Some beans
Some facts
Popularity of Flavors
Very Cherry has been the most popular Jelly Belly flavor for many years, only briefly surpassed by Buttered Popcorn in 1998.
Caloric Content
Each bean contains only 4 calories, meaning that a handful of 25 beans amounts to 100 calories.
Company Origins
The company, initially known for producing candy corn, was established around 1898 as the Goelitz Confectionery Company.
Production Time
It takes 7 to 21 days to make a single jelly bean, involving a complex and multi-step process.
Early Connections
The founder of Jelly Belly, David Klein, was also notable for creating a new type of jelly bean with flavored insides and outer shells, using unconventional flavors like watermelon, licorice, and root beer.
Inspiration
The origin of jelly beans may be traced back to Turkish Delights from Turkey.
Unique Features
Jelly Belly beans are known for their flavored centers and shells, smaller size, more intense flavor, and exotic flavors.
Astronaut Snack
Jelly Belly beans were the first jelly beans in space, sent on the 1983 Challenger mission as a surprise for astronauts by President Reagan.
Historical Slang
The term 'jelly-bean' was used in the 1910s and 1920s as slang for a stylish but otherwise unremarkable man.
Flavor Evolution
The company has evolved from its original eight flavors in 1976 to more than 100 over the years. Current popular flavors include Buttered Popcorn, Very Cherry, Cotton Candy, Watermelon, and Green Apple.
Company Name Change
In 2001, the company officially became the Jelly Belly Candy Company, reflecting its most popular product.
Controversy
The chairman of Jelly Belly came under fire in 2013 for donating to an anti-transgender rights fund.
Sport Beans
Jelly Belly introduced Sport Beans for athletes, filled with carbohydrates, electrolytes, and vitamins. However, they faced a lawsuit over labeling sugar as 'evaporated cane juice'.
Beer-Flavored Beans
In 2014, Jelly Belly released beer-flavored beans, which sparked controversy among parents concerned about encouraging underage drinking.
Recipe Combinations
The company offers official jelly bean 'recipes,' combining different flavors to create new tastes like tres leches cake or a tequila sunrise.
Willy Wonka-Esque Treasure Hunt
In 2020, the original Mr. Jelly Belly started a treasure hunt similar to Willy Wonka, offering a chance to win a candy factory.
Air Fresheners
Jelly Belly also produces a line of custom air fresheners in various jelly bean scents.
Shelf Life
Jelly Belly beans have a shelf life of one year.
Some recipes
Some combinations
Cherry Turnover
Very Cherry + Very Cherry + Coconut + Buttered Popcorn
Apple Pie
Green Apple + Green Apple + Cinnamon
Banana Bread
Top Banana + Top Banana + Buttered Popcorn
Banana Cream Pie
Top Banana + A&W® Cream Soda + Coconut
Banana Split
Top Banana + Chocolate Pudding + Crushed Pineapple + Strawberry Jam + Very Cherry + French Vanilla
Bananas Foster
Top Banana + Top Banana + Top Banana + Buttered Popcorn + French Vanilla
Berry Lemonade
Berry Blu + SUNKIST® Lemon
Blueberry Cheesecake
Blueberry + Strawberry Cheesecake + French Vanilla + A&W® Cream Soda
Blueberry Muffin
Blueberry + Blueberry + Buttered Popcorn
Blueberry Pancakes
Blueberry + Caramel Corn + French Vanilla + Toasted Marshmallow + Toasted Marshmallow
Café Mocha
Cappuccino + Cappuccino + Chocolate Pudding + French Vanilla
Candy Apple
Green Apple + Green Apple + Cinnamon
Cherry Cola
Very Cherry + Very Cherry + Dr Pepper®
Cherry Turnover
Very Cherry + Very Cherry + Coconut + Buttered Popcorn
Chocolate Covered Cherries
Very Cherry + Very Cherry + Chocolate Pudding
Chocolate Dipped Banana
Top Banana + Chocolate Pudding
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Strawberry Daiquiri + Strawberry Daiquiri + Chocolate Pudding
Chocolate Macaroons
Chocolate Pudding + Coconut
Some history
1869
At age 24, Gustav Goelitz opens a candy business in Belleville, Illinois, and sets the family on its sweet destiny.
1894
Gustav's sons continue the family candy making tradition.
1898
The second generation of the Goelitz candy-making family specializes in a new type of candy, mellocremes (also called butter creams), which include candy corn.
1940
In the midst of sugar rationing during World War II, which limited candy production, the company introduces Mint Wafers.
1960
The third- and fourth-generation descendants of Gustav Goelitz cook candies such as tangerine slices, spice drops, and jelly beans.
1965
A flavor breakthrough is made when the Goelitz Mini Jelly Beans are infused with flavor in the center as well as the shell.
1972
Chocolate Dutch Mints® debut. A creamy mint center is covered in dark chocolate and finished with a crisp, candy shell. It's a classic now and still one of the most popular confections we make.
1976
Building upon the flavor innovation of the Goelitz Mini Jelly Beans, the first eight flavors of Jelly Belly jelly beans, Root Beer, Green Apple, Licorice, Cream Soda, Lemon, Tangerine, Very Cherry, and Grape, are introduced.
1980
The world discovers President Ronald Reagan eats Jelly Belly jelly beans, and a star is born.
1981
About 3.5 tons of Jelly Belly jelly beans are shipped to Washington D.C. for President Ronald Reagan's inauguration celebrations.
1982
Though shipping across the Northern border to Canada since 1977, Jelly Belly jelly beans make their first trip overseas to the UK in 1982.
1983
Mr. Jelly Belly, a lovable candy character, makes his first public appearance - and it is love at first sight.
1983
Sent by President Ronald Reagan, Jelly Belly jelly beans become the first jelly beans in space!
1986
New company headquarters are built in Fairfield, California, and factory tours begin soon after.
1989
The Buttered Popcorn flavor is introduced as the world's first 'savory' jelly bean flavor. It is now among the most popular flavors.
1993
Jelly Belly Sours are introduced, a novelty at the time that has since become an enduring favorite.
1996
The ultimate sign of good taste - The Jelly Belly name is stamped on every jelly bean.
2000
Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans®, inspired by the Harry Potter series, are brought to life by the company's candy makers in wild flavors like Black Pepper, Dirt, and Earwax.