Every year the website Candystore.com releases a list of America's Favorite Halloween Candy. They even break it down by state. For many years Michigan's favorite halloween treat always was Candy Corn. This year, however, Starburst have taken over that top spot and Candy Corn has fallen to #2. Part of the reason Candy Corn may not be the favorite it used to be is that there are reports that is it made with bugs!

Is Candy Corn Really Made With Bugs?

Recent reports from various sources are now saying that Candy Corn is manufactured with bugs and it's true!

The "confectioners' glaze", or shellac, that coats the candy contains "lac-resin". Lac-resin is a substance that a parasite found in tropical and subtropical regions -- called a lac bug -- secretes to protect itself. The term shellac actually comes from the name of the bug.

This substance is scraped off plants and some of the bugs are gathered in the process, according to the website ThoughtCo.com. This shellac is also used in many other products, including paints, varnishes, waxes, and cosmetics.

Where Else is this "Bug Glaze" Used?

And don't think that Candy Corn is the only one to use this "confectioner's glaze" as a coating on candy. You've probably also consumed this stuff on a variety of shiny candies...including most jelly beans, malted milk balls, or Milk Duds. Not a big candy eater? Don't worry, you've probably have this stuff coating the pills you might be taking.

If you really want to try to avoid eating this bug substance -- good luck. If you check the ingredient list on foods, you can usually find this stuff listed as candy glaze, resin glaze, natural food glaze, confectioner's glaze, confectioner's resin, Lac resin, Lacca, or gum lac.

Candystore.com's Interactive Map

Here is the interactive map put together by Candystore.com showing every state's favorite Halloween candy...

Source: CandyStore.com.

 

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