Tootsie Rolls

Tootsie Rolls History Tootsie Rolls have a fascinating history that spans over a century. Here's a timeline highlighting the key moments in the history of Tootsie Rolls:1896: Leo Hirschfield, an Austrian immigrant, founded the S. Stern & Company in New York City. The compa...

Tootsie Rolls History

Tootsie Rolls have a fascinating history that spans over a century. Here's a timeline highlighting the key moments in the history of Tootsie Rolls:

1896: Leo Hirschfield, an Austrian immigrant, founded the S. Stern & Company in New York City. The company later became the Tootsie Roll Industries. Hirschfield named the company after his daughter Clara, whose nickname was "Tootsie."

1907: The Tootsie Roll, the signature candy of the Tootsie Roll Industries, was introduced. It was created by Hirschfield as a chocolate-flavored chewy candy. Tootsie Rolls were an instant success due to their unique taste and texture.

World War I and World War II: Tootsie Rolls gained significant popularity during both World Wars. They were included in soldiers' rations because of their durability, resistance to melting, and long shelf life. They became a favorite treat among the military personnel and earned the nickname "candy of the doughboys."

Mid-1930s: The smaller-sized Tootsie Rolls, known as "Midgees," were introduced. Midgees became popular as bite-sized versions of the original Tootsie Rolls, offering a convenient and portion-controlled candy experience.

1966: Tootsie Roll Industries went public, becoming a publicly traded company.

Mid-1970s: Tootsie Fruit Rolls were introduced, adding fruit-flavored variations to the Tootsie Roll lineup. These fruit-flavored chews provided a refreshing twist on the classic Tootsie Roll formula.

Tootsie Rolls box

1985: The company acquired Cella's Confections, which included the popular Cella's Chocolate-Covered Cherries. This acquisition expanded Tootsie Roll Industries' product offerings and added another well-loved candy brand to its portfolio.

2009: Tootsie Roll Industries celebrated its 113th anniversary, marking over a century of candy-making history.

Tootsie Rolls continue to be produced and enjoyed today, remaining a beloved classic candy. They are known for their chewy texture and distinctive chocolate flavor. Tootsie Rolls are often found in candy assortments, given out during Halloween, and enjoyed as a nostalgic treat.

Tootsie Roll Industries has expanded its product lineup over the years, introducing various sizes, flavors, and formats to cater to different preferences and occasions. However, the original Tootsie Roll remains at the heart of the brand, delighting candy enthusiasts of all ages with its timeless appeal.

Tootsie Rolls Memories

I have a recent memory for the Tootsie Rolls that I enjoyed as a child. When my son was 5 he was enjoying a much celebrated candy snack of Tootsie Rolls. From the time he was born I had always affectionately referred to his darling little feet as "tootsies". As he was having his snack he slipped one of the wrapped candy rolls between his toes, pointed to his foot and said, "Get it?...a "Tootsie" roll"!

I laughed out loud and knew he was a smart kid to make a pun at such a young age! He is now 13 and still enjoys Tootsie Rolls (although those darling little feet are now huge so he doesn't put them between his toes anymore!) I teach High School and reward my students for good behavior and work effort with candy treats. With all of the choices they have, their favorite is Tootsie Rolls! It's nice to know the new high-tech generation appreciates a classic! ~ Diane from Texas