What is in candy?

Candy is a broad term, so the ingredients can vary greatly! But here's a breakdown of common components:

Sweeteners:

* Sugar: Most common, often refined white sugar, but brown sugar, corn syrup, and others can be used.

* Artificial sweeteners: Aspartame, sucralose, stevia, etc.

Fat:

* Butter: Provides richness and flavor.

* Vegetable oils: Coconut oil, palm oil, etc.

* Chocolate: Contains cocoa butter, adding richness and a chocolatey flavor.

Flavorings:

* Vanilla extract: A classic flavoring.

* Fruit juices and concentrates: Add natural sweetness and flavor.

* Artificial flavorings: Used to create a variety of flavors, often in gummies and hard candies.

Other Ingredients:

* Milk solids: Used in milk chocolate and other creamy candies.

* Eggs: Can be used in chewy candies.

* Nuts and seeds: Added for texture and flavor.

* Dried fruit: Raisins, cranberries, etc. provide sweetness and texture.

* Coloring: Often artificial, but some candies use natural pigments like beet juice or turmeric.

* Gelling agents: Gelatin, pectin, agar-agar used for gummies and jellies.

* Emulsifiers: Lecithin, soy lecithin, etc. help ingredients blend together.

Specific Types of Candy:

* Chocolate: Cocoa beans, sugar, milk solids, butter.

* Hard candy: Sugar, corn syrup, flavorings.

* Chewy candy: Sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, flavorings.

* Gummies: Sugar, gelatin, fruit juice, flavorings.

* Lollipops: Sugar, corn syrup, flavorings.

* Caramels: Sugar, butter, milk solids, flavorings.

* Marshmallows: Sugar, gelatin, corn syrup, flavorings.

This is just a general overview, and specific recipes can vary greatly.

Note: It's always best to check the ingredient list of any specific candy product for detailed information.