The Etymology of the word ‘candy’ comes from the Arabic word "qandi" (قندي), which means "sugared" or "sugar." This, in turn, comes from the Persian word "qand" (قند), meaning "sugar," which was derived from Sanskrit "kanda" (कंद), meaning "sugar" or "sugar cane.”
The word entered European languages through the Crusaders' interactions with the Arab world during the medieval period, where sugar was used extensively in cooking and candy-making. The term "candy" started to appear in English in the 16th century to refer to sugar-based confections.
Sugar from the newly established trade routes became more accessible, allowing for the creation of more complex confections.
Candied fruits, sugar-coated nuts, and boiled sugar confections were made by hand. The early stages of modern candy-making began with the development of sugar-based treats that were more recognizable as the candies we know today.
Candy bars, lollipops, jelly beans, and chocolates became widely available to people of all social classes. Major candy brands such as Mars, Nestlé, and Cadbury were founded, cementing the widespread appeal of candy as a sweet treat enjoyed by people worldwide. (A great listen to is the podcast about Mars Inc, on ACQUIRED https://www.acquired.fm)
