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Civil War Commissary in a Box

Civil War Commissary in a Box

Regular price $21.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $21.00 USD
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SKU:400000007465

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Civil War Candy? Who knew!

Civil War soldiers valued sugars as medicine, food, and morale boosters throughout the Civil War. Favorites came in packages from home for lucky soldiers, likely jelly beans, a direct descendant of the 9th century Arabic sore throat remedy turned treat Turkish Delight. Also medicinal in origin was stain glass candy - a version appeared in Martha Washington's cookbook - and lemon drops.

Civil War Sweets & Sugars

Some soldiers made favorites for themselves at the start of the war, such as molasses pulls. Hospitals and other organizations sent packages, many items such as cacao and sugar recommended by the new US Sanitary Commission. Cane sugar was common at first, replaced by beet sugar, among others, all able to grow in cool climates. Soldiers bought or found dried fruit and other goods will foraging.

Government Sweets & Sutlers

The government provided a small variety of sweets. Figures such as Grant shipped large quantities of cranberries, rich in sugar and vitamin C, to Union troops at the Battle of St. Petersburg. Soldiers with enough money bought goods from sutlers, disreputable merchants selling over-priced, hard-to-find items such as ginger and coffee, which troops used boiled or ate whole. The sutlers were later replaced by commissaries, providing approved goods at a reasonable cost.

Size: 12 different samples in a 5 15/16" x 1" x 7 3/4" box

Lemon Drop (Sugar, Glucose Syrup, dextrose, citric Acid, natural lemon flavor, yellow #5),White Sugar (cane sugar), Stain Glass (Sugar, Corn Syrup, Flavor, FD&C Colors. Jelly Beans (Sugar, Corn Syrup, Cornstarch, Modified Cornstarch, Maltodextrin, FD&C Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Titanium Dioxide, Blue 1, Red 3, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Carnauba Wax, Beeswax, Confectioner's Glaze.), Molasses Pulls (Corn Syrup, Sugar, Milk, Vegetable Oils and Fats, Molasses.), Bugs (Crickets and Mealworms) Cranberries (Dehydrated Cranberries), Cacao Beans (Organic Cacao Beans Packaged in the same facility as peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and milk products), Coffee (organic Ethiopian Coffee). Amber Beet Sugar (Raw beet sugar), Ginger (Organic Ginger, Organic Raw Cane Sugar). Necco Wafers (Sugar, Corn Syrup, Gelatin , Natural & Artificial Flavors, Vegetable Gums (Gum Tragacanth Arabic & Xanthan), Chocolate , Citric Acid, Fd & Colors Yellow 5& 6, Blue 1, Red 3, and Red 40)

 


Allergen Disclaimer: Please note that our products are made in a facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy, and wheat. While we take precautions to prevent cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee that our products are allergen-free.

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Please allow 3-5 business days for processing new retail orders. Many of our products are hand-made and assembled, so some orders may experience some delays depending on availability. Most orders are shipped within 5 business days. If you have any questions or concerns about your order please reach out to us. 

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100% Authentic Historic Candy
100% Authentic Historic Candy The ONLY research-based historic candy company in the U.S., proudly offering genuine historical candies with the story of each

Sugar, Medicine, and Morale: Sweets in the Civil War

Civil War soldiers relied on sweets for survival, comfort, and even medicine. From home, they received jelly beans, inspired by Turkish Delight, and “stained glass” candy, similar to lozenges used for sore throats. Hospitals and the U.S. Sanitary Commission provided cacao and sugar, both considered essential for health. Soldiers made molasses pulls themselves, an early version of taffy, while sutlers sold expensive treats like ginger and dried fruit. As cane sugar production declined, alternatives like beet sugar and sorghum became crucial. Even in the harshest conditions, soldiers found ways to enjoy maple sugar, licorice root, and rock candy—proving that even in war, the taste of sweetness was never forgotten...

The Sweet Journey Through Time Starts Here!

True Treats is the only historically accurate candy store in the world, bringing the past to life through researched sweets, teas, syrups, and more. Every product is rooted in history, telling the story of how people from all walks of life enjoyed treats through time. Leading this effort is Susan, a nationally recognized candy historian, researcher, and author who appears regularly on TV, radio, and in major publications. With over 40 years of experience, she has written ten books and founded True Treats to share the fascinating history of candy in a fun and delicious way. Susan’s work uncovers the surprising origins of America’s favorite sweets, from ancient uses of sugar to the candies of the 1900s. Through True Treats, Susan makes history an interactive experience, allowing customers to taste the past while learning the stories behind every bite.

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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PAUL PARENTEAU
Fun, tasty, educational!

This is our second purchase of this wonderful box. I really relish everything, but the bugs. Nope. Nope. We are actually planning a trip to the store!

J
Jeannette G.
A perfect gift!

This was a Christmas gift for my friend, who has done research on her ggggrandfather, a Civil War surgeon. She loved it!