Peanut Candy: A Crunchy, Sweet Classic Loved Across the Globe

A Sweet History Rooted in Accessibility

• Early Beginnings: In the U.S., early versions like peanut brittle emerged in the 1800s. Legend has it that one batch was accidentally overcooked, creating a hard, crunchy candy that stuck around (literally). By the late 1800s, mass production made peanut brittle a staple at fairs and general stores.
• Global Spread: As peanuts traveled to Asia, Africa, and Latin America, local cooks put their own spin on peanut candy. In China, for example, peanut candy bars (often mixed with sesame) became a beloved street food; in West Africa, kuli-kuli (a spicy, fried peanut candy) became a savory-sweet snack. Unlike expensive chocolates or nut confections, peanut candy was accessible to nearly everyone—making it a people’s favorite from the start.