When it comes to Halloween candy, there is one name you can count on to make its way into a trick or treat bag. The name is Tootsie Roll.
Like many American products, the Tootsie Roll was born out of necessity. Candy shop owner Leo Hirshfield developed it in the late 1900’s. The unusual chocolate candy roll came about because Hirshfield wanted a candy that wouldn’t melt easily in the heat of summer. He also wanted something economical enough that most kids could enjoy it.
The Tootsie Roll was named after Hirshfield’s daughter, Clara. She been tagged with the unlikely nickname of “Tootsie.”
By the turn of the century Tootsie Rolls were well on their way to becoming a household name. They even developed a strong military following in the 30’s because the candy held up well in almost any type of environment.
Kids loved the original Tootsie Roll for lots of different reasons, not the least of which was that it could be divided into pieces to make it last a long time. Now, the Tootsie Roll is made in lots of different sizes from miniatures to midgees and more.
Six pieces or “midgees” of Tootsie Roll equals a single serving. The number of servings per bag varies with the size of bag chosen.
One serving of Tootsie Roll equals 155 calories. Of that amount, 12 are fat-related.
There is only 1 gram of fat in a serving of Tootsie Roll. There are; however, 35 grams of carbohydrate, making it one of the most carb intense candies I have reviewed so far. Additionally, there at 35 grams of sugar, 18 milligrams of sodium and 1 gram of cholesterol.
On the flip side, a serving of Tootsie Roll offers 1 gram of protein. It also provides 2% of the daily-recommended amount of iron and 1% of the required calcium.
The ingredients of Tootsie Rolls may hold some surprises. They include corn syrup, gelatin, grape juice concentrate, hydrogenated coconut oil, modified food starch, salt and sucrose. They also contain artificial color and flavor, beeswax, carnuaba wax and citric acid.
While the Tootsie Roll doesn’t melt easily, it can be softened in intense heat or by microwaving the chocolate for just a few seconds. Either way, hot or cold, Tootsie Rolls are still a favorite Halloween snack pick.
Here is my summary review:
Smart Choice? It depends. If fat content is a big concern, then Tootsie Rolls might be a good choice. However, if high carbs or sugar is a worry, then this option might not be the best on the market. Calorie-wise, Tootsie Roll is lower than some but higher than others are. That makes this a toss up.
Tasty? Yes. Of course you must have strong teeth to tackle this candy option, or at the very least access to a microwave to soften it. Of course that hard to eat candy thing solves a problem in itself. You can’t over indulge in something you can’t chew easily.
Variety? Yes and No. Tootsie Roll is basically the same chocolate roll it has always been. What has varied; however, is the size. Tootsie Rolls now come in a variety of sizes, which can allow a parent to control just how much of the chocolate treat junior gets to enjoy.
Attractive Packaging? Yes. Tootsie Roll comes in a white package with brown and red trim. The colors and the overall look and feel of this candy’s packaging has remained true to its heritage. That means that this sweet treat is easy to spot in the candy store as well as on the store shelf.
Easy to Store? Yes. No matter the Tootsie Roll sizem full, miniature or midgee, these candy rolls are small enough to fit into a candy bowl, a lunch bag, a pocket or just about anywhere else you want to put them. The exception to the rule is the double Tootsie Roll which is over 6″ in length.
Are They Fresh? Yes. As a rule this candy holds up better than just about any other similar confection in today’s market place. That is why it was a favorite among soldiers no matter where they were stationed, be it Greenland or the desert of Iraq.
Diet Safe? For some. For those individuals where fat is the main concern, then this candy choice might be okay. However, for those who must watch their carb or sugar intake, then the Tootsie Roll probably isn’t a good option.
Easily Available? Yes. Tootsie Rolls are still sold in candy stores. They are equally available in grocery stores, discount department stores, drug stores and convenience stores.
Price Effective? It depends. The extra long or full size Tootsie Roll would not be an economical Halloween treat option. However, the miniatures or midgees definitely are.
Product Purchase Recommendation? Yes. A lot of kids actually don’t get around to eating their Tootsie Rolls for awhile. Because they are harder to chew, they often get set aside. Parents that are clever like my daughter can then scoop them up and put them away for an occasional treat rather that massive Halloween consumption.
