Candy

sugar · sweets · treats · confections

Sugar is the star. Candy's main ingredient is always sugar, which makes it taste sweet and gives it energy. Without sugar, it wouldn't really be candy.

Many varieties exist. Candy includes chocolate bars, gummy bears, hard candies, lollipops, licorice, and so much more. There are hundreds of different types of candy around the world.

Natural foods count too. When fruits, nuts, or vegetables get coated with sugar, they become candied treats. Candied ginger and glazed fruits are delicious examples.

Chewing gum is candy. Even though you don't swallow gum, it's officially part of the sugar confectionery category because of its sweet ingredients.

Ancient origins. People have been making candy for thousands of years, starting with honey and nuts before sugar became available in Europe during medieval times.