Category Archives: Chewy Candy

Atkinson’s Chick-O-Stick

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Atkinson’s most famous candy, Chick-O-Sticks are a cultural icon. Quite a nostalgic treat, these candies are a favorite of the generation that grew up rocking out to Elvis and cutting loose with the Jitterbug or the Lindy Hop. Lucky for us, these candies are still sold widely today. Chick-O-Sticks are made from a recipe of finely ground and roasted peanuts mixed with granulated sugar. The mixture is then rolled into candy sticks and topped with toasted coconut. If you like Butterfingers, you may like Chick-O-Sticks, because the filling of both is virtually the same. Or, like me, you may just wonder where all the chocolate coating went. Still, the Atkinson’s company is doing their own thing, and the resulting candy pieces are flaky, crunchy, and a bit like tightly wound peanut brittle. The taste is good, but these orange-colored nuggets will get stuck in your teeth, so keep a toothbrush handy for afterward. I liked these overall, but I wouldn’t eat a bag full, or even crave them. And that’s coming from a fan of both peanut butter and coconut. A plus to these candies it that they are individually wrapped and they will not melt in the heat. With two grams of fat and 80 calories per serving, you won’t have your fitness instructor on your tail.

Sold in longer sticks or smaller, bite-size pieces, Chick-O-Sticks are founded in a strong candy-making tradition. The Atkinson’s Company has been making sweets since 1932 from their home in Lufkin, Texas. The company is family-owned and produces other quality products like Old Fashion Peanut Brittle, Assorted Sours, Mint Twists, Long Boys (chewy coconut caramels), Rainbow Coconut and Peanut Butter Bars. By far the most popular, Chick-O-Sticks are a great invention, and one that we hope will be around for future generations of candy aficionados.

RJ’s Natural Licorice Logs

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The mysterious RJ claims to “scour the world” to find the best natural ingredients to use in this licorice. (Who is this guy anyway?) The end result sure tastes natural, but in a very good, non-wheat-germ-kind-of way. RJ’s Natural Licorice Logs are smooth in texture and taste, not waxy-tasting or artificially flavored like most licorice produced in the U.S. Soft and easy to chew, RJ’s Licorice Logs come in black and raspberry, but also in chocolate, apricot and orange chocolate varieties.

The raspberry flavor is not phony in taste, but closer to what a real raspberry delivers the taste buds. Fans of black licorice will appreciate the natural, velvety texture of RJ’s blend. Whether you buy the individually wrapped logs or the packs of three, these licorice logs are a hearty treat, and much more filling than Twizzlers. Maybe that’s because the wrapper lists it’s “energy” content on the nutrition facts—not calorie count. This company makes everything, even candy, sound healthy and good for you. Vegetarians and vegans will be happy to chow down on this licorice, but the main ingredient is gluten—so gluten-free dieters will need to steer clear. All in all, the ingredient list is impressive, and you really feel like you’re eating something good for you in this candy gone natural.

RJ’s is based out of New Zealand and is family operated. Do they make other candy products, you may ask? No. Licorice is their passion, their one and only. And with this focus on one product, they hope to bring innovation to the field as they “take licorice into the future.” I think there is something to be said for a company to specialize in one product and do it well. That is what RJ’s has done, and it truly shows in every bite.

Gimbal’s Jelly Beans

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San Francisco–based candy company Gimbal’s was born in 1898. (Yes, that’s Gimbal’s, not gumballs.) Brothers Alexander, Louis and Eugene Gimbal Joined forces to cook up some of the greatest candy in town. In fact, they first made a name for themselves by using a steam-production process under the name “Pacific Steam Candy Factory.” Making penny candies and nickel candy bars, not much has changed outside of the price. They still have the old-fashioned goods, but also some innovative candies in the works.

