The Jaw-Dropping, Tooth-Chipping History of Jawbreakers

Our latest episode explores the fascinating and often surprising look into the world of jawbreakers, also known as gobstoppers, a classic candy that has delighted generations but also comes with some unexpected quirks.You'll uncover their 19th-century origins and the mystery behind their "jawbreaker" name, which originally referred to a hard-to-pronounce word. Discover how Ferrara Pan Candy Company helped popularize these rock-hard treats, which are made through a surprisingly intricate and time-consuming "hot panning" process that can take anywhere from four days to several weeks for larger sizes. While they are over 90% sugar and famed for their long-lasting nature, parents should be aware that jawbreakers are "not so great for crunching" and have been humorously dubbed as "Frustrating dentists since 2008" due to their toughness. More seriously, you'll learn about bizarre incidents involving exploding jawbreakers that caused burns, emphasizing the importance of proper storage and avoiding temperature extremes like refrigeration or microwaving. Finally, we'll explore their significant impact on popular culture, from Roald Dahl's "Everlasting Gobstoppers" to their central role in Ed, Edd n Eddy and even inspiring a 1999 teen comedy.