[1] They date to the 19th century, when they were one of a large variety of unwrapped "penny candy" sold in such retail outlets as five-and-dime stores.

These are typically made from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin,[3] pectin, soy protein, food coloring and artificial flavor.

Confectioners originally distributed an orange-flavored variety that was only available seasonally due to a lack of packaging capable of preserving the candy.

The Publix supermarket chain at one time sold generic circus peanuts under its own label, manufactured by Farley and Sathers.

[citation needed] Circus peanuts led to the creation of Lucky Charms in 1964 when a General Mills employee chopped pieces of the candy into a bowl of Cheerios.