Fast Facts about Candyfloss
Candyfloss is one of the most popular fun foods around, and it is a staple at amusement parks and funfairs across the world. In the US it's called cotton candy, Australians know it as fairy floss, while in China it goes by the name of dragon's beard. Whatever you call it, kids and grown-ups alike can't get enough of the cotton-like confection. But how much do you know about this multicoloured sweet treat? Some of the things you learn in this brief look at the humble candyfloss might surprise you!
History of candyfloss
It is debated where the first candy floss emerged from. Some accounts say it began in Italy as spun sugar as long ago as in the 15th century, while others maintain it first appeared elsewhere in Europe hundreds of years later. What is agreed, however, is that the original manual method for creating spun sugar was extremely expensive and difficult. This meant that it could not be made available to most people until a different way of creating it was found.
Surprisingly, the modern machine-spun candy floss that we know and love was actually invented by a dentist called William Morrison. Maybe he was trying to drum up new business for himself! Together with a confectioner named John C. Warton they developed the new method in 1897. It was far cheaper and quicker than the old way and meant that finally candy floss could reach a large audience. Their invention was first unveiled to the public at the 1904 Worlds Fair in Louisiana and it quickly became hugely popular.
Candyfloss facts
While pink is probably the most famous colour for candyfloss, there's actually a huge variety available. You can have your candyfloss green, purple, blue, yellow… Even black! If you'd like some unusual coloured candyfloss at your next event than We Are Tricycle can provide everything you need.
An interesting fact about candy floss is that despite the sweet taste it's actually healthier than a lot of desserts. Because there are only two ingredients, air and sugar, this means that candy floss actually contains zero fat. The process of creating the ever-popular snack involves pulling lots of air into threads of sugar, means that the candy floss we eat contains far more air than anything else. Potentially good news for people wanting a tasty treat without too many calories!
Candyfloss carts and equipment for hire from We Are Tricycle
At We Are Tricycle we have a range of fantastic candy floss catering tricycles and many other event catering solutions that will enable you to provide candy floss at your next event. They always go down well at parties, while at festivals or funfairs they are a great way to generate income. Our candy floss machines are commercial grade, and are suitable for use at the largest functions in the UK. We can even provide a member of staff to serve your customers or guests. To discuss what you require, simply get in touch with a member of our team through the website right now. We look forward to hearing from you.
Check out our other food vending tricycles or our food carts and bars for more quirky catering ideas!
Candyfloss Turns a Small Amount of Sugar into a Much Larger Treat
One of the distinctive things about candyfloss is its apparent size compared with the ingredients used to make it. The familiar fluffy mass is formed from extremely fine strands of sugar, creating a light texture quite unlike ordinary confectionery.
That unusual appearance has helped candyfloss become closely associated with funfairs, carnivals and other entertainment settings.
The Fine Strands Are What Give Candyfloss Its Texture
Candyfloss machines heat sugar and use a rapidly rotating mechanism to produce fine strands as the melted sugar exits through small openings and cools. Those strands are collected together to create the finished serving.
At an event, preparation should be handled using suitable catering equipment and in accordance with the operating and food-service requirements for the particular setup.
Candyfloss Has Become Part of the Visual Identity of the Funfair
The connection between candyfloss and fairground entertainment goes beyond taste. Its distinctive appearance, preparation and presentation mean it can contribute to the visual character of a traditional fair or carnival.
What Is the History of the Funfair? provides wider context on the development of fairground entertainment, while What Is the History of Fairground Art? explores another important part of the traditional fairground's visual identity.
Mobile Serving Can Bring Candyfloss into Different Parts of an Event
Candyfloss does not necessarily need to be served from a conventional fixed concession. Candy Floss Food Vending Tricycle Hire provides a mobile presentation that can work within a broader event layout.
food vending tricycles includes further mobile catering ideas, while How Mobile Food Carts & Bars Run at Outdoor Events looks at how mobile serving points relate to visitor routes, queues and the wider site.
Candyfloss Can Support More Than a Traditional Funfair Theme
Although its fairground associations are strong, candyfloss can also fit events built around circus, carnival, vintage or colourful contemporary themes. The surrounding entertainment and presentation can determine whether it feels traditional, nostalgic or deliberately modern.
circus events, vintage events and themed events provide different directions for developing the wider event concept.
Pair Candyfloss with Traditional Fairground Games
Food and entertainment can reinforce one another when they share the same part of the site. Candyfloss served near Hook A Duck Side Stall, Tin Can Alley Side Stall or Coconut Shy Side Stall can help create a recognisable traditional fairground section.
fairground side stalls and games provides further activities for organisers building this type of entertainment area.
Balance Sweet Treats with the Rest of the Catering
Candyfloss can provide a smaller sweet option alongside more substantial event food. A varied catering programme might combine treats with burgers, hot dogs, fries or other meals so visitors can choose according to what they want at different points during the event.
event catering solutions and food carts & bars provide further catering options, while Food and Catering FAQs answers broader questions about planning food service at events.
Explore More Fairground Food and Event Planning Advice
Candyfloss is one part of the wider relationship between food and entertainment at fairs, festivals and other events. Organisers also need to consider serving positions, waiting visitors, weather and how catering fits alongside attractions.
How to Manage Queues at Funfairs and Event Planning and Logistics FAQs provide related planning advice. You can also browse all products, continue through our Guides, or contact us about catering and entertainment for your event.