Candy corn remains a controversial Halloween treat. People either love it or hate it

Another debate is taking the center stage — a sweeter, non-political one.

Candy corn is back on store shelves, signaling the rejuvenation of a decades-old disagreement. Some can't get enough of it, while many others pray for its downfall.

CandyStore , a long-running online candy retailer, saw candy corn mentioned multiple times in its annual roundup of Halloween data, with reviews being mixed. Candy corn was ranked seventh on its list of most popular Halloween candies in the U.S., but it also ranked third on its list of worst candies.

In 2022, a Byte study found that candy corn was Ohio's favorite candy, but since then, the tides have shifted. This year, Blow Pops were the most searched candy in the state, followed by M&M's and Starburst.

Candy corn begins in the barn

Candy corn was originally known by a different name . It was known as "chicken feed," due to its resemblance to corn.

"Corn was primarily fed to chickens and pigs before World War I," according to the University of Georgia. "It was not until the 1950s when candy began to play a larger role in celebrating Halloween that candy corn was advertised as a Halloween candy."

What's in candy corn?

Candy corn consists of sugar, corn syrup, salt, sesame oil, honey, artificial flavor, food colorings, gelatin and confectioner's glaze.

Why do people hate candy corn?

Less than half of the members of Gen Z and millennials enjoy eating candy corn, according to a study done by the National Confectioners Association. Older generations are more fond of the candy, as 56% of baby boomers and 58% of Gen Xers reported enjoying candy corn.

But what's causing the divide?

For many, it's the taste. A CandyStore survey with over 3,000 respondents found that many think the candy is just too sweet.

"It can be too intense for those with a preference for subtler sweet treats," according to its website. "Some critics argue that candy corn's flavor lacks the moderation found in other candies that balance sweet with other taste elements."

Another common response was that the candy's wax-like texture is unappealing.

"Unlike the creamy melt of a chocolate or the smooth dissolve of hard candy, candy corn’s texture resides in a category of its own, making it a polarizing candy choice based primarily on its feel," the site said.

Why do people love candy corn?

On the other side of the spectrum, the treat is loved for many of the reasons that it's hated, as many enjoy the strong sweetness of candy corn, and many also reported appreciating its simplicity and the feelings of nostalgia that it brings.

"This classic treat has been around for generations, and indulging in it often brings back cherished memories of childhood Halloweens, school parties, and family gatherings," according to CandyStore. "For a lot of people, the candy serves as a sweet bridge to their past, evoking feelings of warmth and sentimentality."

When is National Candy Corn Day?

Despite the varying opinions it garners, National Candy Corn Day is celebrated on Oct. 30.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Candy corn remains a controversial Halloween treat. People either love it or hate it