National Jelly Bean Day

A joyful child exploring a colorful jelly bean wonderland, wearing a polka dot dress, summer picnic scene.. — National jelly bean day illustration

Oh, sweet sugary goodness! It's time to tumble into the technicoloured world of National Jelly Bean Day. Whether savoured in solitude or tossed to the tots, these delightful drops of dappled delight have cunningly captured the confectionery crowd. Brace yourselves, as we spill the beans on the 22nd of April, the sweetest day of the year!

When is Jelly Bean Day?

It's national jelly bean day on the 22nd April.

A Brief History of National Jelly Bean Day

It's tricky to trace the origins of National Jelly Bean Day, with their history being almost as colourful as the beans themselves. What we know is the modern jelly bean's journey began in the 1860s, when they were individually hawked in glass counters as a penny candy. Fast forward a few decades (and a lot more pennies), the internet started buzzing on 22nd April 2015 with a whopping 5832 mentions of National Jelly Bean Day. That's more sugary stuff than you can shake a stick at!

Bourbon to Blueberry: Jelly Bean Flavours

Jelly beans have boldly branched out into the world of exotic flavours. The little dollops have dipped their toes (or should we say beans?) into tangy tangerine, bewitching blackcurrant, and even outrageous out-of-this-world flavours like popcorn and licorice! Talk about a roller coaster ride for your taste buds.

The Sweet Social Impact of Jelly Beans

Jelly beans have not only sweetened our taste buds but also our social gatherings. From pick-a-mix parties to Easter egg hunts, these vibrant little daredevils are more than just a candy; they're a catalyst for connection, a sweet and simple nod to nostalgia, and a guilt-free way to indulge in a moment of delight.

History behind the term 'Jelly Bean'

1861

The Birth of Jelly Beans

Jelly beans were first introduced in the late 19th century. The colorful candy was inspired by Turkish delight, a popular Middle Eastern treat made of flavored gel and sugar. The combination of the glossy gel and sugar coating gave jelly beans their distinctive appearance.

1905

Jelly Beans in Easter Baskets

Jelly beans gained popularity during Easter in the early 20th century. Due to their vibrant colors and smaller size, they became a popular choice for filling Easter baskets. The association of jelly beans with Easter eventually became a longstanding tradition, with many families incorporating them into their holiday celebrations.

1930s

Jelly Beans as a Promotional Product

In the 1930s, jelly beans started being utilized as a promotional product. Companies began printing their logos or brand names on the candy, transforming jelly beans into a marketing tool. This innovation allowed businesses to distribute their branded jelly beans at events, generating brand recognition and customer loyalty.

1960s

Jelly Beans in Space

Jelly beans reached new heights in the 1960s when they became a part of space exploration. During the Gemini missions, astronauts needed a snack that would fit in the limited space of their pockets and wouldn't crumble in the zero-gravity environment. Jelly beans proved to be the ideal solution, as their hard shell prevented them from breaking apart and making a mess in space.

1980s

Jelly Beans in Popular Culture

Jelly beans became a beloved pop culture icon in the 1980s. They were prominently featured in movies like 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial', where the titular alien developed a fondness for the candy. This appearance in a blockbuster movie further solidified jelly beans as a symbol of fun and childhood nostalgia in the hearts of many.

1990s

Gourmet Jelly Beans

In the 1990s, the jelly bean market saw a surge in the popularity of gourmet jelly beans. Companies started producing jelly beans with unique flavors and premium ingredients. The gourmet jelly bean trend introduced flavors like buttered popcorn, watermelon, and blueberry pie, appealing to a more sophisticated and adventurous palate.

2001

Jelly Belly: The Quintessential Jelly Bean

Jelly Belly, a brand known for its high-quality and flavorful jelly beans, became synonymous with the term 'jelly bean'. The brand gained prominence in the 1970s but reached its peak in the 21st century. With over 50 unique flavors and a loyal following, Jelly Belly cemented its position as the quintessential jelly bean brand, making the term 'jelly bean' instantly recognizable.

Did you know?

Did you know that it wasn't until the 1930s that jelly beans became a popular Easter treat? Or that the creator of the Jelly Belly brand was once penniless, living in a mobile home? Talk about a sweet success story!