National Gumdrop Day

National Gumdrop Day celebrates the beloved cone-shaped, gelatin-based candy that’s coated in sugar and comes in various fruit and spice flavors.

Quick Facts

When is it?: February 15th annually
Tagged as: Food & Drink, Snacks & Desserts
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalGumdropDay
When was it founded?: Exact date unknown
Who founded it?: Origin unclear, though modern gumdrops were created by Percy Truesdell in 1915

History

Gumdrops first appeared in print in 1859 when confectioner George Julier advertised “Fresh GumDrops” in The Illinois State Chronicle. The candy gained popularity throughout the late 1800s, becoming so beloved that by the 1890s, “gumdrop” became slang for sweetheart. The candy’s cultural impact expanded when it inspired features in the board game Candy Land and even influenced the naming of the Apollo 9 Command Module.

Timeline

1859: First printed reference to gumdrops
1915: Percy Truesdell creates modern, softer gumdrops
1945: Candy Land board game debuts featuring Gumdrop Mountains
1969: Apollo 9 Command Module named “Gumdrop”

Dates by Next Year 2025

Year	Month	Day
2025	Feb	15
2026	Feb	15
2027	Feb	15
2028	Feb	15
2029	Feb	15

Observed

The day is celebrated by enjoying gumdrops, decorating baked goods, playing Candy Land, and creating gumdrop crafts. Many people host gumdrop-themed parties or incorporate the candies into festive decorations.

Fun Facts About Gumdrops

Common flavors include cherry, orange, grape, lemon, clove, cinnamon, mint, and licorice. The candy’s versatility makes it popular for decorating gingerbread houses and cakes, especially during holiday seasons.

Quiz

What shape are traditional gumdrops?
Who created modern gumdrops?
What NASA mission featured a command module named “Gumdrop”?
(Answers: 1. Cone-shaped, 2. Percy Truesdell, 3. Apollo 9)

FAQs

Q: Are gumdrops and spice drops the same?
A: Spice drops are gumdrops flavored with spices rather than fruit flavors.

Importance of National Gumdrop Day

This celebration highlights a classic candy that has influenced American culture, from gaming to space exploration, while providing a sweet excuse to enjoy these sugary treats.