Lemonhead (candy) facts for kids
![]() Lemonhead candy
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Type | Candy |
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Place of origin | United States |
Created by | Ferrara Candy Company |
Invented | 1962 |
Variations | Grapeheads, Cherryheads, Appleheads, Orangeheads |
Lemonheads are a popular American candy. They were first made in 1962 by the Ferrara Candy Company. These candies are round and taste like lemon. Each Lemonhead has a sweet outer coating, a soft sour shell, and a hard candy center.
Besides the classic lemon flavor, you can also find other popular candies like Grapeheads, Cherryheads, and Appleheads.
Contents
How Lemonheads Were Invented
The idea for the Lemonhead candy came from Salvatore Ferrara. He was the founder of the Ferrara Candy Company. When his grandson, Salvatore II, was born, his head was a bit lemon-shaped. This was because of the medical tools used during his birth. This unique shape gave Salvatore Ferrara the idea for the candy's name.
The candy was created using a special method called the cold panned process. This is the same way the company made its Red Hots candy. In this process, layers of sugar and flavors are slowly added. This continues until the candy reaches the right size and shape.
Lemonheads are usually sold in a small size, about 1 centimeter. You can also find a larger 3 centimeter version. These candies are also known for being gluten-free and fat-free. Today, the Ferrara company makes about 500 million Lemonheads every year!
Different Flavors and Names
Between the 1980s and late 1990s, Ferrara Pan decided to give all their fruit-flavored candies similar names. This is how Lemonheads, Grapeheads, Cherryheads, and Appleheads got their current names. Before this, Grapeheads were called Alexander the Grape. Cherryheads were known as Cherry Chan or Cherry Clan. Appleheads used to be called Johnny Apple Treats.
Other Candies in the Lemonhead Family
The Lemonhead brand includes many other fun candies. Here are some of them:
- Grapeheads
- Cherryheads
- Appleheads
- Orangeheads
- Chewy Lemonheads and Friends (this mix includes Lemonheads, Grapeheads, Cherryheads, Appleheads, and Orangeheads)
- Chewy Lemonheads Tropical
- Chewy Lemonheads Fruit Mix
- Chewy Lemonheads Flavor Fusers
- Chewy Lemonheads Pink Lemonade
- Lemonhead Gummies
- JuicyHeads
- Raspberryheads
Why Lemonheads Are So Popular
Lemonhead candies have been very successful since they first came out. Their popularity, along with other sour candies, has helped increase sales for companies that make non-chocolate sweets. This was especially true around 2015.
The CEO of Ferrara Candy, Todd Siwak, mentioned that many young people enjoy cherry gummy candies. They especially like those with sour, sweet, and strong flavors. This shows how much people enjoy the unique taste of candies like Lemonheads.
Unexpected Uses for Lemonheads
Lemonheads are sometimes suggested for certain health-related reasons. For example, pregnant women and parenting bloggers sometimes recommend them. The sour taste can help relieve morning sickness, which is common during pregnancy.
People undergoing chemotherapy are also sometimes advised to suck on Lemonheads. The sour lemon flavor helps to make more saliva in the mouth. This can be helpful during treatment.