Civil War era, a diverse array of candies delighted people, ranging from traditional homemade confections to increasingly available commercial treats. These sweet delights provided comfort and enjoyment amidst the challenging times.

A Sweet Snapshot: Popular Candies

Many candies enjoyed widespread popularity. Recipes from the mid-19th century, such as those found in cookbooks of the time, suggest that homemade candies were a significant part of the sweet landscape. Simultaneously, commercial production meant that a variety of confections were accessible in general stores across the country.

Here's a breakdown of popular candy types:

Homemade and Traditional Confections

Many households crafted their own sweets using readily available ingredients. These often included:

• Coconut Candy: Offering a tropical flavor.
• Lemon Candy: Providing a tangy, refreshing taste.
• Rose Candy: Infused with floral notes, a delicate treat.
• Horehound Candy: Known for its distinct, slightly bitter, medicinal flavor, often used for coughs.
• Rock Candy: Simple crystalline sugar, a pure sweet.
• Peppermints: Both in solid candy form and as flavoring for other sweets.
• Molasses Twists: Chewy, dark, and rich, made from molasses.

Commercially Available Treats

As the candy industry grew, a wider selection of pre-made candies became available for purchase. These items were widely enjoyed and could be found in most general stores:

• Peppermint Sticks: A classic, refreshing staple.
• Licorice: Known for its distinctive dark flavor.
• Lollipops: Simple, hard candy on a stick.
• Jordan Almonds: Sugar-coated almonds, often colorful and a favorite for special occasions.
• Jelly Beans: A chewy, fruit-flavored favorite that was gaining popularity.

This mix of homemade and commercially produced candies ensured that a variety of sweet options were available to satisfy the cravings of people during the Civil War.

Summary of Popular Candies