Tootsie Rolls are a Blast from the Past

This old fashion candy all started with a very poor Austrian immigrant,a recipe for delicious candy, and of course a sweet dream! Tootsie Rolls were invented by Leo Hirschfeld. He must have got his sweet determination from his father who was also a  candy maker back home in Austria. Leo first sold Tootsie Rolls in his little shop in New York in 1896. He wrapped each candy by hand. The Tootsie Roll candy is said to be the very first penny candy that was ever sold! Over the years Tootsie Rolls gained immense popularity, and in 1917 Tootsie Rolls were in huge demand. Tootsie Roll Industries has grown to be a huge candy empire and now produces some of our favourite candy brands including: Charms, Charleston Chew, Nik-L-Nip, Wack-O-Wax, Dubble Bubble, Sugar Daddy, Razzles, Junior Mints, Cry Baby and so many more!

I have always wondered about the name and finally learned where it came from. Apparently, Leo Hirschfeld had a sweet little daughter named Clara. It is said that his nick name for Clara was Tootsie, so Leo decided to name the Tootsie Roll candy after his daughter.

Tootsie Rolls were thought of as being a great alternative to chocolate and they wouldn't melt in the sun, making them a good choice in hotter weather. Soldiers were given Tootsie Rolls in their rations making it easy for them to enjoy as they would not spoil. They were also a  quick pick me up for the soldiers. Tootsie Rolls were even an affordable candy during the Depression. The ingredients were not rationed and they were very inexpensive, so everyone could enjoy them.

To this day Tootsie Rolls are a favorite of many candy lovers! There are over 64 million made everyday! Tootsie Rolls remain a staple in the candy world to this day. They are an old fashion candy that never goes out of style!