Nothing Says “America” like a Jelly Bean

Categories:Slime
Retro Slime Company

In 1861, confectioner William Schrafft looked at a jar of jelly and said to himself: let’s shape that like a bean. Lore says he created his jelly bean to send to soldiers fighting in the American Civil War. In 1905, the jelly bean made its first appearance in a Chicago newspaper as a “fad and favorite.” But by 1930, Easter found its favorite holiday candy. Most likely because a bean and an egg are “close enough.”

Jelly beans are the cutest candy on Earth, delivering a host of fun flavors in every bite. It’s no wonder that in the early 1900s “jellybean” was a term used to describe a man who was a little too concerned with his appearance and personal grooming habits. Jelly beans are so extra. There are so many colors and flavors, all in the same bag!

Ronald Reagan loved the jelly bean. He started eating them to quit smoking, and next thing America knew more than 300,000 were ordered each month for government buildings in Washington D.C. At his 1981 inauguration, he ordered 3 ½ tons of jelly beans in patriotic colors. Jelly Belly created a new flavor for the event to finish off the trio: blueberry, coconut, and Very Cherry. Nothing says America like a jelly bean. Just don’t tell that to the Brits who used to throw jelly beans at George Harrison because “they were his favorite.” Ouch.

Today, over 16 billion jelly beans are consumed around Easter, which is a lot of jelly beans. If you lined up 16 billion jelly beans, it would circle the globe almost three times. Easter candy is a 4 billion dollar industry, and jelly beans are cashing in, which is why we’ve created our Jelly Bean slime just in time for your Easter basket.

22 Comments

  1. Herman BargayReply
    March 20, 2023 at 16:02

    I love the fun facts you share! Fun, entertaining, and educational! I absolutely LOVE your company! I plan to keep returning, not just for the slimes, but the whole experience!

  2. AudreyReply
    March 17, 2023 at 12:14

    I love jellybeans! I have certain flavors I like better.

    • Brandon SparksReply
      April 1, 2023 at 03:37

      I can never get enough..

  3. Rhambleton@gmail.comReply
    March 10, 2023 at 21:44

    Thank you so much for the awesome research! My munchkin loves jellybeans! I like the nerd jellybeans since they have added crunch and texture…hmm, maybe I should open that bag a little early. 😂

  4. MarchingMaybachReply
    March 7, 2023 at 10:09

    You learn something new every day. This was an interesting read. Thank you for sharing and I think I appreciate jellybeans more after reading this!

    • Mayzie LouReply
      March 14, 2023 at 13:06

      I agree! It was very interesting!

  5. JesseReply
    March 5, 2023 at 22:00

    Jellybeans are the most American candy, especially jelly bellies popcorn flavor.

  6. Mingling ZhangReply
    March 1, 2023 at 21:52

    This was so cool and nice to know!

  7. Nancy NingReply
    March 1, 2023 at 21:51

    This was so nice to know!

  8. Grace FuReply
    March 1, 2023 at 21:50

    Thank you for sharing this blog post!

  9. Kobi CarpenterReply
    March 1, 2023 at 20:58

    I have two grandkids that absolutely love Slime which is so funny since my children loved it also. It has evolved so much since then, who would of thought we’d have jelly bean slime…LMAO

    • SlimeONatorReply
      March 4, 2023 at 13:25

      Honestly the inside of a jelly bean is pretty similar to slime, so it’s creative!

  10. Diana DavidsonReply
    March 1, 2023 at 12:52

    Granddaughters will love!

  11. Grace FuReply
    February 28, 2023 at 21:28

    Super cool!

    • KelliReply
      March 1, 2023 at 08:55

      I love thé history you guys provide with all your slimes. This one looks fun!

  12. Chad BoydReply
    February 28, 2023 at 19:43

    The jelly bean was one of the first candies I was allowed to east growing up!

  13. Lauren KethleyReply
    February 28, 2023 at 18:29

    The details and thought you guys put into each one of your slimes is unmatched. Keep it up! 🙂

  14. Lauren KethleyReply
    February 28, 2023 at 18:27

    The details and thought you guys put into creating each one of your slimes is unmatched! 🙂

  15. Janice KreiderReply
    February 28, 2023 at 17:22

    Love it

  16. Jillian BishopReply
    February 28, 2023 at 16:58

    Reading all of the info y’all share is my favorite! I often use Retro for my anxiety and reading the labels info and keeping my hands busy is the perfect distraction. Plus I sound kinda smart when I share what I’ve learned!

  17. Gina RivellsReply
    February 28, 2023 at 13:06

    I love learning new things about things with your slimes and other content

  18. Christina HawkinsReply
    February 28, 2023 at 10:13

    Didn’t know this! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

What do you think about this retro slime article?