The Strange Way Lemonheads Got Their Name

Remember Lemonheads?

If you were a kid with a sweet tooth, chances are you remember Lemonheads. Those tiny, tangy, and irresistibly chewy candies had a way of making your mouth pucker in the best way possible. Whether you found them in Halloween bags, at the corner store, or shared them with friends at school, Lemonheads were a staple of childhood candy collections. Their bright yellow hue and bold citrus flavor set them apart from the rest, making them a go-to for candy lovers who craved something sweet with a sour kick.

Who Invented Lemonheads?

Lemonheads were born in 1962, thanks to the Ferrara Candy Company, a confectionery powerhouse founded by Salvatore Ferrara in Chicago. Ferrara had already established itself as a major player in the candy world, producing classics like Red Hots and Atomic Fireballs. But they wanted something that captured the tart essence of lemons in a small, poppable treat. Using a candy-making process called the "panning" method, which layers sugar onto a candy core, they created the perfect blend of sweet and sour—thus, Lemonheads were born.

How They Got Their Name

The name "Lemonheads" didn’t come from a marketing team or a fancy focus group. Instead, it was inspired by something much closer to home. According to company legend, Nello Ferrara, the son of the company’s founder, noticed that his newborn son had a slightly misshapen, lemon-shaped head. Amused by this, he decided to name the new candy "Lemonheads." What started as a lighthearted observation turned into one of the most recognizable names in the candy world.

Lemonheads Today

Lemonheads have stood the test of time, remaining a beloved treat for candy lovers of all ages. Over the years, Ferrara expanded the brand to include a variety of flavors like Cherryheads, Grapeheads, and Appleheads, but the original lemon flavor remains the fan favorite. Today, you can find them in theaters, vending machines, and retro candy shops, still delivering that classic burst of sour-sweet goodness.

So the next time you pop a Lemonhead into your mouth, remember—their name came from a quirky family moment, proving that sometimes the best ideas come from the most unexpected places.