Peppermint Candy Cane – History, Benefits & Popular Treats

We all know the candy cane, which is considered a Christmas candy, especially the classic flavor, Peppermint Candy Cane. Their red and white stripes decorate our Christmas tables and make our trees more colorful, but you may not know that the Peppermint Candy Cane is more than just candy; it has a very strong cultural and symbolic meaning, and, surprisingly, it is very beneficial to our physical and mental health.

Candy canes are the best-selling non-chocolate candy during the Christmas season. But, how did the peppermint candy cane get created, and what did it go through to become one of the world’s most popular candies? Continue reading to find out more about this incredible sweet treat.

Peppermint Flavor

The iconic flavor of candy canes is full of mystery, as no one knows who first created peppermint confections. Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint, and has mostly spread to Europe and the Middle East. Because of the popularity and benefits it carries, the plant is now widely spread and cultivated in many regions of the world. 

It’s no secret that peppermint is everyone’s favorite flavor in candy. We often see peppermint-flavored gum, toothpaste, mints, a few candies, drinks, and so on. Peppermint is the flavor everyone craves, and this is especially noticeable during Christmas time celebrations. The credit for this goes to a peppermint candy cane.

How Was The Peppermint Candy Cane Created?

There are many theories about how the candy got its shape and symbolic meaning. According to one of the most famous stories, the cane shape was intended to form a “J” for Jesus. The red and white stripes, which were later added to it, are also a symbol of Christ’s blood and purity. 

People started giving away candy canes as Christmas skits in the 1600s, but at that time, candy canes were just long sugar sticks given to children as treats for good behavior. After many years, this tradition has developed and become more complex.

The red and white striped candy cane was a new invention and became widely popular. The next detail to add to the Candy Cane was the flavor. The probable first mention of peppermint-flavored sugar sticks appeared in the 19th century. In a cookbook written in this period, “The Complete Confectioner, Pastry-cook and Baker”, we can find the instructions on how to make peppermint candy sticks.

According to the story, a confectioner named Bob McCormack is the one who added peppermint flavor to a candy cane, and he is the main reason why peppermint candy canes are a seasonal favorite candy today. As a result, by the middle of the 20th century, his company was the biggest seller of candy cane.

Peppermint Candy in Medicine

As a matter of fact, peppermint is often used in medicine. People noticed its health benefits a long time ago, and that’s why this strong-smelling hybrid plant is one of the world’s oldest medicinal herbs used to treat different illnesses, especially stomach-related ones such as indigestion and nausea. 

During the 18th century, doctors used sugar to neutralize the unpleasant taste of the herbs in medicine. This way, it was much easier for the patient to consume since it masked the terrible taste of the herbs. Peppermint was used for the same reason. It was often added to sugar mixtures because it had a cooling taste and made a great combination to serve with sugar.

Some things never change. So, whether it’s some sort of peppermint treat such as a York Peppermint Pattie or a simple peppermint candy cane, the refreshing, cool taste left in our mouths is still heavenly and enjoyable for most of us. But even if you are not a fan of peppermint, there are many other flavors you might enjoy.

The Benefits of Peppermint Candy Cane

Well, enough of the background. Let’s now talk about the benefits of peppermint candy canes. The main ingredients in candy canes are sugar, peppermint oil, and water. We are always cautious about consuming a large amount of candy because too much candy can be harmful to our health, but the peppermint candy cane is an exception.

1. Peppermint Oil Is An Antioxidant

Antioxidants. Have you heard of them? They defend your cells from free radicals, which are chemicals formed when your body breaks down food. That’s why peppermint oil has more antioxidants than cereal. That’s why peppermint candy cane can cause increased antioxidant levels in the body. Your body’s defense system is stronger, which keeps you healthy.

2. It Freshens Up Your Breath

Bad breath, commonly known as halitosis, may be humiliating and can cause anxiety in some people. It’s no surprise that store shelves are brimming with gum, mints, mouthwashes, and other breath-freshening items so that we can fight the bad breath inconvenience.