Good thing for Gimbal’s, some candies never get old. Take jelly beans, for instance. These are not just a sweet treat for Easter baskets anymore, but are yummy any day of the year. Gimbal’s Jelly Beans are of the gourmet variety, and they come in 41 flavors like tiramisu, java, buttered popcorn, baja margarita, key lime, boysenberry, french vanilla, passion fruit, peach, chocolate, lemon meringue, blue Hawaiian, tutti frutti and hot cinnamon—and that’s not even half of them. You may be thinking that these sound a lot like the Jelly Belly flavors, and they are very similar. But there are some different ones—and besides, there’s no copyright on candy flavors. That would be so limiting! The Java is a standout flavor—tastes just like a cup of gourmet flavored coffee. Perfectly Pear is divine, and Orange ‘n Cream tastes just like a Dreamsicle. You might be knocked off your feet when you taste the Butted Popcorn jelly bean. It’s strikingly similar to a movie theater bucket of buttery goodness. Strawberry Daiquiri was a bit over the top in flavor, and tasted artificial. But each flavor is so much it’s own, that you have to taste them all (with a big gulp of water in between) to really make a judgment call. I love Gimbal’s Jelly Beans, and will most definitely be a repeat customer. You should satisfy your gourmet tastes with a bag of your own.

Espeez Old Fashioned Pecan/Peanut Log Roll

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Specializing in old-fashioned candies, Espeez (the candy-making division of Las Vegas’s SP Enterprises) is nonetheless a company on the move. Since 1993, they’ve made sweet treats such as their Rock Candy (the kind on wooden sticks), Gold Mine bubble gum, Aunt Flo’s fudge, and other novelty candy products inspired by a bygone era. But this family-run company, started by brothers Sam and Alan Popowcer, also produce new products that catch on with the kids, like Viper Venom (a sour powder candy that sounds more like torture than a treat to anyone over age 18).

Espeez Peanut and Pecan Log Rolls are unique in the candy industry—no one else really makes this kind of candy the way Espeez does. Each 1.5 to 2 ounce log roll is a hearty size. Good luck finishing this off in one serving, unless you’ve skipped lunch. A sweet and fluffy vanilla nougat center is rolled in finely chopped nuts (either peanuts of pecans) to make this handmade treat so delicious. I like to picture grandma’s kitchen, a place where each layer of nougat is rolled out by hand with love. The peanut log roll is a bit salty, which is a nice complement to the sugary center, while the pecan roll is almost too sweet. But everyone has their own preferences, so you’ll have to try both to see which one is to your liking. I really liked this candy after I got used to eating it. It’s not quite a candy bar, and though it is soft, it’s also not something you can just wolf down. A heavy yet satisfying candy, I had to eat this over several days—and even that was with some help from friends. But isn’t that how a good candy should be…long lasting? So, where do you buy these candies if you have no mom and pop store nearby? Try finding them online at www.espeezcandy.com.

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Ricola Breath mints

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Sometimes, you feel the need to get back to Mother Nature. If you feel that longing yourself, why not treat your breath to the same experience? Ricola Breath Mints declare themselves to be nature’s perfect mint. In three flavors, Peppermint, Spearmint, and LemonMint (Ricola’s best-selling mint flavor), Ricola Breath Mints come in an easy-to-dispense .88-ounce box. The mints use naturally chewy gum arabic and a natural herb mix for flavorings. But the ingredient list also includes aspartame, which immediately negates the “all natural” taglines as far as I’m concerned. Not that I stray from aspartame as a general rule, but it’s certainly not the best for human health from what I’ve heard.

I first opened the LemonMint, to see what all the fuss was about. After all, don’t most breath mints claim to be sugar-free, refreshing, and long lasting? These chewy mints from Ricola have a gummy quality to them that is similar to a thick licorice. They are shaped like a tiny gumdrop and feel smooth inside the mouth, but are not easy to chew. The overall taste of these mints was definitely healthy, but not outstanding. Another downfall is I felt like I had to eat three or four mints to get the freshness I’d normally expect one breath mint to bring. The spearmint flavor packed a lot more punch than the lemon, as did the peppermint, which won out in the flavor department.

My favorite feature was the unique click-top box. I don’t know how they did it, but the cardboard box audibly “clicks” into place when you close the top. This is a great feature for a person who hates it when breath mints spill out in their pocket or inside their purse. The box is very much pocket-sized and is convenient to take with you when you’re on the go. All in all, I’d say Ricola Breath Mints’ strongest asset is packaging. If you’re looking for a more natural alternative to your standard breath freshener, this may be just what you need.

