7 random facts you didn’t know about jelly beans!
Who can resist the bright, colourful, and sweet taste of a jelly bean? Every bite is so delightful!
Whether you’re a jelly bean fanatic or not, this classic lolly has long been a part of history. From birthdays, family celebrations, and even corporate events. For us personally, it takes us right back to our childhoods!
Jelly beans are one of the classic Australian lollies that have carried their traditions from one generation to the next.
So if you’re planning to purchase bulk jelly beans in all your favourite colours, or are a sucker (pun intended!) for black jelly beans, make sure to check out our online lolly shop.
We have a range of jelly beans that can be delivered right to your doorstep.
And if you’re a jelly bean fanatic, here are some facts that might interest you!
Fact #1: Jelly beans were inspired by Turkish confectionery
Jelly beans may seem like they came from a Western influence, but their real inspiration originated in Turkey, derived from Turkey’s popular Turkish Delights.
A confectionist from the United States was inspired by these candies and got the idea for jelly beans.
Turkish delights are known to be cubed, soft lollies dusted with powdered sugar, while jelly beans are kidney-shaped and gelatinous, with a hard, glossy shell.
Fact #2: Jelly beans were originally associated with Christmas
While jelly beans now become popular all year round, did you know that jelly beans were originally popular at Christmas?
Red and white jelly beans were a part of the early Christmas tradition of candy baskets but nowadays are manufactured in a variety of colours for any kind of celebration or occasion!
What is the first flavour of jelly beans?
There are eight original flavours of Jelly beans, first crafted in 1976. They were:
- Lemon
- Cherry
- Root beer
- Tangerine
- Green apple
- Grape
- Licorice
- Cream soda
What flavour is the red jelly bean?
There are a variety of red jelly bean flavours depending on the brand and type; some of the most common red jelly bean flavours are:
- Cherry
- Red apple
- Strawberry jam
- Raspberry
- Pomegranate
What flavour is the white jelly bean?
You might think white isn’t really associated with a flavour, but there are actually a few common flavours associated with the white jelly bean. They are:
- Coconut
- Vanilla bean
- Cream soda
Fact #3: It can take 7 to 21 days to make one packet of jelly beans
Long before technology was used to manufacture jelly beans, it took 7 to 21 days to manufacture just one packet!
In fact, it still can take that long these days, if using the original method.
Modern technology, thankfully, allows us to create jelly beans at a much faster rate. That means more in your kitchen pantry, sooner!
In one sitting, hundreds and thousands of jelly beans can be manufactured using a panning machine that mixes and separates jelly beans into pieces.
As the jelly beans rotate, sugar is added as it also builds shell covering.
And to bring out that glossy look, another layer of syrup is added to the shelled jelly beans.
Once the creation process has been done, jelly beans are cooled off, prepared for packaging, sealed, and delivered!
Fact #4: Different demographics have their different flavour preferences of jelly beans
Jelly beans have earned their popularity in various countries and in both the young and the old.
One of Australia’s favourites is the bubble gum jelly bean, while lemon-lime is popular in Asian countries.
Other Western countries like Europe and America have their share of favourites, like Tutti-frutti and Cherry.
Young and old generations will also have their preference of various flavours, too.
Older generations long for the traditional flavours, such as cola, liquorice, or apple.
While younger people prefer more creative, modern flavours, like popcorn, pina colada, and strawberry cheesecake.
Younger people also love bean boozled jelly beans, in which the colour doesn’t match the flavour and you need to guess what flavour it is from chewing.
Each colour has both a pleasant and shocking flavour, so you’ll never know what you’re going to get until you take that first bite – watch out for the rotten egg flavour!
Fact #5: Soldiers in the American Civil war received jelly beans
Hundreds of jelly beans were given to American soldiers during the American Civil War.
Its long shelf life, hardshell feature, and pocket-size shape made it the perfect give away confectionery to send to soldiers. Additionally, these small snacks were a perfect way to boost the soldiers’ energy levels.
Fact #6: Jelly beans were President Ronald Reagan’s favourite lolly
40th United States President Ronald Reagan loved jelly beans so much that almost 7,000 jelly beans were ordered and distributed in the White House during his presidential run.
Jelly beans also made him quit smoking, and because of Reagan, jelly beans were the first candy in space!
The blueberry jelly bean flavour was also created especially for his inauguration in 1981!
His presidency is often attributed to the popularity and growth of jelly beans all across America.
Fact #7: Jelly beans can last for 3 to 6 months
When properly sealed in airtight containers or heavy-duty zip lock bags, jelly beans can generally last for 3 to 6 months.
Disclaimer: there’s absolutely no guarantee that we won’t eat them sooner than this, though!
Need jelly beans for your next event?
Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply need to fill up your pantry with delicious, sweet treats, it’s hard to go past the humble jelly bean.
Find everything you need in all your favourite colours, from blue lollies to orange candy, as well as all your favourite Allen’s jelly beans at MyLollies!
Visit our online lolly shop for easy Australia-wide delivery.
You can also visit our lolly warehouse in Seaford to check out our variety of lollies online and get everything you need.
Got questions? We’re here to assist! Call our jelly bean fanatics on 1300 899 000.