Candy is tasty, though it probably isn’t the healthiest food. Here’s what a 1920 home economics textbook said about candy:
The Use of Candy in Diet
Candy, is an energy-giving food, but unfortunately perhaps, it is not (at all times) a most desirable energy-giving food. Sugar exists in candy in concentrated form. Such sugar is irritating to the organs of digestion.
Sugar is contained in large quantity in some fruits, especially in dried fruits: figs, dates, prunes, etc. These fruits are a much better source of sweets for children than is candy, because they do not contain as much sugar, and have, in addition, valuable food materials in the form of ash. Note the large quantity of carbohydrates and ash in raisins.
Candy should never be used to excess or at the wrong time. A little eaten at the end of a meal is not harmful to the normal person. At that time the sugar is diluted because it is mixed with other foods. When diluted it does not irritate the digestive tract to the extent that it would if eaten between meals with no other foods. It is well to drink a generous quantity of water when eating candy or other sweets. Since molasses, honey, and maple syrup are not so concentrated as is sugar, they are desirable sweets for children – provided they are used moderately at the right time, and are mixed with other foods.
School and Home Cooking (1920) by Carlotta C. Greer
The old book mentions the role of “ash” in the diet. Today ash would be called minerals.
A Hundred Years Ago 
And studies indicate that high sugar candy when eaten between meals actually increase hunger thus leading to overeating at meal time! I think they were onto something in 1920!
I’m often surprised by how often people a hundred years ago understood what they needed to do to eat healthy, even if they had no clue regarding the underlying scientific reasons.
So good. So bad.
It all a matter of getting the right balance. 🙂
Good advice in the last paragraph. Don’t use sugar to excess.
Moderation is key. 🙂
I had to look up ash. It doesn’t sound yummy, but I believe it refers to minerals.
Yes, my understanding is also that ash refers to minerals. “Minerals” sounds so much better than “ash.” I can see why the term has changed across the years.
They had good advice 100 years ago, but I prefer to LIKE the advice I take.
Aren’t we all selective about the advice we take?
Yes, you are right.
But we don’t include chocolate as candy – right?
Just try to keep remembering that some studies have found health benefits from eating dark chocolate. 🙂
I like the little piece at the end of the meal. Am always happy to see the mints one the way out of a restaurant (back when we went to them!)
mmm. . . I’m also always happy to see those mints at a restaurant. I’d almost forgetten about them. It’s been a long time since I’ve had one. 🙂
Me too.
Kind of want to stick this on my refrigerator.
Nice to hear that you liked this post. Even though the quoted text was written a hundred years ago, it stills contains lots of good advice.
I would agree.
Looks delicious and as long as we apply moderation …all good 🙂
Moderation is always good. 🙂
I like the idea that eating a little candy at the end of a meal is not harmful.
So do I.
I also like a little something sweet after lunch or dinner so have a semi-regular habit of having a dark chocolate covered almond or a shard of chocolate almond bark to finish the meal. Dark chocolate and almonds are healthy, so I understand. 😉
What a delightful way to end a meal! I’ve also heard that dark chocolate and nuts are healthy.
White sugar can be a killer. I’m surprised how sensible people were a hundred years ago, probably little obesity then.xxx
They also were active differently .. I’m talking no couch potatoes. Candy probably gave that little boost of energy a person would consider a good thing.
How true – people were much more active a hundred years ago.
It is always beneficial to rely on natural sources of sugar or sweetness!
I agree.