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Island Delights Coconut Haystacks

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Coconut—I’ve never enjoyed a flavor so much that other people can’t stand. I’ve been to more than my share of parties where a delicious coconut dessert is served. And, more often than not, I can look around the table to see several people who refuse the delicacy sitting before them with the dreaded line: “I don’t eat coconut.”

One man’s loss is another man’s gain. And for that reason, I say “bring on the coconut.” Island Delights, a company based out of Seville, Ohio, is doing just that. With a passion for island living and the slow pace that comes with a tropical lifestyle, Island Delights creates coconut candies to ship all over the United States. Their Haystacks, a quarter-sized dollop of coconut rolled in sugar and corn syrup, are a bestseller. And why shouldn’t they be? They tailor their haystacks to the consumer who likes variety, with eleven flavors. I tried chocolate and caramel, but the haystacks also come in: vanilla, maple, cinnamon, key lime, cherry, orange, pineapple, lemon, and pina colada. Variety packs allow candy lovers to sample a variety of flavors in one 8-ounce bag. A larger 2-pound bag is available for purchase on their website, www.islandelights.com, and you can also select from smaller 2-, 3-, and 4-ounce bags.

I have to say, I wasn’t blown away by Island Delights Haystacks. The little sugar pods didn’t explode in my mouth or send me away to a tropical island. But the mild chocolate and caramel flavors are a good complement to each other, providing a chewy, sweet treat that complements the coconut this company has grown to love. In fact, it seems the company primarily focuses on their popular Haystacks, creating seasonal and holiday gift assortments of the product. With nine grams of fat in one serving (four pieces), this candy wasn’t worth it’s fat content as far as I am concerned. But the pretty packaging and unique concept make it a great gift idea for the coconut lover in your circle.

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Reese’s Whipps

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Who knows chocolate and peanut butter better than Reese’s? Since 1928, the Reese’s company, now owned by Hershey’s, has been rolling out the well-known and well-loved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup covered in pure milk chocolate. Reese’s Pieces, Fast Break, and NutRageous have since been introduced to the candy-loving public. Now the company is stepping into unknown territory to bring us a candy bar that will be lower in fat without losing any power-packed taste. The new Reese’s Whipps candy bar contains 2 ounces of chocolate-covered fluffy nougat flavored with Reese’s staple ingredient: peanut butter. The nougat center allows the candy bar to have almost 40 percent less fat than other Reese’s products, which are made with a true peanut butter center.

I liked this candy bar much more than I expected. For starters, it doesn’t have any whole peanuts, and my favorite nougat candy bar is Snickers. How could another candy fight for my attention with words like lower in fat, light, and fluffy? Regardless of my doubts, I sunk my teeth into a real dream with Reese’s Whipps. This was not at all like a Snickers or any other Reese’s product, for that matter. The peanut butter nougat is truly satisfying, though it feels light and airy going down. And it isn’t a bland peanut-butter flavor, but a flavor with true, punch-you-in-the-gut intensity.

If you are in the market for a low-fat candy bar that still makes your taste buds happy, this is a great option. For a real treat, throw a Reese’s Whipps candy bar in the freezer—you’ll enjoy a cool and chewy dessert in hours. And, although the grandeur and size may be self-defeating in the low-fat department, look for a king-size bar to appear on your favorite candy store’s shelves. You’ll likely love this candy bar if you give it a chance. Besides, when’s the last time Reese’s has disappointed us?

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Twizzlers Pull & Peel Cherry

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Under the Hershey’s umbrella since 1977, Twizzlers have been around since the beginning of the 20th century. People love licorice because it is fat free, tastes great, and is fun to chew on. In 1994, Hershey’s decided to take Twizzlers to the next level, letting customers interact with the product. Twizzlers Pull & Peel candies are a similar concept to fruit roll-ups, in that kids (and kid-like adults) love to take them apart and play with them as part of the eating process. You can unravel the strands and braid them, make jewelry out of them, or just slurp them up like a straw.

