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.