As Californians prepare to celebrate Easter, a recent survey revealed the state’s favorite candy for the holiday.
This Easter, most Californians will be shopping for Jordan almonds, their favorite candy, according to a report from Innerbody Research, a health products research and review company.
Jordan almonds are almonds coated with a colorful hard sugar shell, and are often used as wedding favors or for other special occasions such as Easter, according to California-based Sconza Chocolates.
Jordan almonds are typically sold in a mix of shiny, pastel colors, but traditional brides also love the simplicity of white, the company said.
Who created Jordan almonds?
Several U.S. companies produce Jordan almonds, including Sconza Chocolate, a prominent producer of the candy since the 1940s.
The history of Jordan almonds holds a special place in the hearts of the Sconza family, with strong ties to Italian traditions.
Jordan almonds did not originate from the Jordan Valley; however, most modern scholars believe the candy was first made in Rome.
In 177 BC, confectioner Julius Dragatus first invented honey-coated almonds and seeds. He named the new treat “dragati” for his namesake.
During that time, they typically were served as party favors at weddings and births, much like their purpose today.
Since the 11th Century, the candy has spread across Europe, around the globe, and to the United States.
The Pelino family perfected the candy concoction, and their legacy still lives on through the Pelino Museum in Italy.
In the 1940s, Vincenzo Sconza and his family began to share the tradition of Jordan almonds in the United States.
How did Jordan almonds get their name?
The origins of the name “Jordan almond” are slightly unclear and are widely debated.
Many believe it to be a corruption of the French word for garden, “jardin.” This was used to differentiate garden almonds from the typical wild variety.
Wild almonds are poisonous due to a compound called amygdalin, which breaks down into cyanide and several other compounds.
Over the years, garden almonds were developed as a nontoxic, edible variant.
Some have argued that the Jordan in Jordan almonds refers to the region where garden almonds were commonly grown.
Peeps reign supreme for internet searches
Innerbody Research revealed that Peeps were the most searched Easter candy in the country, with the sweet being No. 1 in about 17 states.
Peeps drew about 50% more interest than the popular chocolate bunnies.
Americans are expected to dish out nearly $3.5 billion on candy for Easter 2026, up from $3.3 billion in 2025, according to the National Retail Federation.
The Innerbody Research revealed the following:
When is Easter 2026?
Easter Sunday falls on April 5 this year; however, the date varies from year to year, with the moon determining it, according to almanac.com.
Easter Sunday is observed on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, which occurs on or after March 21.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: What Easter candy Californians are buying most this year. It’s a classic
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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