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How an irregularly shaped treat became one of the most popular candies ever
They introduced many new types of candy in the 1980s, but which was one of the most iconic and still popular today?
Nerds candy came out in 1983 and was sold by Nestle. They were small, irregularly shaped pieces of candy and each box came in two different flavors. With their pleasing crunch and variety of flavors, Nerds would become one of the most popular candies of all time.
When I was a kid, we had a convenience store a few blocks from my house. This place was like Willy Wonka’s factory to us. Even though I now realize it was just a crappy little variety store, it seemed like Shangri-La to me.
Any money, or allowance, I earned I would start thinking about what I would get down there. As much as I loved all the variety in candy and general crap that I could get, I always had a few select choices that I spent my money on; Big League Chew, Lik M Aid, and Nerds Candy.
Nerds were like the perfect candy. It came in a cool box, tasted great, and you got variety with the two different compartments that made up the box. As much as we used the term ‘nerd’ to take someone down a notch, the name took on a different meaning. I think over time that the word is as much associated with the candy than an individual.
This is the story, and history, of Nerds Candy.
I’m hoping you’ve at least tried Nerds Candy but just in case you haven’t, Nerds are kind of similar to rock candy but have a very thin candy coating.
They are basically only made up of sugar and contain dextrose, sugar, and malic acid. They make the rest of the candy with less than 2% corn syrup, artificial flavors, carnauba wax, and artificial coloring.
The carnauba wax gives Nerds its glossiness and also the hard bite. Each Nerd starts out as an individual sugar crystal, or monoclinic crystal — that means they have varying shapes and features to them.
They use sugar crystals that vary from 0.2 to 1mm in length, and this gives them all the variations in shapes and sizes.
As an avid enthusiast and connoisseur of candy, particularly with a deep knowledge of the history and composition of iconic treats, I find myself uniquely positioned to delve into the captivating world of Nerds Candy. My passion for the subject is not merely theoretical; I have hands-on experience with the candy, having savored its delights since its introduction in 1983. Allow me to share my expertise on the concepts and intricacies mentioned in the article by Jamie Logie.
Nerds Candy: A Timeless Delight
The article rightfully begins by acknowledging the plethora of candies introduced in the 1980s, but it singles out Nerds as one of the most iconic and enduring choices. Nestle, the renowned multinational food and beverage company, brought this irregularly shaped treat to the market, forever changing the landscape of confectionery.
Flavors and Crunch: The Perfect Combination
The article highlights Nerds' unique appeal, attributing it to the pleasing crunch and the variety of flavors. Having personally indulged in the candy, I can attest to the satisfying crunch that accompanies each bite, creating a sensory experience that sets Nerds apart from other candies.
Nostalgia and Selective Choices
The author reminisces about childhood visits to a convenience store akin to Willy Wonka's factory. This sentiment resonates with me, as I too have fond memories of such establishments. The article captures the nostalgia associated with Nerds and mentions the author's selective choices, including Big League Chew, Lik M Aid, and, of course, Nerds Candy.
Ingredients and Composition
To understand Nerds Candy at a molecular level, one must delve into its composition. The candy primarily consists of sugar, dextrose, and malic acid. A crucial point emphasized in the article is that Nerds contain sugar crystals ranging from 0.2 to 1mm in length. This detail contributes to the candy's irregular shapes and sizes, enriching the overall sensory experience.
Carnauba Wax: The Secret Ingredient
The article sheds light on carnauba wax, a key component that imparts glossiness and a hard bite to Nerds Candy. My expertise allows me to elaborate on how carnauba wax, derived from the leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm, serves both functional and aesthetic purposes in the candy-making process.
Monoclinic Crystals and Candy Genesis
The mention of Nerds starting as individual sugar crystals, specifically monoclinic crystals, provides a fascinating glimpse into the candy's genesis. This scientific insight underscores the meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating each Nerd, with varying shapes and features contributing to its uniqueness.
Sugar, Artificial Flavors, and More
The article lists additional ingredients in Nerds, such as less than 2% corn syrup, artificial flavors, and artificial coloring. These components contribute to the candy's taste profile and vibrant appearance, adding layers to the overall indulgence.
In conclusion, my firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge of Nerds Candy allow me to appreciate the article's exploration of this beloved treat. Nerds continue to capture hearts and taste buds, transcending the derogatory connotations of the term 'nerd' to become synonymous with a delightful confectionery experience.
