Laffy Taffy facts for kids
Laffy Taffy is a popular American brand of chewy fruit candy. It is made by the Ferrara Candy Company, which belongs to the famous sweet maker Ferrero. These colorful treats are small, rectangular bars weighing about 45 grams (1.6 oz). Each piece is wrapped separately. Kids love them for their bright colors, stretchy texture, and fruity tastes. Favorite flavors include banana, strawberry, green apple, grape, watermelon, blue raspberry, and cherry.
Contents
Why Is It Called Laffy Taffy?
The candy's silly name has two meanings. First, it describes the soft, stretchy chew of the candy. Second, it highlights the funny giggles inside every pack!
Jokes on Every Wrapper
Every single candy wrapper features silly question-and-answer jokes printed right on the outside. Many of these jokes use a clever pun to make people smile. For instance, one wrapper asks: "What is Labor Day? – That's when moms have their babies!"
Other jokes rely on funny word play with sounds: "What's an owl's favorite subject? – Owlgebra." Another classic asks: "What do you call a cow with no legs? – Ground beef." Fans can even send in their own jokes. In 2022, the company held a big joke contest with 6,500 entries, picking the best 101 jokes for new wrappers.
History of the Chewy Treat
Laffy Taffy was created during the 1970s by Kathryn Beich Candies in Bloomington, Illinois. The company first called them "Beich's Caramels." However, the candies were actually chewy fruit treats rather than real caramel.
Name Changes and New Owners
The makers soon renamed the candy "Beich's Laffy Taffy." In 1984, the giant food company Nestlé bought the candy line. At first, the candy came in thick, square blocks advertised for their long-lasting flavor. Later, the candies became thinner, longer bars. In 2003, The Willy Wonka Candy Company introduced "Flavor Flippers," which had a fruity outer shell and a different soft center.
In 2018, Nestlé sold its candy business to Ferrero SpA, the creator of Nutella. Ferrero added the treat to the Ferrara Candy Company in 2019 to make even more exciting flavors.
What Is Inside Laffy Taffy?
Candy makers use specific ingredients to give taffy its stretchy chewiness and bright look.
Sweet Ingredients and Oils
The main base contains Corn syrup and Sugar for sweetness. Makers add hydrogenated coconut oil and Palm oil to make the candy smooth and easy to stretch. A tiny touch of Egg helps create a light texture.
Flavors and Colors
To make taste buds tingle, candy makers blend in Malic acid for a tart fruity kick. They also add fun colors like Blue 1, Red 3, and Yellow 5 to match each delicious flavor.
