Clear toy candy keeps Pa. Dutch traditions alive

On a cold winter day, many walk by The Peppermint Stick Candy Store just to get a glimpse of the many treats, from warm beverages to the finest sweet candy. As the store lights glow through the window, one particular candy shines.

Dating back to 1772, German immigrants brought this delicious clear toy candy to America, specifically Pennsylvania. The candy is made out of sugar, water, corn syrup and food coloring. The colors consist of red, yellow and green, and the candy has the bursting flavor of caramelized sugar,which is molded into an animal like shaped figure. Most of the molds were made by Thomas Mills & Brothers and V. Clad & Sons. The molds were made out of cast iron and aluminum but are rarely made. Since some of the recent clear toy candies are made out of the machines, they lack the detailing of the original candies.

The sugar used by the Pennsylvanian Dutch to make these amazing toy candies was barley sugar because it was sufficient and inexpensive at the time. Hence why this candy used to be called “Barley Candy.” In 1818, when less expensive cane sugar was imported to Pennsylvania, candy makers chose to make a change that day. Barley Candy, losing its popular name, became the clear toy candy. The name “Clear Toy” symbolizes the similarities between candy and different images, such as small people, animals, and other figures. “Clear” referred to the clarity of the product.

This traditional Pennsylvanian Dutch candy is great for the Christmas season. It has always been a holiday favorite and perfect for stocking stuffers.

To keep this tradition alive, the Peppermint Stick Candy Store has a variety of Clear Toy Candy available for purchase.