Chicago, who thought!

Being located in the Chicago suburb of Frankfort, it was great having the University of Chicago hold an exhibit and lecture this past Halloween weekend acknowledging Chicago’s importance in candy production around the world! Since the late 1800’s many candy makers and brands are a part of Chicago’s history. Tootsie Roll is the first that comes to mind making not only Tootsie Rolls but Andes yummy Mints. Peerless Confections began back in 1924 making Root Beer Barrels, & popular Starlight Mints! Peerless closed their doors in 2007; however the Primrose candy company did acquire their recipe for the popular Fruit-flavored Peerless Rods that remain a huge seller along with Peppermint Starlights! Chicago is also the home to many other well-known candy favorites such as Juicy Fruit, Wrigley Lifesavers, Altoids, M&M’s, Snickers, Milky Way, Dove, and Twix. Ferrara Pan also located here, produces Gummy Bears, Lemon Heads, Atomic Fireball, Boston Baked Beans, and Jaw Busters, just to name a few. My favorite is Jelly Belly and their great assorted flavored jelly beans. The very well known Brach’s company is a part of our history as well as Fannie May Chocolate, Cracker Jack and Kraft Caramels!  Way to go, Chicago!!!