National Gumdrop Day

National Gumdrop Day is observed annually on February 15. This lighthearted food holiday honors a classic gelatin-based candy known for its signature truncated cone shape and granulated sugar coating. Whether they are fruit-flavored or infused with spices, gumdrops have remained a staple of the confectionery world for over a century, providing both a sweet treat and a versatile material for edible crafts and decorations.

History of National Gumdrop Day

The specific origin of National Gumdrop Day is not documented in congressional records or presidential proclamations, suggesting it was likely established by candy manufacturers or enthusiasts to celebrate the confection’s heritage. Gumdrops themselves are believed to be an American invention. While some historians trace their creation to Percy Trusdale in 1801, the first recorded mention of the term appeared in the Illinois State Chronicle in 1859 in an advertisement for George Julier’s candy shop. By the late 19th century, gumdrops had become so popular that the word was commonly used as a slang term for a sweetheart.

Modern gumdrops owe their soft, chewy texture to research conducted at Ohio State University in 1915. A manufacturer named Percy Truesdell experimented with various formulas to improve upon the harder, less pliable versions of the candy that existed at the time. His success earned him the title of the “Gumdrop King” and standardized the pectin- or gelatin-based recipe used today. The candy’s place in culture was further solidified in 1948 with the release of the board game Candy Land, which featured the famous Gumdrop Mountains as a key part of the game’s topography.

Why is National Gumdrop Day important?

This day is significant because it celebrates one of the foundational candies of the modern confectionery industry. Gumdrops served as the precursor to many of today’s most popular gummy and jelly treats, including jelly beans and gummy bears. The day provides an opportunity to appreciate the science and engineering behind food production, highlighting how simple ingredients like sugar, gelatin, and spice extracts can be transformed into a durable and beloved snack.

Beyond the culinary aspect, the day highlights the gumdrop’s unique presence in science and pop culture. During the Apollo 9 mission in 1969, NASA astronauts nicknamed their command module “Gumdrop” due to its similar conical shape. The candy is also an essential tool in early childhood education, often used in classrooms to teach basic structural engineering and geometry. By recognizing this day, fans celebrate a humble treat that has influenced everything from childhood games to the early days of space exploration.

• It honors a candy that has been a part of American culture since the mid-1800s.
• The day recognizes the innovation of early candy makers like Percy Truesdell.
• It highlights the candy’s role as a primary architectural element in gingerbread houses.
• The holiday promotes the use of traditional spices like clove, anise, and cinnamon.
• It serves as a nostalgic bridge for generations who grew up playing Candy Land.

How to Celebrate National Gumdrop Day

The most direct way to celebrate is to enjoy a handful of different gumdrop varieties. Traditional “spice drops” feature flavors like clove, cinnamon, and spearmint, while standard gumdrops offer fruity options like cherry, orange, and grape. Many people use the day to get creative in the kitchen by baking “gumdrop cookies” or adding the colorful candies to popcorn cakes. Because the candy does not melt easily, it is also the perfect time to practice decorating cupcakes or cakes with intricate, sugary patterns.

For a more interactive experience, families often use gumdrops and toothpicks to build three-dimensional sculptures and geometric shapes. This activity is a popular way to combine playtime with a lesson in structural stability. Others celebrate by introducing a bit of nostalgia into their evening with a game of Candy Land or by sharing a bag of the treats with friends. It is a day intended for simple pleasures and creative expression using one of the most colorful items in the candy aisle.

• Purchase a variety of spice and fruit gumdrops to compare different flavors.
• Build a bridge or a tower using gumdrops and toothpicks as a creative challenge.
• Bake a batch of cookies featuring chopped gumdrops instead of chocolate chips.
• Use the candies to decorate the roof or garden of a late-winter gingerbread house.
• Play a classic board game that features candy themes with family or friends.

National Gumdrop Day Dates Table