Tag: Circus peanuts

Despite their name and shape, a staggering 100% of classic circus peanuts do not contain nuts. This iconic banana-flavored, marshmallow-like candy is a nut-free treat, making it a safe option for many with nut allergies. However, the confectionery’s name is the source of frequent confusion, prompting many to ask: are there nuts in circus peanuts?

Circus Peanuts, that brightly-colored, peanut-shaped candy, have been a controversial fixture in American confectionery since the 19th century. This spongy treat, however, is not made with actual peanuts, despite its name and shape. Its ingredients and history are a whimsical tale of artificial flavors and serendipitous candy-making innovations.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some brands of circus peanuts can be up to 84% sugar by weight. This reveals just how much sugar do circus peanuts have, positioning them as an extremely sweet confection with a very high sugar density.