In the vibrant tapestry of Zhengzhou’s culinary heritage, Lobster Candy shines as a cherished gem. This traditional crispy confection, originating in the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, stands alongside iconic local brands like Train Brand Popsicles and Golden Leaf Cigarettes. Adorned with a yellow lobster illustration on its wrapper, Lobster Candy embodies the city’s unique charm. Renowned for its fragrant, crispy, and sweet profile, it is more than a treat—it’s a vessel of history and culture.

The Irresistible Allure of Lobster Candy

Lobster Candy, also known as Big Shrimp Crispy Candy or Kid Candy, is a hard, crispy confection made from white sugar, peanuts, and sesame seeds. Unwrap its lobster-emblazoned paper, and you’ll find a milky-white candy shaped like a chubby child, reminiscent of creamy or mint candies yet distinctly its own. One bite reveals a crisp texture and a pale yellow core, where the nutty aroma of peanuts and sesame bursts forth, sweet but never cloying, leaving a lingering fragrance.

The candy’s creation is a craft of precision: peanuts and sesame are ground and blended into a fragrant core, enveloped in a milky-white syrup made from white sugar, then molded into child-shaped forms and cooled. This blend of age-old techniques and modern innovation preserves the candy’s classic flavor while refreshing it for today’s palates. Nutritionally, Lobster Candy is a balanced treat, with less than 50% sugar, 10% plant-based protein, and 9% plant-based fat, offering protein, vitamins, and trace elements suitable for all ages in moderation.

Legends Steeped in Tradition

Beyond its delightful taste, Lobster Candy carries centuries-old stories that weave it into the cultural fabric of China.

One tale hails from the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty in Wuxue, where a filial son crafted a confection of sesame, cane sugar, and osmanthus peel for his ailing mother. Her recovery sparked the spread of “crispy candy,” which became a symbol of filial piety and reunion, gifted during Wuxue’s Spring Festival.

Another legend from the Northern Song Dynasty tells of Su Gu, daughter of XuZhou’s governor Su Dongpo. During a flood, she sacrificed herself to the Yellow River to save the city. In her memory, XuZhou residents built the Yellow Tower Temple and offered “White Sesame Osmanthus Crispy Candy” during temple fairs. Shaped like city wall bricks, the candy symbolized resilience and gratitude.

A third story traces back to the Chu-Han Contention, when a XuZhou elder made a doll-shaped candy from peanuts and sugar. The warlord Xiang Yu, captivated by its sweetness, declared it a “tribute candy.” Resembling a child, it was dubbed “Kid Crispy Candy,” a precursor to Lobster Candy.

From Ancient Roots to Modern Craft

Lobster Candy’s origins lie in the Warring States period’s peanut candy, when people boiled malt sugar with peanuts into portable chunks amid wartime chaos. By the 13th century, peanut candy spread to Arabia, Greece, and Europe. In the early 20th century, the renowned Li Ji Bakery elevated crispy candy, expanding from a single variety to over 20 flavors, including low-sugar options. Its “Macau Specialty Crispy Candy” gained fame across mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and beyond, cementing its status as a century-old brand. Lobster Candy evolved in this wave, preserving Zhengzhou’s heritage while embracing modern tastes.

Quality and Nutrition Assured

As a beloved treat for children, Lobster Candy adheres to strict quality standards. China’s food safety regulations govern its production, using white sugar, wheat flour, and refined palm oil through processes like sugar boiling, flour roasting, cooling, and molding. This ensures safety and consistent flavor. With its balanced nutrition, Lobster Candy satisfies cravings while offering health benefits in moderation.

A Sweet Legacy

Lobster Candy is more than a Zhengzhou delicacy—it’s a snapshot of history. Its fragrant, crispy sweetness, woven with timeless legends and modern craftsmanship, transcends generations. Whether a childhood memory or a festive gift, Lobster Candy tells Zhengzhou’s story with every bite. Savor it, and you’ll taste a city’s heritage—sweet on the tongue, warm in the heart.