Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls are a classic American candy that has been enjoyed for over a century. The Reed Candy Company, founded in Chicago in 1893 by William and Eugene Reed, introduced the Root Beer flavor in the 1930s. These iconic candies are known for their unique roll-shaped packaging and deliciously sweet, buttery taste.
Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls were made by boiling sugar and corn syrup together in copper kettles, creating a flavorful treat that quickly became a fan favorite. The Root Beer flavor was one of several flavors that the company introduced over the years, including Butterscotch, Cinnamon, and Butter Toffee. Despite being discontinued in 2006, Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls remain a beloved classic among candy enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Origins of Reeds Root Beer Candy
Invention and Founder
Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls have a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. The candy was invented by William and Eugene Reed, who founded the Reed Candy Company in Chicago, Illinois. The company specialized in producing a variety of candies, including hard candies and mints.
One day, William Reed decided to experiment with a new flavor and came up with the idea of a root beer candy. He used copper kettles to boil sugar and corn syrup along with other ingredients to create a flavorful treat that would later become the famous Reed’s Root Beer Candy Roll.
Early Recipes
Early recipes for Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls were simple and straightforward. They consisted of sugar, corn syrup, and root beer flavoring. The candy was made by boiling the ingredients together in large copper kettles until they reached the desired consistency.
Over time, the recipe for Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls evolved, and additional ingredients were added to enhance the flavor and texture of the candy. Today, the candy is produced by the Iconic Candy Company of New York, a successor in interest of Reed Candy Company of Chicago, IL, and is available in several flavors, including butterscotch, cinnamon, peppermint, and root beer.
In conclusion, Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls have a long and fascinating history that began with the inventive spirit of William and Eugene Reed. Today, the candy remains a beloved treat for candy lovers of all ages.
Brand Evolution
Initial Branding
Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls have an extensive history that dates back to the late 1800s. The candy rolls were first introduced by William and Eugene Reed, who founded the Reed Candy Company in Chicago, Illinois. The company specialized in producing a variety of candies, including hard candies and mints. The root beer flavor was added to the candy line later on and quickly became a top-selling product.
Changes in Ownership
Over the years, Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls changed hands several times. In the 1920s, the company was sold to E.J. Brach and Sons, a Chicago-based candy manufacturer. In the 1960s, the company was sold again, this time to Leaf Brands, a California-based confectionery company. Leaf Brands continued to produce Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls until the 1980s, when the company was sold to Hershey’s.
Modern Branding
Today, Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls are still produced by Hershey’s and are available in stores across the United States. The candy rolls come in a variety of flavors, including root beer, cinnamon, butterscotch, and peppermint. The packaging has undergone several changes over the years, but the classic design of the candy roll wrapper remains largely unchanged. Despite the changes in ownership and branding, Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls continue to be a beloved candy treat for people of all ages.
Manufacturing Process
Ingredients and Sourcing
Reeds Root Beer Candy Rolls are made with high-quality ingredients sourced from reputable suppliers. The candy rolls are made with natural flavors and colors, and do not contain any artificial preservatives or additives. The ingredients used in the candy rolls include sugar, corn syrup, natural root beer flavor, and other natural flavors. The sugar and corn syrup used in the candy rolls are sourced from trusted suppliers who meet strict quality standards.
Production Techniques
The manufacturing process for Reeds Root Beer Candy Rolls is a complex and precise process that involves several stages. The candy rolls are made using traditional candy-making techniques that have been perfected over the years. The candy mixture is cooked in copper kettles to ensure that the candy rolls have the perfect texture and flavor.
Once the candy mixture is cooked, it is poured onto a cooling table and allowed to cool to the right temperature. The candy is then rolled into small rolls and wrapped in wax paper to preserve freshness. The candy rolls are packaged in boxes and sent to retailers and distributors.
Overall, the manufacturing process for Reeds Root Beer Candy Rolls is a careful and precise process that ensures that each candy roll is of the highest quality. The use of high-quality ingredients and traditional candy-making techniques ensures that the candy rolls have the perfect texture and flavor.
Cultural Impact
Popularity and Trends
Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls have been a popular confectionery for over a century. The unique flavor of the root beer candy, combined with its distinctive roll-shaped packaging, has made it a favorite among candy lovers of all ages. The candy’s popularity has remained strong over the years, with many people still enjoying it today.
Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls have also been a part of various trends throughout their history. In the 1970s, for example, the candy was a popular treat among children and teenagers. In recent years, the candy has seen a resurgence in popularity, with many people rediscovering its unique flavor and nostalgic packaging.
Advertising Campaigns
Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls have been advertised in various ways over the years. In the early 1900s, the Reed Candy Company used newspaper ads to promote their candy. Later, the company used radio and television commercials to reach a wider audience.
One of the most memorable advertising campaigns for Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls was the “Roll with Reed’s” campaign in the 1980s. The campaign featured a catchy jingle and a series of commercials featuring a group of people rolling down a hill while eating Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls. The campaign was a success and helped to increase the candy’s popularity.
Overall, Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls have had a significant cultural impact over the years. Their unique flavor and packaging have made them a beloved treat among candy lovers, and their advertising campaigns have helped to cement their place in popular culture.
Variations and Flavors
Reeds Root Beer Candy Rolls have been a popular treat for over a century. The candy has evolved over the years, with new flavors and variations being introduced regularly. Here are some of the most popular variations of Reeds Root Beer Candy Rolls.
Classic Root Beer
The classic Reeds Root Beer Candy Roll is the most popular flavor. It has a sweet, slightly tangy taste that is reminiscent of traditional root beer. The candy is hard and chewy, and it comes in a distinctive yellow and brown wrapper. The classic root beer flavor is perfect for those who love the taste of root beer but don’t want to drink it.
Additional Flavors
In addition to the classic root beer flavor, Reeds also makes other flavors of candy rolls. Some of the most popular flavors include butterscotch, cinnamon, and peppermint. The butterscotch flavor is rich and creamy, while the cinnamon flavor has a spicy kick. The peppermint flavor is cool and refreshing, making it perfect for freshening your breath.
Reeds also makes bags of individually wrapped hard candies in cinnamon, butterscotch, and root beer flavors. These candies are perfect for sharing with friends or keeping in your purse or pocket for a sweet treat on the go.
Overall, Reeds Root Beer Candy Rolls are a delicious and nostalgic treat that has been enjoyed by generations. With its classic root beer flavor and additional flavors, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Distribution and Availability
Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls are a classic American confectionery that is loved by many. The candy is widely available in the domestic market and can be found in many grocery stores, candy shops, and online retailers.
Domestic Market
Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls are produced by the Iconic Candy Company of New York, which is the successor in interest of Reed Candy Company of Chicago, IL. The company produces four original Reed’s candy rolls in butterscotch, root beer, cinnamon, and peppermint flavors. It also produces 4 oz bags of individually wrapped hard candies in cinnamon, butterscotch, and root beer flavors.
The candy is widely distributed across the United States and can be found in many grocery stores, candy shops, and online retailers. In addition, the candy is often sold in bulk for use in candy dishes, party favors, and other special occasions.
International Presence
Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls are primarily a domestic product and are not widely available outside of the United States. However, the candy can be purchased online from international retailers and shipped to many countries around the world.
The candy has gained a small following in some countries and is often sold in specialty candy shops that cater to American expats and candy enthusiasts. While the candy is not as widely available internationally as it is in the United States, its unique flavor and distinctive packaging have helped it gain a dedicated fan base around the world.
Consumer Reception
Reviews and Ratings
Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls have been well-received by consumers for over a century. Fans of the candy praise the unique root beer flavor and the convenience of the individually wrapped rolls. On Amazon, the candy has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 500 customer reviews. Many reviewers mention that they have been enjoying Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls since childhood, which speaks to the candy’s longevity and popularity.
Collector’s Interest
Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls have also garnered interest from candy collectors and enthusiasts. The candy’s vintage packaging and long history make it a sought-after item for collectors. Some collectors even seek out old, unopened rolls of the candy to add to their collections. The candy’s popularity among collectors has helped to keep it in production for over a century, as companies like Iconic Candy Company continue to manufacture and sell the candy to this day.
Overall, Reed’s Root Beer Candy Rolls have maintained a loyal fan base for over a century, and their unique flavor and vintage packaging continue to attract new fans and collectors alike.