The Unexpected Flavor You'd Never Guess Is In Circus Peanuts

Circus peanuts are one of those candies you either love or find entirely baffling, much like the polarizing candy corn typically associated with Halloween. Circus peanuts' spongy texture, bright orange color, and whimsical oversized peanut shape make them a nostalgic treat for some and a mystery for others. But the most surprising thing about circus peanuts isn't their unique appearance or texture — it's their flavor. Despite that peanut-shaped design, these candies taste nothing like peanuts. Instead, they're actually meant to be banana-flavored.

These candies date back to the 19th century and were initially sold as a cheap, accessible penny candy. During that time, banana flavoring was popular in all manner of candies and desserts. Naturally enough for the time, circus peanuts became one of the many treats to adopt this widely enjoyed tropical twist.

The flavor is reminiscent of artificial banana, which has a fascinating history of its own. This taste is linked to the Gros Michel banana, a variety that dominated the market in the early 20th century but was almost wiped out by disease (the Gros Michel is still around but tricky to find anymore). The artificial flavoring used in circus peanuts and other candies, closer to the Gros Michel banana flavor, has a stronger and sweeter profile than the Cavendish bananas we commonly eat today.

The candy circus peanuts are made from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, pectin, and artificial flavoring, giving them a unique marshmallow-like consistency. Unlike standard marshmallows, however, they're denser and chewier, making them stand out in the candy aisle. Their signature orange is the most popular version today, but they've also been made in other shades, like yellow, which more accurately reflect the banana flavoring.

For some, circus peanuts are a cherished memory of childhood. They bring to mind trips to the candy store, fairs, and, of course, circuses. For others, their unusual flavor and spongy texture are more of an acquired taste ... or just a serious turn-off. Whether you love or hate them, their unique combination of banana flavor and quirky design keeps them firmly rooted in American candy history. They're also still popular, unlike these discontinued candy bars that didn't stand the test of time.

Circus peanuts may not taste like peanuts, but their banana flavor and nostalgic charm make them one of the most unusual and enduring treats. If you haven't tried them, they're worth experiencing at least once, if only to see if you land in the "love it" or "leave it" camp. Surely, food celeb Ree Drummond would be with the "leave its," as she has made her aversion to bananas well known.