CANDY FLOSS

The word candyfloss originated in the 1950s. ‘Candy’ likely comes from the Sanskrit word ‘khanda’ meaning ‘a piece of sugar’, and ‘floss’ is a word of uncertain origin that probably comes from the Latin word ‘floccus’ meaning ‘tuft of wool’.

Candyfloss refers to a confection made by spinning sugar in a machine until it forms thin strings. These strings are wrapped around a paper or wooden stick to make a large, light puff of spun sugar. Sometimes, flavouring or colouring is added. Candyfloss is popular at fairs, festivals, circuses and carnivals.

Sweet treats made from spun sugar date back centuries, but making spun sugar was a lengthy, expensive process so only the very wealthy could afford these candies. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that it became possible to make candyfloss cheaply and easily.