Going by the definition, candy is a sweet confection made primarily from sugar or other substitute sweeteners like corn syrup and added with flavors; mostly fruit and sometimes others. They may also contain coloring agents and other additives for coloring and preserving effect.

The word 'candy' came to English from the old French 'çucre candi' which in turn came from the Arabic ‘qandi’, meaning made from sugar or the Persian ‘qand’ meaning cane sugar.

In the North American continent, the nomenclature ‘candy’ covers a broad spectrum incorporating the non-chocolate based confectioneries as well as the chocolate based confectionaries. Hence, hard candies, soft candies, licorice, gummies, jelly beans, chocolate bars, gumdrops etc all come under the banner of candies. Even fruits, nuts and vegetables that are glazed and/or sugar coated are called candied.

In other countries like UK, South Africa and other Commonwealth Nations, candies are known as sweets or confectioneries. Australia and New Zealand categorize their confectioneries as chocolates and lollies (non-chocolate based candies).

The process of candy making involves dissolving sugar in water or milk along with other ingredients and flavors and boiling it to a specific temperature to get the desired effect or concentration. Different stages of sugar concentration (read candy types) correspond to different temperatures. The range is generally from 230 °F (110 °C) i.e. syrup stage, to 350°F (177°C) i.e. the final stage of burnt sugar.

Some candies contain gelatin, a substance which is derived from animal skin or bones. Hence(,) they are avoided by vegans and vegetarians. Gummi bears and marshmallows are examples of candies containing gelatin. There are vegetarian alternatives like Arabic gum, agar, starch etc available as well which can be used instead of gelatin. Hence it is always best to check the ingredients of candies before consumption. Checking the ingredients help in understanding the candy’s nutritional value as well.

With lots of candies come cavities, is what everyone is told right from childhood. Candies by themselves don’t actually cause the cavities. There are bacteria present in the mouth which feed on the food left in the mouth after meal. As a byproduct of their feeding, they produce strong acids which harm the tooth enamel. The bacteria have an affinity towards sugar hence candy fragments left on the teeth would be a feast to them. So it is advisable to always brush your teeth after having candies.

Also due to their high sugar content, candies can create problems for the diabetics. However, these days, sugar-free candies are available which substitute the sugar with other low calorie sweetener.

Candies make for a great treat not only for kids but adults as well. They always bring a smile. Especially if one happens to lay his/her hands on candies they had as a kid.