Candy and sugar: a brief history

Candy, of course, does not grow on trees and bushes; this is something that has to be made. Who were the first to do this? As with many other things, the Egyptians probably had the first go. They made delicacies using honey as a sweetener. The Greeks also used honey and made sweets from it.

In India, however, people were chewing sugar cane sticks well before the year 0. Not exactly a treat that modern people would go for, especially with the vast choices we have today. Yet that did give them the idea to squeeze that sweet juice from the cane stalks and process it in such a way as to create sugar. The main ingredient of candy was born.

Candy only really became popular in the 16th century. Still, it was primarily a treat that only rich people could count on. Today, candy is a multi-billion dollar industry, and it is impossible to imagine our society without it. We treat ourselves to sweets at the slightest opportunity, even sweetening protein bars largely consumed post-exercise. If there are new additions to the already generous candy shelf, we are not afraid to try them out. Scoop candy is also very popular and can be found everywhere.

Chocolate

Like candy, chocolate is also an invention. Since the beginning of the last century, processed chocolate really took off. Chocolate bars and bars like Twix and Mars have been around since the interwar period. That means the classic Mars is almost a century old! A timeless product, because even today this bar has many fans.

Licorice

Even a few millennia before the turn of the century, the Chinese were in the business of seasoning the plant that gives licorice its characteristic taste. In the African north, none other than the famous Pharaoh Tutankhamun was a fan of licorice flavor: licorice sticks were found in his tomb. Apparently, he liked it so much that he wanted to be buried in it.

Licorice as candy, however, is primarily a European creation. In the 19th century, the French and Italians, among others, developed licorice. Licorice can also be found on candy shelves in Germany and further north. Yet in no country is it such a popular product as in the Netherlands, where it has truly become a part of the culture.

Halloween: the candy festival

If there is a day when one does not have to hold back on sweets, it is Halloween. This day has its origins in Celtic culture, but hardly anyone knows that. After all, on this holiday we go door-to-door to score candy. Surely that stays with us a little better than a moment on the Celtic calendar. During Halloween, billions worth of candy is purchased, making it the most candy-rich holiday there is.

We understand that there is a high risk that you are triggered right now. If so, don’t hold back and play Halloween-themed slots.

Slots with candy theme: 3 reasons to play them

Not sure which slot machine to play for a while? Forget fruit machines, go for a candy-themed slot. Here are three reasons why a slot full of candy is a good choice.

1. Good for your mood: A nice sweet slot with a candy theme is almost always a boost to your mood. So full of color and happiness that the enamel will jump off your teeth – so to speak.
2. Chance to win: Buying candy will cost you money anyway. Playing an online slot can actually win you money. Especially by making smart use of the many casino bonuses! Claim a nice welcome bonus if you still can or, for example, take advantage of a Free Spins promotion.
3. Harmless to teeth: A candy-themed online slot is better for your line and teeth than actually diving into the candy jar. With a gooey-sweet slot like Sweet Bonanza, you’ll get at least as satiated as from a bag of marshmallows, promise.

Snack less? 3 tips

Candy is delicious, but too much candy is not good for us. Whether you care about your overall health, your energy level, your figure or your teeth, cutting back is the smart thing to do. If you want to snack less, we have three tips for you below.

1. Minimize temptation: The easiest tip is to simply avoid sweets. In other words, don’t bring it into the house. Also, avoid the snack table at birthday parties especially. Feel free to say no if someone serves you a bowl of candy.
2. Healthy candy substitutes: Are you still craving something sweet? Opt for a healthy substitute. Fruit is a great choice. Treat yourself to a bag full of fruit from the market so you can pick out something different tasty every day of the week. Is not only healthier and less caloric, but also cheaper than a bag of candy.
3. Go for fruit machines: An online fruit cupboard is, of course, an even smarter candy substitute. Distract yourself at a time of strong cravings by playing a fun online slot, whether with a candy theme or not. Check out our selection of sweet slots, or go for a completely different theme to take your mind off your cravings.