Food holidays on April 5

United States·April 5 2026

National Caramel Day

Caramel, a confection born out of the alchemy of caramelization, has a rich history dating back to the Arab discovery in 1000 A.D. They created chewy candies by boiling sugar in water. By the 17th century, the term ”caramel,“ derived from the Latin word ”cannamellis,“ meaning ”cane sugar,“ became associated with this delectable creation. The allure of caramel quickly spread to Europe, where it began to evolve into various forms and uses due to the experimentation of people. By the 19th century, confectioners began to experiment further, adding milk and butter to sugar and water, leading to the creation of modern-day caramel. This high-heat process was called caramelization, and it gave caramel its distinctive flavor and color, transforming caramel into a softer, chewy treat. People in North America started making caramel candies around 1650. Sugar was melted in kettles, and although it's not entirely clear, some historians believe some of these hard candies could have been toffee, a type of caramel. The turn of the century saw the emergence of caramel as a significant confection in America. In 1886, Milton S. Hershey established the Lancaster Caramel Company, a precursor to the Hershey Company. It was during this time that caramel's popularity soared, and Milton Hershey began his journey into the world of chocolate. In the late 20th century, French pastry chef Henri Le Roux popularized salted butter caramels, introducing a unique and delightful twist to this classic confection.