are mike and ikes jelly beans

Unwrapping the Mystery: Are Mike and Ikes Really Just Jelly Beans?

For decades, candy lovers have been debating a controversial confectionary question: are Mike and Ikes essentially the same as jelly beans, or is the classic chewy candy in a category all its own?

With their bright colors and bold fruit flavors, Mike and Ikes bear a striking resemblance to the beloved Easter basket treat. But once you bite into that first fruity pellet subtle yet distinct differences quickly become apparent.

In this article we’ll unravel the commonalities and contrasts between Mike and Ikes and jelly beans so you can settle the debate once and for all. Let’s dive in!

Mike and Ikes The Story Behind the Iconic Candy

First, a quick history lesson is in order. Mike and Ikes originated in 1940, created by the Just Born candy company in Pennsylvania. They were named after two company officials, Mike and Ike.

The bite-sized candies came in fruit flavors like lemon, lime, and cherry. They became wildly popular for their tangy tastes encased in a tender, chewy shell.

Over the decades, Mike and Ikes evolved with new flavor assortments and spin-offs, but the classic recipe endures. Fans just can’t get enough of that signature chew!

Jelly Beans: A Traditional Candy Treat

Jelly beans also have a long candy pedigree. These small, gummy beans date back to the 1860s. By the early 1900s, their popularity soared.

The traditional jelly bean has a hard sugar shell and a soft, almost liquid-like middle. These colorful beans pack super sweet fruit essence in flavors like grape, orange, and lemon.

Jelly beans are a staple in Easter baskets and candy bowls alike. Their joyful, bite-sized appeal has delighted kids and adults for generations.

Comparing Ingredients: Sugar and More!

So what makes Mike and Ikes different from a typical jelly bean? It’s all in the ingredients and production methods.

The base of both candies is, of course, sugar. Sugar lends sweetness and structure to candy.

But the specific types of sugar differ slightly in Mike and Ikes versus jelly beans. Mike and Ikes rely more on corn syrup for their signature chewiness.

Jelly beans also use thickeners like cornstarch and egg whites to achieve their gummy interior and crunchy shell. Mike and Ikes eschew these ingredients for a softer, smoother texture.

And while flavors are paramount to both candies, jelly beans tend to use more artificial flavorings to craft intense fruit tastes. Mike and Ikes lean towards natural flavors to replicate lighter, brighter notes.

Examining Texture: Chewy vs Gummy

When it comes down to it, the biggest difference between Mike and Ikes and jelly beans is texture. This distinction affects everything from mouthfeel to flavor release.

Jelly beans have an outer crunch that gives way to an ultra-soft, smooth, almost pudding-like middle. It’s this extreme contrast from shell to center that defines the jelly bean experience.

Mike and Ikes, on the other hand, have a unified tender chewiness throughout. There’s no hard outer coating, just a delightfully springy, spongy texture.

This chew allows the natural fruit flavors to bloom on your tongue rather than hit you all at once. The flavors feel integrated from the first bite to the last.

Appearance: Subtly Different Shapes and Sizes

If you closely examine a handful of Mike and Ikes and jelly beans, you’ll notice subtle shape and size variations:

• Jelly beans have a perfectly oval, egg-like shape with smooth sides. Mike and Ikes are more irregular with flat, capped edges.

• Jelly beans typically range from 1 to 1.5 cm long. Mike and Ikes are a bit smaller on average, around 1 cm in length.

• Jelly beans have a wider color spectrum, while Mike and Ikes appear in more muted, pastel hues.

So in terms of looks, Mike and Ikes differentiate themselves with their charmingly imperfect, mini candies.

The Verdict: Similar, Yet Undeniably Distinct

After this thorough candy investigation, the verdict is clear: Mike and Ikes are first cousins to jelly beans, not identical siblings.

With their chewy texture, natural fruit essences, and quirky shapes, Mike and Ikes absolutely occupy a unique corner of the candy universe.

Yes, Mike and Ikes will always remind us of the delicious jelly beans we know and love. But once you bite into that chewy, fruity candy, you realize Mike and Ikes offer an entirely singular experience.

So the next time you crave these nostalgic candies, don’t settle for just any gummy fruit treat. Seek out those perfect little pillows of chewy, fruity heaven that only Mike and his pal Ike can provide.