From sugar to cloud — the secret to making cotton candy

Have you ever held a cotton candy stick in your hands and wondered how that sweet, pink cloud was created? The answer is both simple and fascinating.

What exactly is cotton candy?

Cotton candy is essentially spun sugar. Nothing more. Ordinary sugar is transformed into thousands of ultra-fine threads that accumulate to form this light, airy cloud.

Despite its impressive volume, a serving of cotton candy contains only about 30 grams of sugar — often less than a can of soda.

How the machine works

1. Colored granulated sugar is poured into the center of the machine.
2. The heating head melts the sugar at approximately 150-160 °C (300-320 °F).
3. The head spins very rapidly — up to 3,400 revolutions per minute.
4. Centrifugal force projects the molten sugar through tiny holes.
5. Upon contact with air, the sugar instantly solidifies into ultra-fine threads.
6. A stick is twirled to catch the threads and form the cloud.

Where do the colors and flavors come from?

The iconic pink color comes from food coloring added to the sugar. All imaginable colors can be created. Flavors, on the other hand, come from aromas mixed directly into the colored sugar before cooking — strawberry, raspberry, cherry, tutti frutti, the possibilities are endless.

The history of cotton candy

You might be surprised to learn that it was invented by a dentist. In 1897, Dr. William Morrison and confectioner John C. Wharton created the first cotton candy machine. They presented it at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair under the name Fairy Floss.

The name Cotton Candy appeared later in the United States. In France and Quebec, it was called barbe à papa (literally "daddy's beard") — a poetic image of Santa Claus's long white beard.

Cotton candy today

What was once reserved for fairs and amusement parks is now found everywhere: in pre-packaged versions, original flavors, rainbow versions, and even integrated into chocolates and sodas.

Where to buy original cotton candy in Quebec?

At Jujubes et Chocolats, we have versions you won't find anywhere else — including Hot Tamales flavored cotton candy, sweet and spicy, and derivative products like Brazilian KitKat Cotton Candy and Bubble Yum cotton candy gum.

We are at Galeries Saint-Hyacinthe (entrance no. 2). Delivery across Canada — free for orders over $55 — and free in-store pickup, no minimum purchase.