It’s day 2 of our theme week on Halloween Candy. Today’s candy: Tootsie Rolls!
Few Halloween treats can claim a history as long and uniquely American as the Tootsie Roll. Manufactured in the United States since 1907, this iconic confection occupies a delightful space between caramel and taffy while remaining distinctly itself. The result is a chewy, chocolatey classic that has endured more than a century of changing tastes and cultural shifts.
The story begins with Leo Hirschfield, an immigrant and son of an Austrian candy maker. After launching his own career in New York City in 1896, Hirschfield found early success with Bromangelon Jelly Powder, the first commercially successful gelatin dessert mix, which even preceded the famous Jell-O brand by two years. His inventive streak continued, and by 1907 he perfected a new technique that created the Tootsie Roll’s special texture. He named his creation after his daughter Clara, affectionately known as “Tootsie.”
Long before refrigeration made chocolate candies a summer staple, confectioners relied on heat-resistant goods such as taffy and marshmallows during the warmer months. The Tootsie Roll offered something unprecedented: the flavor of chocolate in a form that would not easily melt. Its patent documented a low-temperature baking process that produced a firm, shape-holding consistency, making it practical for year-round indulgence.
Affordability also fueled its popularity. As the first penny candy to be individually wrapped, the Tootsie Roll became a treasured treat during the Great Depression. Its longevity and durability proved essential again during World War II, when it earned a place in soldiers’ rations. That association with American resilience further cemented the candy’s beloved status.
Innovation continued in 1931 with the introduction of the Tootsie Pop. Legend has it that an employee discovered the concept after enjoying a lollipop and a Tootsie Roll at the same time. The result became an instant hit, eventually gaining pop-culture fame through the famous question: “How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?” Scientific studies have attempted to settle the matter, producing results ranging from 253 to 412 licks. The mystery endures, which is certainly part of the fun.
Another piece of candy folklore emerged soon after the Tootsie Pop’s debut. Children across the country began searching wrappers for the elusive drawing of an Indigenous figure aiming an arrow at a star, believing it could be redeemed for a free pop. Despite the fact that Tootsie Roll Industries has never officially recognized such a promotion, some local shops honored the myth for decades, ensuring its longevity. Even now, the company reports that letters still arrive from hopeful fans every week.
Today, Tootsie Roll Industries operates out of Chicago and remains one of the largest candy manufacturers in the world. Its portfolio includes many favorites such as Junior Mints, Charleston Chew, Dots, Double Bubble gum, and Charms Blow Pops. More than 65 million Tootsie Rolls are produced every day, a testament to the enduring appetite for this chewy classic.
The candy’s cultural reach even extends to the entertainment world. Frank Sinatra declared Tootsie Rolls his favorite candy, appearing in a 1946 commercial and reportedly keeping a supply on hand at every performance. According to accounts from those close to him, a few even accompanied him to the grave.
As Halloween approaches, the Tootsie Roll continues to hold its place in households, trick-or-treat bags, and nostalgic memories nationwide. Its history is rich with ingenuity, resilience, and the simple joy of a treat that has stood the test of time.