Jelly Belly

Goelitz Candy Corn

President Ronald Reagan eating jelly beans

JellyBellyPile

Jelly Belly is a brand of jelly beans that was founded in 1976 by the Jelly Belly Candy Company. The company, originally named Goelitz Confectionery Company, has its roots dating back to 1869. It is renowned for creating a wide variety of jelly bean flavors, ranging from traditional ones like cherry and orange to more unusual and innovative flavors such as buttered popcorn and Tabasco. Jelly Belly jelly beans are known for their true-to-life flavors and the distinctive Jelly Belly logo printed on each bean.

History

The history of Jelly Belly begins with the Goelitz family, who started making candy in 1869. The company first produced candy corn and did not start making jelly beans until 1965. However, it was not until 1976 that the Jelly Belly brand was officially established. The creation of the Jelly Belly jelly bean was a revolutionary moment in the candy industry, as it was the first time a jelly bean was made with natural flavorings in the jelly center and the shell, a process that provided a more intense flavor experience.

Flavors

Jelly Belly is famous for its wide range of flavors, which has grown to include over 100 different varieties. Some of the most popular flavors include Very Cherry, Green Apple, and Buttered Popcorn, which was the first savory jelly bean flavor introduced by the company. Jelly Belly also produces seasonal and specialty flavors, as well as the BeanBoozled collection, which pairs traditional flavors with look-alike beans of strange and sometimes unpleasant flavors as part of a game.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of Jelly Belly jelly beans is unique and involves a technique known as "panning," where flavors and colors are added in layers. This process can take up to 21 days for a single jelly bean to be made. The company prides itself on the high quality of its ingredients and the precision of its flavor creation, which includes using natural ingredients wherever possible.

Cultural Impact

Jelly Belly jelly beans have had a significant cultural impact since their introduction. They gained widespread popularity in the 1980s when it was revealed that President Ronald Reagan was a fan, keeping a jar of them on his desk in the Oval Office. This endorsement catapulted Jelly Belly to international fame. The brand has since been involved in various promotional events, including creating special flavors for movie premieres and other significant events.

Visitor Centers

The Jelly Belly Candy Company operates two main visitor centers in Fairfield, California, and Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. These centers offer tours, allowing visitors to see the jelly bean making process. The tours are popular tourist attractions, providing insight into the intricate process of making Jelly Belly jelly beans and the history of the company.

In Popular Culture

Jelly Belly jelly beans have appeared in various forms of media and have been referenced in movies, television shows, and books, further cementing their status as a cultural icon in the candy world.