Lollies: A Sweet Introduction

Lollies, often called 'candy' in American English, are confections with sugar as a principal ingredient. They come in countless forms, flavors, and textures, from hard candies to chewy gummies.

The concept of 'candy' dates back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans enjoyed honey-covered fruits and nuts, which were the precursors to modern-day lollies.

Sugar, once a luxury, was mass-produced after the 18th century, making sweets widely available. This led to the proliferation of lollies during the Industrial Revolution.

Surprisingly, lollies were originally used for medicinal purposes. Herbs and spices were coated in sugar to make them palatable, being prescribed for digestion and other ailments.

Lollies are engineered to activate our 'sweet' taste buds, a flavor preference thought to have evolved to guide humans towards energy-rich foods.

Modern technology has given rise to novel lolly varieties, including flavor-changing and center-filled candies. Some even claim to benefit dental health by using sweeteners like xylitol.

Lollies have made significant cultural impacts; they're central in holidays like Halloween and are featured in various media, including the famous 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'.