Today we ask the ultimate question one that may continue to reinforce the great emotional divide occurring in our country.
Twizzlers or Red Vines?
I recently picked up a pack of Red Vines after rewatching Fringe a few months ago. Today I was inspired when I walked past the two packages on the shelf and was listening to the impeachment hearings.
A quick history lesson...
“Red Vines is a brand of red licorice candy manufactured in Union City, California by the American Licorice Company. ... The original Red Vines were raspberry-flavored, but in 1952, with a slight formula change, the Red Vines Original Red Twist flavor was introduced.” Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Vines
Twizzlers is the product of Y&S Candies, Inc., of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, now a subsidiary of The Hershey Company.
“Twizzlers are made of corn syrup, wheat flour, sugar, cornstarch, and in smaller amounts palm oil, salt, artificial flavor, glycerin, citric acid, potassium sorbate, Red 40, and soy lecithin.
While the original flavor introduced in 1845 was licorice, in the late 1970s the company began to expand its flavors to include strawberry, grape, chocolate, cherry, and watermelon flavors, and a variety of shapes and sizes.” Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twizzlers
I did not expect that Twizzlers history dates back farther than Red Vines.
The Facts
Both use Corn Syrup which is lame but that’s just the reality of the candy world. Neither contain Licorice in the Red variant.
Twizzlers has more ingredients vs. a more simple recipe for Red Vines.
Also Red Vines is owned by a small company vs. the behemoth that is The Hershey Company.
I think its clear why Red Vines seems to climb to the top of the gelatin rope here. Also Red Vines gets our vote from packaging as well. They actually have copy on the packaging, telling a story and Twizzlers has no copy on the package I bought.
Personally I seem to prefer Red Vines. Its interesting to note that I read a review that mentioned the softness of the Twizzlers but my two batches. The twizzlers were hard and honestly it was like eating plastic. I am open to testing other flavors etc.
Even though Red Vines seems to be the winner here. As I was writing this, at the end of the day I still reached for some grapes which were sweeter.
The Alternative Fact (Just Kidding)
Who you got?
Let me know and I will include some references and comments in the final post.
David Kamatoy has been blogging since 2005. The Multi-Creative Entrepreneur is a juggler literally and figuratively. After producing Nationally Syndicated Radio and TV for the last 5 years he returns to the blogosphere with entertainment and entrepreneurship. Join his circle of influence via the email list which will give you first right of refusal to join the cult.
