Circus Peanuts are a type of marshmallow candy. Contrary to the name, these candies have nothing to do with circuses, and little to do with peanuts. Many people are aware of the existence of Circus Peanuts, and bringing them up in discussion is bound to result in a spirited debate, as some people adore this candy, while others are not so fond of it. Most candy stores and large markets carry Circus Peanuts, thanks to the assortment of companies which makes this candy product.

Classically, Circus Peanuts are molded into the shape of peanuts, which explains the “Peanut” in the name, but they are banana flavored, and do not actually contain any peanuts. Just to add to the confusion, circus peanuts are typically dyed orange, although it is also possible to find them in white, pink, and yellow upon occasion. The bizarre look and contradictory flavor of circus peanuts may explain why many consumers have difficulties with this candy.

You may be surprised to learn that Circus Peanuts are extremely old. They were developed during the 1800s, and are in fact one of the oldest candies to remain continually on the market. Originally, Circus Peanuts were only released during the spring, due to concerns about the candy's stability during other seasons. In the 1940s, plastic packaging and refined manufacturing techniques allowed companies to start offering Circus Peanuts to their fans year-round.

The texture of Circus Peanuts varies, depending on how fresh they are. Extremely fresh Circus Peanuts will feel sort of like marshmallows in the mouth, with a chewy note. The longer Circus Peanuts are allowed to stale, the more foamy they will get, with extremely stale Circus Peanuts resembling styrofoam. Some people prefer the texture and flavor of stale circus peanuts, and they will leave a bag open for several days before eating the candy to allow it to age to the right texture.

This candy typically comes in large bags, and you sometimes see Circus Peanuts lurking in candy samplers and office candy bowls. Some famous producers of Circus Peanuts include: Brach's Confections, Spangler Confections, and Melster Candies. All use more or less the same recipe, and all of the recipes include gelatin, so Circus Peanuts are not safe for vegans and vegetarians.