As a food science expert with a focus on the diversity of ingredients used in the confectionery industry, I can tell you that while the vast majority of candies are made from traditional ingredients like sugar, chocolate, and various flavorings, there are some exceptions. Certain types of candies, particularly those that are more experimental or niche, might incorporate unconventional ingredients. However, it's important to clarify that the use of insects in the food industry, while practiced in some cultures, is not a common practice in the mainstream candy production in the West.

That being said, there is a growing interest in edible insects due to their nutritional value and as a more sustainable protein source. Some products might use insect-derived ingredients like cricket flour, which can be used in baking and confections. However, this is not the norm for most candies that you would find in a typical store.

To summarize, while it's not impossible to find candies made with insects, it is not a widespread practice, and most candies are made from more conventional ingredients.

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Your favorite candy probably has bugs in it, and that's really okay. Bugs -- they make our food red. ... Like many bug-based additives, this red dye used to be listed as just another "natural color" on ingredient lists. But since some people are allergic to cochineal insects, the dye is now listed separately as carmine.read more >>