Tootsie Roll is one of the few American candies still sold today that predates almost everything else on a modern sweet shelf — it's older than the teddy bear, older than the ice cream cone as we know it, and it's still made to a recognisably similar recipe.
Named after a five-year-old, in 1896
Tootsie Roll was created in New York in 1896 by Leo Hirshfield, an Austrian immigrant confectioner, who named the chewy chocolate-flavoured candy after his daughter Clara's nickname, "Tootsie". It's individually wrapped, which was unusual for penny candy at the time, and that wrapping habit helped it become one of the most recognisable shapes in American confectionery.
A candy that survived by not changing much
Unlike most century-old brands, Tootsie Roll's core product — a dense, chewy, chocolate-flavoured taffy-like roll — has stayed largely the same since its early years. It's also known for being one of the few candies that doesn't melt easily in heat, which made it a genuine ration inclusion for US soldiers during World War II, valued specifically because it held up in field conditions.
What we actually stock right now
Good news on this one — we do stock Tootsie Roll. Tootsie Roll Mini Bites Theatre Box 99g — Case of 12 is in stock now and ready to order, sold by the case of 12 theatre boxes.
FAQ
Why is it called a Tootsie Roll?
Leo Hirshfield named it after his young daughter Clara's nickname, "Tootsie", when he created the candy in New York in 1896.
Was Tootsie Roll really used in WWII rations?
Yes — its heat resistance and long shelf life made it a practical inclusion in US military rations during World War II, a reputation the brand still references today.
Does Supreme Sweets stock Tootsie Roll?
Yes. Tootsie Roll Mini Bites Theatre Box 99g, sold by the case of 12, is currently in stock and available to order.
What format does Tootsie Roll come in from Supreme Sweets?
We carry it as Mini Bites in a 99g theatre box, sold by the case of 12 boxes — a bite-sized format rather than the classic individually wrapped single rolls.