Did you know that peppermint candy canes can eliminate halitosis? Not just masking it, peppermint oil in candy canes destroys the bacteria that causes breathing problems, so the next time you’re feeling self-conscious, remember that peppermint candy canes can help!

3. It Helps You Get Away With Tummy Troubles

Peppermint has been discovered to have a relaxing influence on the gastrointestinal tract, helping to relieve irritable bowel syndrome, cramps, and nausea. Peppermint induces a relaxing effect by activating an “anti-pain” region in the colon.

4. It Reduces Curb Cravings

We have good news for you! Peppermint is a natural hunger suppressant, and you don’t even need to eat it. Believe it or not, just sniffing a peppermint candy cane is enough to affect your appetite. 

Smelling peppermint every two hours will help you control your eating schedule. So you can either eat or smell peppermint candy canes and life will be a bit easier for you. 

5. It Eases Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are a bothersome condition that is often brought on by stress. Peppermint has been shown in certain trials to help with tension headaches. It’s quite amazing to know that instead of drinking pills, you can just start tasting peppermint candy canes and it will kind of help you ease your tension headaches, and you can use it not only at Christmas but every season!

6. It Boosts Concentration

Have you had a hard time concentrating on things lately? Do you often have to read the same sentence over and over again to understand it? Then it’s time to start licking peppermint candy canes since they will not only help you to boost your concentration but, according to psychological studies, also increase performance. 

Peppermint increases oxygen saturation and blood pressure a little bit. As a result, the brain works better, and it helps you study. Also, more sugar means more energy to study. And one more thing, are you in a bad mood? Then remember that a peppermint candy cane will also fix it, or at least make it better.

7. It Helps You Relieve Your Stuffy Nose

When it comes to cleansing your sinuses, home treatments can sometimes be more effective than prescription medications. Did you know that peppermint contains menthol, which is a decongestant that helps to open up the nasal passages? When you’re not feeling well, try sniffing a peppermint candy cane and greet Christmas with a healthy breathing system.

The Connection between Sugar and Your Brain

Yes, peppermint candy canes include peppermint oil, but it’s important to remember that they’re also made of sugar, which is the fuel source for our brains. 

Peppermint candy delivers a burst of sugar to your brain, instantly recharging you. You’ll need a large lunch before an exam or task that requires concentration to keep your blood sugar levels stable. But don’t forget that too much sugar in the diet can also lead to tooth problems and other health complications.

Spangler Candy Peppermint Candy Cane

Since 1906, the Spangler Candy Company has been making and distributing candy as a privately held multinational confectionery. Spangler’s products include lollipops, candy canes, and marshmallow circus peanuts.

The company is the largest manufacturer of candy canes, but peppermint isn’t the only flavor they produce. You can get many different and sometimes strange flavors of candy cane, but the classics are always the best.

Spangler Candy makes the traditional red & white Peppermint candy canes, red, green, and white Peppermint Candy Canes, and a list of well-known branded candy canes in tasty and fun flavors. See for yourself how Spangler Candy Company makes their famous candy canes.

Doscher’s Famous Peppermint Candy Canes

Well, if you want even more experience, then Doscher’s hand-crafted candy canes can make you feel better. Each cane is hand “Spun and Hooked” for a unique shape and vibrant design. No two canes ever look the same – they are unique. So, if you want to feel that you are eating even more valuable candy, you can just get your unique classic peppermint candy cane at Doscher’s!

Spanglers Ingredients

• Sugar
• Corn syrup
• Natural flavor
• Color added (includes Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1).

Spanglers Nutrition

Serving Size:	0.5 cane (14g)	% Daily Value*
Amount Per Serving
Calories	50
Total Fat	0g	0%
Sodium	10mg	0%
Total Carbohydrates	14g	5%
Sugars	11g
Added Sugars	11g	22%
Protein	0g

• The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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Bottom Line

This incredible candy continues to be everyone’s favorite Christmas candy. With its plenty of flavors, candy cane succeeds in developing and becoming more and more colorful, but we all remember and love the classic one.

A peppermint candy cane isn’t just a simple candy. Even if we leave out all the symbolic meanings, candy is just perfect for our mental and physical well-being.