National Jelly Bean Day

Celebrated on 04/22/2026

Quick Fact

National Jelly Bean Day is celebrated on April 22nd each year. While jelly beans have been around since the 1800s, they became a staple of Easter celebrations in the 1930s thanks to their egg-like shape. Today, over 16 billion jelly beans are produced annually in the United States alone.

Origins and Establishment of National Jelly Bean Day

National Jelly Bean Day was established by the National Confectioners Association in the early 2000s to celebrate the iconic candy. The exact year of its founding is unclear, but the day was chosen to coincide with the spring season when jelly beans are most popular, particularly around Easter. The holiday aims to honor the candy's rich history and its place in American confectionery culture.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Originally a penny candy sold in bulk, jelly beans gained mainstream popularity in the 20th century. The introduction of gourmet jelly beans by companies like Jelly Belly in the 1970s revolutionized the candy, offering a wide variety of flavors. Today, National Jelly Bean Day is celebrated with special promotions, jelly bean-themed recipes, and social media campaigns. Some enthusiasts even organize jelly bean tasting events or use them for art projects.

Facts & General Observations

• Jelly beans were reportedly first created in the 1860s by an unknown Boston candy maker.
• It takes 7 to 21 days to make a single jelly bean, depending on the flavor.
• The most popular jelly bean flavor in the United States is buttered popcorn.

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