(Photo: Warner Bros.)
Are you even human if you’ve never gushed at the sight of candy? At some point, candy has had us all in a tight grip, and for some of us, well… we’re still trapped. You turn on the television, you’re watching a music video, you’re playing video games, you’re reading a book, and you can’t help but notice the sight of sweet sensations and references to candy. But have you ever considered that it’s because candy is more than just a snack; it’s an essential part of modern pop culture? Candy whispers to us through our entertainment. The color, the sweetness, and the adrenaline rush are all presented to us in iconic, unforgettable ways. Get ready because we’re unwrapping some of the sweetest moments in which candy has become a staple in pop culture!
1. Gaming
If you’ve ever played a game that made you sit in one spot for hours to beat a level, then you’ll have no problem spending your time playing Candy Crush Saga. When it comes to the intense levels of Candy Crush Saga, you’ll be glued to your device. Giving up isn’t an option; although, after a while, you may want to throw your phone out the window. The game consists of matching three similar candies in either a row or a column, and each level has different objectives and obstacles. With over 15,000 levels, Candy Crush Saga has become an addiction to pop culture. Released in 2012, it has kept players swiping left, right, up, and down for over a decade. The colorful design and endless gameplay have landed it on the top charts for free iPhone games, with over 3 billion downloads worldwide. For 13 years straight, the sight of candy has been addictive even in mobile gaming, and it doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
2. Music
Music is a whole mood, but music videos bring the energy and multiply it times ten. Katy Perry is one of the many artists whose music videos have demonstrated elite vibes and how the inclusion of candy has created iconic moments in pop culture. In her 2010 hit song “California Gurls,” Perry starts off in a land full of candy and goodies, instantly capturing viewers’ attention. The video is timeless, filled with gummy bears, bubble gum, peppermints, lollipops, and cotton candy, using candy to tell a story through her music. “California Gurls” stayed at the number one spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 for several weeks and has won numerous awards. Other notable mentions include Fergie’s “Fergalicious,” Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop,” 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop,” and Doja Cat’s “Candy,” all of which have incorporated candy into their lyrics or visuals.
3. Fashion
It may sound unbelievable, but candy has even made an impact on the fashion world. Candy has inspired the aesthetic of many clothes and accessories we see today. Stripes in candy are common, whether from peppermints, lollipops, or sugar-coated candy stripes. Popular brands like Gucci, J.Crew, and Dolce & Gabbana have embraced the candy stripe trend in their collections. Dresses, pajamas, and polo shirts featuring bold, bright prints give off a sweet and fun look. Collaborations between clothing brands and candy companies are also on the rise, such as Justice teaming up with Jelly Belly and Kate Spade with M&Ms. Accessories inspired by candy, like candy-shaped earrings, have been spotted in stores, and celebrities like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez have been seen sporting these sweet styles.
4. Social Media
Social media is home to new trends and ideas, and candy has carved out a special place in this digital landscape. From the Jelly Bean Challenge that started in 2007 to the current trend of freeze-dried candy, social media has showcased how candy influences pop culture. TikTok and Instagram are filled with creative content featuring candy, enticing viewers to try new treats. Kylie Jenner’s love for Nerds Gummy Clusters in early 2021 sent fans rushing to stores during a pandemic to find the candy. The Jelly Bean Challenge, involving Jelly Belly’s Bean Boozled, remains popular, where players spin a wheel to choose between delicious and disgusting flavors. Candy’s influence on social media proves that it’s not just a snack; it’s a cultural phenomenon.
5. Movies
For many of us, watching Christmas movies is a holiday tradition, and “Elf” is a beloved classic. The film’s main character, Buddy, is infatuated with sugar, including candy. One of the most memorable lines involves Buddy explaining the four food groups, most of which are hilariously candy! This obsession is central to his character and highlights how candy is woven into pop culture. Similarly, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” showcases a world where kids indulge in every confection imaginable, capturing the imagination of audiences and solidifying candy’s place in cinematic history.
Candy isn’t just a sweet snack we crave; it has a tremendous impact on pop culture and surrounds us all the time. The entertainment we consume is a prime example of how deeply ingrained candy is in our collective consciousness.
