Remember French Burnt Peanuts?

French Burnt Peanuts...

 Just saying the name might bring back memories of old candy shops, glass jars, and bright red fingers from eating too many at once.

 These odd-looking, sugar-coated snacks are a quirky favorite in the world of classic American candy. But where did they come from, and why are they called “French” if they’re not French at all? Let’s dig into the crunchy, colorful past of this old-school treat.

1. Not French, Not Burnt… So What Are They?

Here’s the truth: French Burnt Peanuts are neither French nor burnt. The name is more about style than accuracy. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, American candy makers often used the word “French” to make foods sound fancy or gourmet—kind of like calling curly fries “French fried potatoes.” The “burnt” part refers to how the candy is made, not the flavor.

French Burnt Peanuts are created using a candy-making technique called “panning.” In a large rotating pan, roasted peanuts are tumbled while layers of sugar syrup are slowly added. As the syrup hardens and builds up, the peanut gets its crunchy, bumpy shell. A final layer of bright red coloring gives the candy its signature look. The result? A sweet, slightly rough-textured candy with a satisfying crunch and salty center.

2. Who Made Them First?

The exact date and person who invented French Burnt Peanuts isn't known for sure, but the candy is believed to have originated in the early 1900s in the United States. At the time, sugar-panning techniques were growing in popularity, inspired by European methods used to make sweets like Jordan almonds.

One of the earliest companies to mass-produce French Burnt Peanuts was the Ferrara Pan Candy Company, founded by Italian immigrant Salvatore Ferrara in Chicago in 1908. Ferrara was a pioneer in panned candy production and helped popularize several sugar-coated treats, including Boston Baked Beans. While it’s unclear if Ferrara invented French Burnt Peanuts specifically, his company is widely credited with bringing them to the American mainstream.

3. From Candy Counters to Carnival Rides

As the candy gained popularity in the early to mid-20th century, French Burnt Peanuts became a common sight at movie theaters, carnivals, county fairs, and five-and-dime stores. Cheap and easy to enjoy by the handful, they offered just the right mix of sweet and salty, crunchy and satisfying.

Their rough, lava-rock look made them stand out in jars and candy bins. And because they were made with real peanuts—not just sugar—they became a favorite among adults as well as kids. They were often sold alongside Boston Baked Beans, which looked similar but had a smoother, shinier shell.

4. Still a Sweet Favorite

These days, French Burnt Peanuts aren’t as common as they once were, but you can still find them—especially in nostalgic candy shops and online stores that specialize in retro sweets. For some, they’re a quirky snack. For others, they’re a memory of childhood, family road trips, or grandma’s candy dish.

What hasn’t changed is their unique charm: bold red color, crunchy sugar shell, and salty peanut inside. They’re a little odd, a little old-fashioned, and totally unforgettable.

So the next time you’re craving something a bit different, grab a handful of French Burnt Peanuts. You’ll be enjoying over 100 years of candy history—one crunchy bite at a time.