Do Dum-Dums Have Real Sugar? Breaking Down the Ingredients
For many years, candy lovers have wondered what exactly goes into the simple, colorful lollipops known as Dum-Dums. The question, "Do Dum-Dums have real sugar?" is common, and the answer is a definitive yes. A closer look at the ingredients and manufacturing process reveals that Spangler Candy uses a combination of sugar and corn syrup to create these classic treats.
The Official Ingredients List
To clear up any misconceptions, it's best to go straight to the source. The official Dum-Dums ingredients list, as published by Spangler Candy, clearly lists 'Sugar' and 'Corn Syrup' as the first two components. This combination is standard in many hard candies and confectioneries, as it provides a desirable texture and sweetness profile. The other ingredients listed typically include citric acid, malic acid, salt, artificial flavor, and color added.
This breakdown shows that despite their affordability, Dum-Dums are not solely reliant on artificial sweeteners. Instead, they use a blend of conventional sugar and corn syrup to produce their taste. This recipe has remained consistent for decades, contributing to the familiar flavor that consumers have come to know and love.
Sugar vs. Artificial Sweeteners: What's the Difference?
To understand why a candy might contain both sugar and corn syrup, it's helpful to compare these with artificial sweeteners. Real sugar, or sucrose, is a naturally occurring disaccharide that provides energy and a certain level of sweetness. Corn syrup is a liquid sweetener derived from corn starch that is often used to prevent crystallization and add moisture to candy. Artificial sweeteners, on the other hand, are synthetic compounds that can be hundreds of times sweeter than sugar and often contain zero calories. While some candies use artificial sweeteners for low-calorie options, Dum-Dums stick to the traditional, sugar-based recipe.
| Feature | Real Sugar (Sucrose) | Corn Syrup | Artificial Sweeteners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Natural (e.g., sugarcane, beets) | Natural (corn starch) | Synthetic or derived from natural sources |
| Calorie Content | High | High | Low or zero |
| Sweetness Level | Standard | Standard | Much sweeter than sugar |
| Texture Impact | Can cause crystallization | Prevents crystallization, adds smoothness | None or negligible |
| Dental Health | Can contribute to cavities | Can contribute to cavities | Lower risk, but long-term effects debated |
Why the Combination of Sugar and Corn Syrup?
The use of both sugar and corn syrup isn't random; it's a deliberate choice rooted in candy-making science. Corn syrup is a key ingredient for controlling the texture and crystallization of the candy. When making a hard lollipop, a high concentration of sugar and corn syrup is cooked to a specific temperature. The corn syrup helps to create a smoother, more stable candy that is less likely to become grainy or sticky. The combination creates the hard, glossy texture that defines a classic lollipop.
Furthermore, this blend helps manage the candy's shelf life and stability, ensuring that Dum-Dums maintain their quality over time. The manufacturing process, which takes place in Bryan, Ohio, involves carefully mixing, cooking, and shaping the sweet liquid into the small, round treats.
Beyond the Sugar: Other Considerations
In addition to using real sugar, Dum-Dums offer several other characteristics that appeal to consumers. The company explicitly states that their products are free of the top common allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, and gluten. This makes them a suitable treat for a wide range of individuals with dietary restrictions. They are also OU kosher certified.
For those with dental concerns, it is important to remember that any candy with sugar can contribute to cavities if not consumed in moderation and with proper dental hygiene. However, the small size of Dum-Dums means each pop contains a relatively low amount of sugar—about 5 grams per pop—making them a portion-controlled treat.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to the question "Do Dum-Dums have real sugar?" is a clear and simple yes. These lollipops are made with a combination of real sugar and corn syrup, which has been the standard recipe for decades. This blend is essential for achieving the right flavor, sweetness, and texture that have made Dum-Dums a beloved classic for generations. While they contain sugar, their allergen-free status and portion-controlled size make them a well-regarded treat for many. So next time you unwrap a Dum-Dum, you can enjoy it knowing exactly what gives it that sweet taste.