In cherry, watermelon, and other fruit flavors, Pull & Peel must be an acquired taste, because I just didn’t love them as much as the traditional licorice ropes. But then again, they don’t claim to be licorice just because they share the popular Twizzlers brand. The taste of the cherry ropes is similar to that of some type of cough syrup that’s trying to be appetizing but just doesn’t make it all the way there. It’s not an offensive taste—in fact, I’m sure some people out there love it. No matter what you think of the taste, you will most likely eat the whole bag because these Twizzlers are just so fun to chew. Wrap them around your finger or chomp on the entire licorice braid—There’s no wrong way to do it. One drawback—You’re not going to be able to chew off the ends and use this licorice rope like a straw, which is an oh-so-fun component to traditional Twizzlers.

My expert conclusion: This candy is a lot more fun to eat than its predecessor, Twizzler licorice ropes. But if you’re looking for the same classic taste, you won’t find that here. Pick the flavor that most appeals to you, and try it at least once. The “candy” part of your brain deserves to have some fun.

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Wild Berry Skittles

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In 1990, the traditional five flavors found in every Skittles pack met their match. It was in that year that possibly the best ever flavor combination entered the scene. Its members included: raspberry (blue), wild cherry (red), strawberry (magenta), berry punch (purple), and melon berry (green). The posse decided they would go by the group name Wild Berry Skittles. The rest is history.

If given the choice between a traditional pack of Skittles and a Wild Berry pack, I bet you can guess which one I would go for. It’s due to the fact that I just almost always prefer the berry flavors of any candy—putting them all together and losing the lemon-lime category almost feels like cheating. But Wild Berry beats Tropical Skittles, the Smoothie Mix, and Sour Skittles if you ask me. Those other new-fangled flavor combos all leave berry-lovers out in the cold. Not that there was anything wrong with the original flavor pack, introduced to the U.S. from England in 1974. There’s always a place for those colors, all found on the color wheel, and what their traditional flavor counterparts bring to the table. Skittles are owned today by Mars, Inc., granddaddy of the Mars Bar, Snickers, M&Ms, Milky Way, and more. With that kind of solid reputation, I don’t think we’ll see Skittles drop off the market, um, ever.

Each bite-sized candy with a hard-coated shell is the size and shape of an M&M with a white letter “S?? stamped on the side. I prefer to eat Wild Berry Skittles all together, because their flavors mesh perfectly. Strawberry and berry punch are delicious, and their fruity flavors really pop out of each piece. My sole complaint about Skittles is that they really leave your teeth feeling unclean after you chew through the sugary goodness. But if that’s the price you pay for good candy, you can sign me up every time.

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Mike & Ike Original Fruits

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Five flavors of fruity candy chews in a movie theater box (or a smaller bag if you prefer)—you can’t go wrong with this formula. Mike & Ikes come to us from Just Born Candy Company, based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. They were invented in 1940, and the popular flavors changed over the years. But the five original fruits (strawberry, lime, lemon, orange, and cherry) remain today and are sold in a variety pack. Other Mike & Ikes combinations available are Tropical Typhoon, Jolly Joes (grape), Berry Blast, and Tangy Twister. They have an upcoming promotion where you can vote for the next new flavor combination, if you feel your voice should be heard. Just Born candy company also makes Hot Tamales (a cinnamon-flavored version of Mike & Ikes), Zours, and the Easter season’s popular treat, marshmallow Peeps.

Mike & Ikes are the same consistency as a jelly bean, but they are about the size and shape of a large Tylenol Extra Strength pill. Still, you won’t have to work hard to get these pills down, because their fruit flavors are pure delight. My favorites are strawberry and lemon, and I especially like to mix them together for a little strawberry lemonade. Mike & Ikes’ packaging has changed over the decades, but the flavor remains the same. You can tell by visiting their website that Mike & Ikes are trying to appeal to a young, hip audience with their Web presence resembling a skatepark with grafitti text and all. But adults will buy them for the nostalgia factor and kids don’t really need a reason to eat candy—so in that sense, they’ve got all their bases covered. Mike & Ikes are one of my favorite chewy, fruit candies that I’ve recently rediscovered. Discover them again or for the first time at your local convenience or grocery store or a movie theater. You won’t be disappointed by the juicy taste that bursts from each little piece.

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