The lollipop is an all-time favorite candy for many people. And as with anything popular, it has an interesting origin story. If you’re wondering how the lollipop became a hard-candy icon, keep reading to find out. And if you’re interested in making your own lollipops, use our candy flavoring oils to make them burst with flavor!

Where Did Lollipops Originate?

The oldest precursor to the lollipop originated in ancient Africa and Asia. Historians believe that ancient Chinese, Arabs, and Egyptians “candied” fruit and nut confections by dipping them in honey and inserting sticks to make them easier to eat. The honey served as a preservative. Then, during the 17th century, aristocrats ate boiled sugar with the aid of sticks or handles.

American History of Lollipops

From New Haven, Connecticut, George Smith was the first person to create the modern lollipop, in 1908. Initially, he placed soft (rather than hard) candy on sticks, naming the confection “Lolly Pop” after his favorite racehorse. Later that year, the Racine Confectionery Machine Company introduced the first automated lollipop production machine, which put hard candy on sticks at a rate of 2,400 candies per hour.

Rise in Popularity

In 1931, Smith secured the patent for lollipops, and production took off! With a high demand, Racine Confectionery Machine Company and McAviney Candy Company used their machines to make these treats at even faster rates. Adults and children have continued to enjoy lollipops, which remains one of the most iconic candies of all time!

Fun Facts About Lollipops

Can’t get enough of lollipop history? Check out these fun facts for more information about these iconic treats:

• Dum Dums received their name because the manufacturer believed it was easy for kids to pronounce.
• Dum Dum’s mystery flavor isn’t really a mystery. When a batch of one flavor runs low, the manufacturer throws a new flavor into the same vat, making the “mystery flavor” a combination of two flavors.
• Tootsie Roll is the world’s largest lollipop maker, producing 16 million lollipops per day.
• In 2012, See’s Candies made the world’s largest lollipop, which weighed 7,003 pounds.
• Lollipops made their TV debut on the popular 1970s show Kojak. They appear on season 1, during the “Dark Sunday” episode.
• July 20 is National Lollipop Day.

After you learn how the lollipop became a hard-candy icon, we encourage you to pick up one of these sweet confections soon! And if you’re a candy-maker, consider Get Suckered’s flavor concentrates to enhance the taste of your treats. Browse our selection of amazing choices today!