My introduction to Rowntrees Fruit Gums was in their traditional roll, as pictured above. However, the more common way you’ll see them (IF you ever see them in the states, that is), is most likely the big bag:
Either way, they taste identical, but there are a few key differences. Let’s start with the rolls.
I bought a roll of these at my local excellent downtown candy store in Novato, Ca on a whim. As soon as I popped the first one in my mouth, I knew I had stumbled on to something special. Depending on how old they are (yes, I’m serious), they range in firmness anywhere from mid range firm to “oh my God my teeth are cracking, what the fuck is up with these petrified stones in my mouth?!!” firm. A bit of an exaggeration, sure, but they can get firm, and for me, that’s a good thing. A very good thing.
So I started chewing away, and immediately, the flavor comes out. This is the thing with these Fruit Gums- the flavors (Orange, Black Currant, Strawberry, Lemon and Lime) are SO spot on it’s ridiculous. And the reason for that is that these candies are made with real fruit juice. When I say that biting in to a lemon one is “like” eating a lemon, you have to take that with a grain of salt. Think of it this way-as much as a candy CAN taste authentic and like the fruit it’s representing, these do. All of the 5 flavors develop really nicely as you chew them, and all have an inherent tangy side that makes them so excellent to me. But I haven’t gotten to the best part yet:
Rowntrees fruit gums are WAY lower calorically then most gummy candies. This means that you can eat an entire tube, and it’s only @ 170 calories. Many of you might not care, but this is a big deal to me, aa I try not to get TOO fat enjoying all the pleasures that candy has to offer.
But again, it all comes back to the chew, the flavor, and the overall eating experience with these things. If you’ve never tried them, I can’t recommend them enough. Check online for availability, they’re not too tough to find.
Bottom Line:
Run, don’t walk to your computer, and buy. Eat, and repeat.
Funny as F that mate. I was just thinking of these little horror stories from my youth. They were akin to playing a safe version of Russian Roulette in ones own mouth.. Dare you try one on a filling, what if you’d popped a couple in and couldn’t open your mouth again… Oooooo, the risk.. Not sure they’re about anymore. I’m a gonna go a huntin on morrow…
Love them wine gums
If you like these, you need to get your hands on Lion’s wine gums.