Tootsie Roll Candy

A Classic Candy

Tootsie Rolls have been around for more than a hundred years. That's a lot of staying power for such a small candy! Tootsie Roll's popularity has a lot to do with its rich history and the fact that they're downright yummy!

The History of Tootsie Rolls

Tootsie Rolls are named after the daughter of the inventor. Leo Hirshfield's daughter's nickname was "Tootsie," and that's why he named his candy invention as he did. He introduced Tootsie Rolls to the public from his candy shop in New York City. He marketed it as a chocolate candy that would not easily melt and, of course, people loved these sweet little treats.

Interesting Tootsie Roll Facts

It may not surprise you that a candy with such a long past has some interesting historical moments.

1. Tootsie Rolls are said to be the first candy that was individually wrapped with a price tag of one cent each.
2. Tootsie Rolls were a favorite candy during the Great Depression, largely because of their low price.
3. Since they don't melt, Tootsie Rolls often appeared in field rations during World War II to give soldiers a delicious treat. In fact, some historians refer to Tootsie Rolls as the "energy bars of WWII."
4. Tootsie Roll Industries, the maker of today's Tootsie Rolls, is a global corporation that descended directly from Hirshfield's tiny candy shop.
5. Tootsie Rolls have been made using the very same recipe since they were first created in 1896.
6. The recipe for Tootsie Rolls requires the inclusion of Tootsie Rolls made from the batch the day before; this is how they've always been made and hasn't changed in over 100 years.

Who knew there was so much history packed into such a tiny treat?

A Sweet Treat

Tootsie Rolls are a popular treat among those watching their calorie intake. One piece of candy is only around 23 calories. A serving is six pieces of candy, and only comes in at 140 calories ¿ a small number for a sweet indulgence. This candy also has fairly low fat content, and actually boasts some calcium and iron!

Tootsie Rolls Today

Nowadays, Tootsie Rolls come in a variety of flavors and sizes. A favorite for bulk candy, Tootsie Rolls stay stable for much longer than many other candies, making them a good choice for candy dishes and giveaways.

Luckily, whether you need a 30 pound bulk amount of Tootsie Rolls or just want to buy some Tootsie Pops, these historically significant candies are still available today. Tootsie Rolls give a true taste of history with every chew!