Candy corn: Ingredients, nutrition facts, and why it’s almost never vegan

Few things signal that fall has arrived more than Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte—and candy corn is a close second. While chocolate in all its forms might be the most beloved Halloween flavor, candy corn sparks endless debate. Few treats divide opinions quite like those tri-colored kernels—people usually love them or loathe them.

Still, candy corn’s popularity endures. Instacart data shows that it makes up about 2 to 3% of all candy orders in October. Mississippi leads the pack, buying candy corn 92% more often than the national average, followed closely by Nebraska and Kentucky. Clearly, this nostalgic treat still has a loyal fan base.

Most people know candy corn as a soft, chewy candy layered in white, orange, and yellow to mimic a kernel of corn. What they might not know is that the Wunderle Candy Company invented the original treat in the late 1880s, meaning it’s been a seasonal treat for nearly 150 years!

But have you ever stopped to wonder what candy corn is actually made of? Sure, sugar is a given—but what else gives this nostalgic treat its signature look and texture? You may be surprised to learn that candy corn isn’t vegan (containing no animal products or byproducts at all) and is only occasionally vegetarian due to two ingredients that are typically included in the most popular brands. Intrigued?

We’ll break down the ingredients in the most popular brands of candy corn, explore their differences, and find out which versions are vegetarian—and if any qualify as vegan.

Plus, nutritionist Kayla Reynolds, MS, NASM-CPT, Director of Knowledge, Learning, & Behavior at Noom, shares her insights on this classic candy to help you make informed choices while still enjoying the fun (and flavor) of the Halloween season.

What are the ingredients in Brach’s candy corn?

While you might assume they’re just a lot of sugar, a closer look at the ingredients for Brach’s candy corn, arguably the most popular, reveals some surprises:

Brach’s Candy Corn nutrition information

• Serving size: 15 pieces
• Calories: 110
• Fat: 0g
• Sugars: 23g
• Sodium: 65mg

Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, confectioner’s glaze (shellac), salt, dextrose, gelatin, sesame oil, artificial flavor, honey, yellow 6, yellow 5, red 3.

Let’s go through the ingredients to understand why they’re there.

@foodnetwork

how tiktok’s #1 fave candy is made… ur welcome! #candycorn #ghostober #unwrapped

♬ original sound – Food Network

Candy corn ingredients: The sweet stuff

The main reason candy corn tastes so sweet is pretty apparent—it contains four kinds of sugar:

• Sugar: The primary sweetener, providing most of candy corn’s sweetness and helping form its solid structure once cooled.
• Corn syrup: A liquid sugar that keeps the candy smooth and chewy. It prevents sucrose from crystallizing, which would otherwise make the candy grainy or hard.
• Dextrose: Adds mild sweetness and helps balance the texture.
• Honey: Contributes a distinct flavor and aroma that sets candy corn apart from other candies. It also helps keep the texture soft.

The nutritional impact: Although few people eat candy corn year-round, the amount of sugar can pose some health risks if eaten in excess. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that adults limit their intake of sugar to 25 to 36 grams daily. Just 15 pieces of candy corn contain 23 grams of sugar.

“Understanding the sugar content doesn’t mean you can never enjoy it,” explains Reynolds. “When you have a treat that is mostly sugar, like candy corn, the key is to eat it mindfully and in moderation. And if you’re trying to lose weight, a small portion can still fit into your diet.”

Candy corn ingredients: Oil

The next ingredient usually comes as a surprise: sesame oil. Why is it even in there? This oil is typically added in tiny amounts as part of the glaze. Sesame oil adds to the signature flavor and texture of Brach’s. You might even feel the slightly oily exterior when you pick up a piece. 

The nutritional impact: Sesame oil does contain healthy fats, but the amount used in candy corn is so small that it offers no real health benefits. Those with a sesame allergy will need to find a candy corn without sesame oil. 

Candy corn ingredients: Animal and animal-derived products

“For those with specific dietary needs or preferences, especially vegetarians and vegans, it’s important to look beyond just the sugar content and carefully read the ingredients list,” advises Reynolds. “What many people don’t realize is that candy corn is not vegan and sometimes not even vegetarian.”

That’s because of these common ingredients:

• Gelatin: The candy’s characteristic chewy and sticky texture often comes from gelatin, which is typically made from collagen, a structural protein found in skin, bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of animals. Some brands, like Jelly Belly, produce a version without gelatin. 
• Confectioner’s glaze: The signature shiny coating on candy corn often comes from confectioner’s glaze (also called shellac), as with Brach’s. Here’s the weird part: this glaze is made from a sticky mucus secreted by a bug that is gathered off of trees. While this is technically vegetarian because only the animals’ secretions are used and they don’t have to be killed to gather them, it isn’t vegan. Most candy corn products contain it. Some specialty stores use a vegan alternative for the shine, such as carnauba wax.
• Honey: Honey also isn’t considered vegan since bees make it.

The nutritional impact: If you’re following a specific diet, it’s best to check the ingredient list and decide what fits your dietary practices. If you have a specific allergy, it’s especially important to be cautious.

