When most people think of candy, they think of very sweet things, but there is an ever-increasing subset of us who think of sour candy instead. It’s just a fact that some of us sometimes want candy that will make our lips pucker up like they just sucked on a lemon. For all those people who agree that sour candy is some of the best candy available, we would like to present to everyone a holiday that falls on July 18th and is known as National Sour Candy Day. On this day, everyone can enjoy the candy that some people absolutely love and others love to hate.

The History of National Sour Candy Day

National Sour Candy Day was invented in 2015 by the American Licorice Company. This company has a Sour Punch candy line, so they wanted to encourage people to enjoy more sour candies on this day. Some of their candies include Sour Punch Straws, Sour Punch Bites, Sour Punch Twists, and Sour Punch Wild Bites.

The History of Sour Candy

Although people have enjoyed sour fruits and foods throughout history, sour candy is a relatively newer phenomenon in the candy industry. At the dawn of mass-manufactured candy, it would have been imprudent for candy makers to make sour candies—especially since there were real concerns among the public about filthy conditions in some food plants and potentially harmful chemicals being added to the food supply. So, for the most part, candy manufacturers stayed away from sour candy to prevent their brands from being equated with less than ethical food manufacturers. However, there were some companies that produced sour candies during the 19th century. These candies contained vinegar or citrus in them that gave them a sour taste.

During the 1950s, the candy industry wanted to increase its appeal to the general public, so they turned to Halloween. This holiday was the perfect opportunity for candy manufacturers to sell more candy, so they ran Halloween-themed advertising to create an association between candy and Halloween. And all their efforts worked perfectly, and candy began to become associated with Halloween.

Candy’s association with Halloween allowed the candy companies to market flavors they wouldn’t previously have marketed. For example, in 1954, Ferrara Pan Candy Company introduced the Atomic FireBall to the public. It was timed perfectly with the U.S. military’s first detonation of the hydrogen bomb. This candy is initially sweet but is filled with capsaicin and cinnamaldehyde, two ingredients that leave the person’s mouth numb.

Observing National Sour Candy Day

Observing this holiday is as easy as grabbing some sour candy and enjoying it by yourself or with friends. While you’re enjoying National Sour Candy Day, don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalSourCandyDay on social media as well. Let everyone know that it’s time to enjoy some sour candy and pucker up.