Lollipops, Suckers, & Fun, O My – A Brief History of Lollipops

Whether you call it a lollipop, sucker or lolly, it’s a simple concept. Take a hard candy and mount it on a stick. But this simple idea is one of the world’s most beloved candies.

It’s given away at banks, doctors’ offices and barbershops. It’s a reward for good behavior and a much-anticipated treat. It’s so popular in fact that the United States recognizes National Lollipop Day on July 20th. It’s a day to celebrate the lollipop in all its many forms.

The History of the Lollipop

The name Lolly Pop was first registered by the Bradley Smith Company of New Haven, Connecticut according to connecticuthistory.org. But the more traditional spelling, lollipop has been used as early as the 1800s.

Nobody knows quite when the first lollipop was made. Some people claim they originated in London during the 17th century. Others say the origins of the lollipop are much older, going back thousands of years.

Varieties of Lollipops

Those 17th-century versions were nothing more than chunks of candy with a stick thrust into them while the candy was still warm. They formed a familiar disk shape with this stick protruding from the bottom. You can still get lollipops like that in the form of Jolly pops, Quality Lollipops or their rounder cousin Dum Dum Mini pops.

Tesla’s Teeny Tall Twists are a 10-inch tower of coiled hard candy on an eight-inch stick. Espeez Cube Pops replace the traditional disc shape with a cube. And Twin Cherry Lollipops connect two lollipops on a single stick to look like a pair of cherries joined at the stem.

You can also get lollipops in the shape of flowers, jack-o-lanterns, Easter eggs, party balloons, and slices of watermelon. Jelly Belly even makes a lollipop in the shape of a giant jelly bean.

The earliest lollipops came in fruit flavors. Now they come in an almost endless array of flavors. Think Candy Corn for Halloween, Jolly Rancher Caramel Apple, and Charms Cotton Candy.

The definition of lollipop has been stretched to include any candy on a stick. Blow Pops are hard candy on the outside with gum on the inside. Tootsie Pops have the classic tootsie roll candy inside. Smartie Lollipops are a giant Sweetart on a stick. And Sugar Daddy Lollipops put the classic milk caramel taste of the Sugar Daddy on a stick.

Even the stick is negotiable. Push Pops are hard candy in a tube with a replaceable cap that keeps the lollipop from getting dirty between snack sessions. Ring Pops have an adjustable plastic ring in place of the stick. So kids can wear them on their fingers. Spangler has also created a Saf-T-Pop which uses a fiber cord loop in place of a stick.

Celebrating National Lollipop Day

Recognize National Lollipop Day by giving lollipops to everyone you meet. Or take the celebration to the next level with a lollipop bouquet or lollipop topiary centerpiece. How will you celebrate National Lollipop Day?

For a complete catalog of all the best lollipops, visit our bulk candy store.