Candy corn ingredients: Dyes and colors

Lastly, the famous white, orange, and yellow stripes come from three main artificial dyes:

• Yellow 5
• Yellow 6
• Red 3

The FDA considers all dyes that are in food to be classified as GRAS, which means generally recognized as safe, but things occasionally change. 

Recently, Red 3 has been flagged by the FDA due to its association with cancer in animal studies. As a result of these safety concerns, the FDA has ordered all food manufacturers to stop using Red 3 by 2027. 

Candy corn ingredients: The difference between popular brands

Candy corn might look the same no matter where you buy it, but its ingredient list tells a different story. Each brand uses its own mix of sweeteners, binders, and glossy coatings to create that chewy texture and signature tri-color shine.

These minor tweaks change more than just texture—they also affect whether the candy fits specific dietary needs or preferences (like vegetarian, vegan, or allergies), plus how it tastes and feels.

Here’s a look at the ingredients in three of the most popular brands of candy corn: Brach’s, Jelly Belly, and Zachary:

Feature/brand	Brach’s Classic Candy Corn	Jelly Belly Candy Corn	Zachary Candy Corn
Ingredients	sugar, corn syrup, confectioner’s glaze (shellac), salt, dextrose, gelatin, sesame oil, artificial flavor, honey, yellow 6, yellow 5, red 3	sugar, corn syrup, modified soy protein, artificial flavor, sorbitol, color added (yellow 6 lake, yellow 5, red 3), beeswax, carnauba wax, confectioner’s glaze, salt	sugar, corn syrup, <2% of: salt, glycerine, egg whites, confectioner’s glaze, natural and artificial flavors, mineral oil, honey, carnauba wax, coconut oil, artificial colors (yellow 6, yellow 5, red 40, blue 1)
Binder/texture agents	gelatin, dextrose	modified soy protein	egg whites, glycerine
Gloss/coating agents	confectioner’s glaze (shellac)	confectioner’s glaze (shellac), beeswax, carnauba wax	confectioner’s glaze (shellac), carnauba wax
Color/dyes	yellow 6, yellow 5, red 3	yellow 6 lake, yellow 5, red 3	yellow 6, yellow 5, red 40, blue 1
Unique ingredients	sesame oil, honey	beeswax, sorbitol, modified soy protein	glycerine, mineral oil, coconut oil, honey
Allergens/sensitivities	sesame	soy	egg
Vegetarian?	❌ no (contain gelatin + shellac)	✅ yes (contain shellac + beeswax)	✅ yes (contain egg + shellac)
Vegan?	❌ no	❌ no	❌ no

• Brach’s: The traditional formula, made with gelatin (animal collagen) and confectioner’s glaze (insect-derived shellac). The addition of sesame oil gives richness, but it’s not safe for those with a sesame allergy. It’s colored with Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 3, which produces the characteristic orange/yellow/white pattern.
  
• Jelly Belly: Marketed as vegetarian-friendly since it uses soy protein instead of gelatin. It’s not vegan because it contains shellac and beeswax.
  
• Zachary: Uses egg whites and glycerine as texture stabilizers. The inclusion of mineral oil and coconut oil adds sheen and prevents drying, while carnauba wax gives a durable gloss. Contains shellac, so it’s not vegan, but otherwise vegetarian-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about candy corn ingredients

Is candy corn vegan or vegetarian?

Traditional candy corn is definitely not vegan due to the standard inclusion of honey, beeswax, or confectioner’s glaze (shellac), which are animal-derived ingredients. Whether it is vegetarian depends on the specific brand. Some use gelatin, which makes it not vegetarian.

If you’re looking for a truly vegan option without honey, shellac, or gelatin, you can also make it yourself using a recipe or check specialty stores.

Is candy corn gluten-free?

It depends on the brand. Many recipes do not include gluten, but because of how it’s made on factory equipment, popular brands often put a “may contain” warning for wheat or gluten. If this is a concern for you, look for products clearly certified gluten-free to be safe.  

Is candy corn made from bugs?

Not directly, but they are involved! The high-gloss finish on the outside comes from confectioner’s glaze (shellac), which is made from the sticky secretions of the Laccifer lacca bug.  

What flavor is candy corn?

The makers of Brach’s candy corn describe the flavor as a blend of creamy fondant, rich marshmallow, and warm vanilla notes. 

The bottom line: Candy corn is a fun treat, but vegans might need a substitute

Candy corn is a nostalgic favorite—colorful, chewy, and almost impossible to separate from Halloween and Thanksgiving. But it’s rarely vegan and sometimes not even vegetarian. Some versions also include sesame oil, making them off-limits for people with sesame allergies.

The takeaway? Always check the ingredient label, especially if you have dietary restrictions or food sensitivities. Brands vary more than you might expect.

From a nutrition standpoint, candy corn is exactly what it looks like—a sugary treat. It’s perfectly fine to enjoy it in moderation, especially since most people only eat it seasonally. Noom supports this balanced approach—understanding what’s in your food, practicing mindfulness, and making intentional choices that align with your goals.

With Noom’s free app and food tracker, you can log your food and calorie intake. It’s a simple way to stay aware of your choices while still enjoying your favorite traditions.