I’m sure you’re well aware of the tiny but iconic lollipops called Dum Dums. You might even have a favorite flavor — maybe even the elusive “Mystery Flavor”. But what exactly is it? Let’s break it down in this edition of How It’s Made.
How Is Candy Made?
Candy-making starts with two basic ingredients: sugar and water. From there, the type of candy determines additional ingredients — brown sugar, corn syrup, fats, acids, and flavorings all come into play.
Once mixed, the base is heated — sometimes up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Hard candies are heated at higher temperatures, while soft candies require less heat. After that, the mixture moves through a series of automated processes: molding, cooling, wrapping, and packaging.
These processes often use the same types of machinery found in hygiene product manufacturing.
In short: mix, heat, form, cool, and package. But that still doesn’t answer the big question…
Where Does the “Mystery Flavor” Come From?
The “Mystery Flavor” is actually the overlap between two batches of candy flavors.
To save time and reduce costly production downtime, manufacturers like Dum Dums avoid stopping the production line between flavor changes. Instead, they allow the end of one batch (say, strawberry) to blend into the beginning of the next (vanilla). That mix — strawberry-vanilla — becomes the Mystery Flavor.
There are so few candies made during that transition that it doesn’t make sense to give them a custom wrapper or name. Instead, they’re bundled under the mystery label. This keeps costs low and production high while offering a little extra fun for the consumer.
Now, consider this: Dum Dums currently offer 16 standard flavors. That means there are 256 possible combinations of two-flavor overlaps. So the next time you unwrap a Mystery Flavor, try to guess the mix — but don’t be surprised if it keeps you guessing.
