The vibrant world of gourmet jelly beans we know today began with one man’s vision to transform an ordinary candy into something extraordinary. David Klein, a California entrepreneur with a passion for confectionery innovation, forever changed the landscape of sweet treats when he created Jelly Belly beans in 1976.
The Birth of a Candy Revolution
What makes the Jelly Belly story so fascinating is how David Klein approached candy-making with the mindset of a culinary artist rather than just a manufacturer. Klein wasn’t satisfied with the standard jelly beans of his era—he envisioned something more flavorful, more authentic, and more exciting.
In the mid-1970s, Klein partnered with Herman Goelitz Candy Company (now known as Jelly Belly Candy Company) to bring his concept to life. His revolutionary idea? Creating jelly beans with flavoring throughout the entire candy—not just in the shell—and developing gourmet flavors that tasted remarkably like the real thing.
The First Eight Flavors
When Jelly Belly beans debuted, they launched with eight original flavors: Root Beer, Green Apple, Licorice, Cream Soda, Lemon, Tangerine, Very Cherry, and Grape. What made these candies stand out wasn’t just their intense flavor but their attention to detail—the Root Beer actually tasted like root beer, not just a vague suggestion of it.
I remember trying my first Jelly Belly bean as a child and being amazed that something so small could taste so authentic. That experience is exactly what Klein was aiming for—a moment of surprise and delight.
Presidential Fame and Beyond
The Jelly Belly story took an unexpected turn when Ronald Reagan became known as a fan of the candy during his governorship of California. Later, as president, his preference for Jelly Belly beans brought them international attention, with the White House ordering 3.5 tons of the candy for his 1981 inauguration. By 2025, this presidential connection remains part of the brand’s rich heritage.
What many don’t realize is that Klein sold his rights to the Jelly Belly name in 1980 for $4.8 million, a decision he later came to regret. The Herman Goelitz Candy Company eventually renamed itself Jelly Belly Candy Company in 2001.
The Legacy Continues
Today, Jelly Belly has expanded to over 100 flavors, from the delightful to the deliberately disgusting (anyone brave enough to try the BeanBoozled challenge?). The company produces approximately 347,000 pounds of jelly beans per week, shipping them to more than 80 countries worldwide.
Klein’s original vision—creating an exceptional, flavor-focused gourmet jelly bean—has evolved into a global phenomenon that continues to innovate. While he may have parted ways with the company decades ago, his legacy lives on in every tiny bean that delivers a burst of unexpected flavor.
Next time you pop a Jelly Belly in your mouth, take a moment to appreciate the story behind it—a tale of entrepreneurial spirit, culinary creativity, and one man’s determination to reimagine what a simple jelly bean could be.
