Every year, millions of people indulge in tasty caramel popcorn. However, most people have no idea how this gooey, sweet treat was created and how far it’s come. To get to know this tasty dessert better, here’s a beginner’s guide to the history of this unique flavor.

When Was Caramel Created?

Some people think that Arabs first made caramel as early as 1000 A.D. when they used boiling water to crystalize sugar and create a hard, crunchy candy. However, during the late 1800s, candymakers added milk and fat to water and boiling sugar or beet juice, creating caramel as it’s known today.

How Has Caramel Evolved Over Time?

While he’s known for milk chocolate, Milton Hershey dabbled in caramel and sold his first company, Lancaster^™ Caramels, for a million dollars in 1900. The candymaker wanted to encase caramel with his beloved main ingredient chocolate to create an innovative treat.

Around the same time, Goetze’s^® was created. This brand began selling Caramel Creams—a hard caramel with a chewy middle—in 1940. The famous Brach’s^® was also founded in the early 1900s and started making fresh caramel at their downtown Chicago store. 

How Is Caramel Used Today?

While hard candies are thought of as the traditional caramel, this scrumptious treat can also come in a soft, chewy taffy. People enjoy it as a sauce over ice cream or waffles or even pour creamer into their coffee. Caramel popcorn also offers a crunchy, salty, and sweet snack to eat at the movies, during the holidays, or whenever you’re hungry.

If you’re interested in tasting some delicious caramel popcorn, contact Cracker Box Caramel Pop in Fremont County, WY. Their 60-year-old recipes blend tradition and flavor to create affordable, mouthwatering popcorn options. Call (307) 335-7020 today or visit their website for information on ordering their naturally gluten-free caramel popcorn.