Candy corn is a small, pyramid-shaped candy, typically divided into three sections of different colors, with a waxy texture and a flavor based on honey, sugar, and corn syrup. The traditional colors of yellow, orange, and white represent the colors of the fall harvest, or of corn on the cob, with the wide yellow end resembling a corn kernel. Candy corn has a reputation for generating polarizing responses, with articles referring to it as "Halloweens most contentious sweet" which people either "love" or "hate".

According to the Jelly Belly Candy Company, which makes candy corn along with jelly beans, the actual flavor of candy corn is a wonderful blend of creamy fondant, rich marshmallow, and warm vanilla notes. When combined, these flavors create the distinct candy corn flavor, which is supposed to be creamy and buttery, like biting into butter. The texture is also important and should be creamy and smooth, never coarse.

In summary, candy corn is supposed to taste like a blend of creamy fondant, rich marshmallow, and warm vanilla notes, which create a distinct buttery and sweet flavor.