Dots (candy) facts for kids
A six-pack box of Dots
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| Alternative names | DOTS or Mason Dots |
|---|---|
| Type | Gum drops |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Invented | 1945 |
| Main ingredients | Corn syrup, sugar |
| Ingredients generally used | Food starch, malic acid, sodium citrate, flavors and color |
| Variations | See below |
| 100 kcal (419 kJ) | |
| Similar dishes | Crows |
Dots, also known as Mason Dots, are a popular type of chewy candy called gumdrops. They are made by Tootsie Roll Industries in the United States. Did you know that over four billion Dots candies are made every year at their factory in Chicago? Dots are special because they are friendly for many diets: they are vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, halal, and kosher. You can find them in many different flavors and types!
Contents
The Story of Dots Candy
Dots gumdrops first came out in 1945. They were created by a company called Mason. Later, in 1972, Tootsie Roll Industries bought the Dots brand. Before that, Dots were made in Brooklyn and Mineola, New York.
Tootsie Roll Industries says that since Dots were launched in 1945, they have become America's best-selling gumdrop brand.
Dots Family Tree
The oldest candy in the Dots family is called Crows. These black licorice gumdrops were first made in the late 1800s. Original Dots came out in 1945. Later, new types were added:
- Tropical Dots were introduced in 2003.
- Yogurt Dots came out in 2007.
- Sour Dots were first sold around 2009 or 2010.
Dots Flavors and Types
Dots candies come in many exciting flavors and special varieties.
Original Dots Flavors
The classic "Original Dots" come in five fruity flavors:
- Cherry (red)
- Lemon (yellow)
- Lime (green)
- Orange (orange)
- Strawberry (pink)
Sour Dots Flavors
Sour Dots have a tangy kick from citric acid. Their flavors include:
- Cherry
- Lemon
- Orange
- Grape
- Green apple
Tropical Dots Flavors
Tropical Dots bring a taste of paradise with flavors like:
- Island Nectar
- Wild Mango
- Grapefruit Cooler
- Carambola Melon
- Paradise Punch
Yogurt Dots Flavors
Yogurt Dots offer creamy fruit flavors such as:
- Banana
- Orange
- Blackberry
- Lemon-Lime
Crows: The Licorice Gumdrop
Crows are black licorice-flavored gumdrops. They are also part of the Dots family. They were created in the 1890s by candy makers Ernest Von Au and Joseph Maison. There's a fun story that Crows were supposed to be called "Black Rose," but the printer heard it wrong. However, this story isn't true, as the name "Crows" was officially registered before the candies even had wrappers.
Special Dots Varieties
Besides the regular Dots, there have been many special types, including ones for holidays and unique flavors.
Halloween Dots
Three special kinds of Dots have been made for Halloween:
- Ghost Dots: These are light green and see-through. They have the same flavors as Original Dots, but you can't tell the flavor by the color.
- Bat Dots: These are black and taste like blood orange.
- Candy Corn Dots: These taste like candy corn and look like them too.
Other Holiday Dots
Other holidays have had their own special Dots:
- Christmas Dots: These used to have a white vanilla top with a red cherry or green lime base. They were replaced by Holiday Dots, which are either red cherry/green apple or green lime/red strawberry.
- Lumps of Coal Dots: Introduced in 2023, these are black blackberry or dark red black cherry flavored.
- Valentine Dots: These have a white vanilla base with a red cherry or pink passion fruit top.
- Cherry Lover's Dots: This is a box filled with only red cherry Dots.
- Easter Dots: Introduced in 2010, these come in blueberry (blue), lemon (yellow), lime (green), cherry (red), and orange (orange).
- Springtime Dots: Introduced in 2024, these include grape (purple), mango (orange), strawberry (pink), and pineapple (yellow).
Other Fun Dots Flavors
Over the years, other interesting Dots varieties have appeared:
- In the 1980s, there were Spice Dots.
- Wild Berry Dots came out in 2000. These were sweet and chewy gumdrops with a tart, crunchy coating. They were stopped in 2007.
- Dots Elements were introduced in 2008. They had unique flavors like pomegranate (earth), cinnamon (fire), green tea (water), and wintergreen (air). They are no longer made.
- Hot Dots (also called Cinnamon Dots) were released in 2004 but stopped in 2006.
- Patriotic Dots: These have a white vanilla top with either a red strawberry or blue blueberry base.
- Assorted Reds Dots: A mix of strawberry, cherry, and fruit punch flavors.
- Special packs of single flavors like Pink Grapefruit, Peach, and Watermelon. These were called "sour slices" but kept the gumdrop shape.
- Watermelon Dots: Introduced in 2022, these have a red top and green base to look like a watermelon.
- Assorted Lemonade Dots: Introduced in 2023, these come in lemonade, blue raspberry lemonade, cherry lemonade, strawberry lemonade, and limeade flavors.
What Are Dots Made Of?
Dots candies are made from ingredients like corn syrup, sugar, and modified food starch. They also contain malic acid, natural and artificial flavors, sodium citrate, and artificial colors.
Good news for many people: Dots are considered vegan by PETA. Also, according to Tootsie Roll Industries, they are gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, and kosher. They have been officially certified kosher since December 1, 2009.
See also
