The History of the First Candy in Quebec: A Sweet Revolution

Candies have been an integral part of Quebec culture for centuries. But where do they come from, and how did they make their way here? Let's delve into the origins of the first candy that delighted the taste buds of Quebecers.

The arrival of sugar in Quebec

Even before candies appeared, sugar had to be available. In the 17^th century, during French colonization, sugar was a rare and precious commodity. Imported from the West Indies, it was reserved for the elite and mainly used in jams and pastries.

It wasn't until the early 19^th century, with the drop in sugar prices, that confectioneries began to emerge in Lower Canada, particularly in Quebec City and Montreal.

The first confectioneries

The very first candy to appear in Quebec remains difficult to identify with certainty. In the early 19^th century, European confectioners—French and British—brought their techniques to the New World. Dragees and hard candies, like barley sugar, quickly gained popularity. These early treats were often handmade in small confectioneries or sold in delicatessens.

Maple syrup: the Quebec contribution

Quebec's most unique contribution to the history of candy is, of course, maple syrup. French colonists and Indigenous peoples already knew the art of harvesting maple sap and turning it into sugar.

Maple candies were made by heating the syrup until it crystallized. This natural product was one of the first forms of typically Quebecois candy, long before confections made from imported cane sugar became common.

The rise of industrial candies in the 20^th century

From the early 20^th century, major brands like Lowney established themselves in Quebec. Lowney, which opened its first factory in Montreal in 1905, revolutionized the industry with the large-scale production of chocolate, caramel, and other sweets.

Soft caramels, licorice rolls, and hard candies filled grocery store counters. These treats, once a luxury, became accessible to everyone.

Old-fashioned candies we keep alive

Many of these classics have disappeared from shelves. At Jujubes et Chocolats, we strive to keep them available: Thrills soap gum, Popeye cigarettes, Neapolitan taffy, aniseed balls, wax bottles, Crush birch beer. Candies that most people thought were impossible to find.

We are at Galeries Saint-Hyacinthe (entrance no. 2), with delivery across Canada and free in-store pickup, with no minimum purchase. Come and see: there's a good chance you'll find a candy from your childhood.