Candy Canes

Right up there with Santa and Frosty, candy canes are a symbol of Christmas. Whether they’re enjoyed as a minty treat or hung as decorations, over 1.76 billion candy canes are made each year. National Candy Cane Day is celebrated on December 26 in the United States, but almost all of the candy canes purchased in the US are bought within the month before Christmas. 

The tradition of the candy cane goes back about 350 years to 1670 Germany when a church choirmaster bent white sugar-sticks into canes to resemble a shepherd's staff. The canes kept children busy during the long nativity services. Eventually, handing out candy canes during Christmas services became a custom that spread throughout Europe and later to America. 

The first red-and-white striped candy canes appeared around 1900. It isn’t known for certain why the red color was added, though some speculate that the color represented Christ's blood in contrast to His purity, and that the three red stripes symbolized the Holy Trinity.

With only 40 to 60 calories, 10 to 14 grams of carbohydrate, and no fat or protein, one candy cane won’t break the calorie bank, but the ingredients in most brands of candy canes leave a lot to be desired. Most conventional brands are made with corn syrup and contain artificial colors. Although it isn’t high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup is a highly refined sweetener made from corn that will send your blood sugar soaring. The artificial color most commonly found in candy canes is Red 40, a dye which has been linked to hyperactivity disorders and migraines. Even the FDA admits that Red 40, the most widely used artificial color, needs better testing, yet it continues to be used in a wide range of foods, from candy to sausage. 

We compared several popular brands of candy canes to find the cleanest brands. Here’s a look at what we found: 

We gave a ‘thumbs down’ to Spangler, CVS, and Bob’s for their ingredients. All three were made with sugar, corn syrup and Red 40: 

Spangler Candy Canes  

Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, natural flavors, artificial color (red #40).

CVS Peppermint Flavor Candy Canes

Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, water, natural flavor, and the artificial colors, red 40 and titanium dioxide. 

Bob’s Peppermint Candy Canes

Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, peppermint oil, artificial color (red 40, red 40 Lake).

Our two favorite brands, Pure Fun and Tru Sweets, are made with organic ingredients and are colored with fruit juice (not with artificial dyes!):  

Pure Fun Certified Organic Peppermint Candy Canes

Ingredients: Organic evaporated cane juice, organic brown rice syrup, organic fruit juice, natural peppermint oil.

Tru Sweets Organic Candy Canes  

Ingredients: Organic evaporated cane juice, organic brown rice syrup, natural peppermint flavor, organic fruit juice.

We also give an ‘honorable mention’ to Hammond’s Natural Candy Canes.  Handmade and artfully designed, these scrumptious candy canes make great stocking stuffers or gifts. 

Remember to always read the ingredients on all foods and snacks – even on packages of holiday treats.   

For more on healthier alternatives to your favorite treats, buy our book: Unjunk Your Junk Food!