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Crows (candy)
Crows (candy)
Crows (candy)
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Crows
A box of Crows
TypeGum drops
Place of originUnited States
Invented1890s
Similar dishesDots

Crows are a licorice candy identical in shape and texture to Dots. Their mascot is a crow with a top hat and cane.

History

[edit]

Crows were invented in the 1890s by confectioners Henrique Cataldi and Joseph Maison. The Black Crows trademark was registered in 1911. There is an urban legend that Crows were to be called "Black Rose", but the printer misheard the name as "Black Crows" and printed wrappers with the wrong name on them. This myth has been debunked.[1]

In 1972, Tootsie Roll Industries acquired the Crows brand by purchasing the Mason Division of the Candy Corporation of America.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Crows (candy)

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from Grokipedia
Crows are black licorice-flavored gumdrop candies produced by Tootsie Roll Industries, featuring a chewy texture and a balanced anise taste derived from licorice extract. Originating in the late 19th century, they were formulated around 1890 by East Coast confectioners Ernest Von Au and Joseph Mason as one of America's earliest gumdrop-style confections. As part of the DOTS candy family, Crows maintain a similar shape and consistency to their fruit-flavored counterparts but stand out for their mature, licorice-forward flavor profile that appeals to enthusiasts of the taste. These nut-free, gluten-free, and kosher treats are typically sold in 7.5-ounce theater boxes, containing approximately 50 pieces, and have cultivated a dedicated following since their introduction. Key ingredients include corn syrup, sugar, modified food starch, natural and artificial flavors, and artificial colors such as FD&C Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Red 40, with the product containing bioengineered food ingredients from U.S. crops.

Description

Physical characteristics

Crows candy consists of small, black gumdrops shaped in a short, domed form with a smooth, glossy surface. The candy features a soft, chewy texture akin to traditional gumdrops, though it is denser owing to its licorice base. Crows maintain a uniform black color, obtained via a combination of food colorings such as FD&C Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Red 40, which sets them apart from the multicolored options in the DOTS family—a related line where Crows serve as the licorice-specific variant. Typically packaged in theater-style boxes or available in bulk formats.

Flavor profile

Crows candy is renowned for its exclusively black licorice flavor, derived from licorice extract, which imparts a bold and authentic taste profile without any fruity or varied notes. This singular focus on licorice distinguishes it from multicolored fruit-flavored gums, appealing primarily to enthusiasts of the genre. The flavor delivers a perfectly balanced anise character, combining strong licorice notes with subtle sweetness from and , resulting in a smooth and intense black licorice experience. As the candy is chewed, its gumdrop-like gradually releases mature licorice flavors, enhancing the sensory immersion with a comforting depth that evokes . This intensity may feel overpowering to those unaccustomed to licorice, but it provides a timeless, herbaceous undertone beloved by dedicated fans.

History

Invention and early development

Crows, a black licorice-flavored , were invented in the 1890s by American confectioners Ernest Von Au and Joseph Mason as part of the offerings from the Mason, Au & Magenheimer Confectionery Manufacturing Company in , New York. This creation marked an early adaptation of licorice confections for the U.S. market, where the company had been operating since its founding in 1864. Early production emphasized simple black licorice drops, drawing inspiration from longstanding European licorice traditions that originated in regions like and the , where licorice root extracts had been sweetened and shaped into treats since the . These American versions combined the herbal flavor of licorice with a chewy texture, making them distinct from the harder European varieties like Pontefract cakes. The manufacturing process at the time focused on bulk production using basic ingredients such as , , and licorice extract, without individual wrappers, as was not yet common for such candies. Initial sales began in the through small confectionery shops and general stores across the , where the affordable treats—often sold by weight in bulk bins—quickly gained popularity among consumers seeking inexpensive indulgences during the era's . Prior to formal trademarking, the candies were marketed under generic variations such as "black gumdrops" or simply "licorice drops," reflecting their unbranded status in local markets. This pre-trademark period laid the groundwork for the candy's evolution into a named product later secured under the "Black Crows" designation. There is a popular that the name originated from a misprint of "Black Rose," but historical records indicate "Black Crows" was used since at least 1890.

Branding and trademark

The "Black Crows" for the candy was filed on August 24, 1911, by the Mason, Au and Magenheimer Manufacturing Company and registered under 71058363 for use in connection with products, with the name highlighting the distinctive color of the licorice-flavored gumdrops. This legal protection came after the candy's initial development in the , securing the brand's identity amid growing competition in the confectionery market. Early branding efforts positioned Black Crows as a premium licorice , setting it apart from generic black licorice candies through its consistent quality and unique flavor profile derived from real licorice root. The introduction of a dapper mascot—a stylized character dressed in a and carrying a cane—appeared on early 20th-century , adding a whimsical yet sophisticated visual element that reinforced the product's novelty and appeal. In the early , marketing strategies focused on the candy's bold licorice taste and distinctive dome-shaped form, promoting it as an entertaining treat for theater-goers seeking a convenient snack during performances and for children drawn to its intriguing name and dark appearance. These efforts capitalized on the rising popularity of movie houses and shows, where Black Crows became a favored concession item for its portability and intense flavor.

Acquisition and modern era

In 1972, Tootsie Roll Industries acquired the Crows brand through its purchase of the Mason Division of the Candy Corporation of America, bringing the licorice gumdrops under the ownership of the Chicago-based confectionery company. Following the acquisition, Crows were integrated into Tootsie Roll's DOTS product family as a distinct licorice-flavored variant, preserving its unique black gumdrop identity while benefiting from the company's established infrastructure. This alignment supported expanded distribution efforts, achieving nationwide availability across the through major retailers like and Amazon, as well as limited exports to international markets via online channels and select distributors. In the , have seen regulatory updates focused on consumer safety and transparency, including clear labeling for potential traces of or soy, and disclosures regarding bioengineered ingredients derived from U.S. crops, all without significant alterations to the original recipe. These changes reflect broader industry standards while maintaining the candy's longstanding formulation and appeal.

Production

Ingredients and formulation

Crows candy is primarily composed of , , modified food , licorice extract, and natural and artificial flavors. These ingredients form the base of the gumdrop-style confection, with and providing sweetness and preventing during production, while modified food acts as a gelling agent to achieve the characteristic chewiness. The licorice extract, derived from the root of the glabra plant, imparts the core anise-like flavor that defines the candy's profile. For coloration, uses artificial colors including FD&C Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Red 40, which combine to produce the signature black appearance consistent with its branding as a licorice-flavored gumdrop in the DOTS product line. The formulation emphasizes a high proportion of sugars and starches to ensure a soft, chewy texture that resists sticking and maintains structural integrity. Dietarily, Crows is gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, and kosher-certified, making it suitable for various dietary restrictions. It contains bioengineered food ingredients derived from U.S. crops, primarily in the form of modified and . However, it may contain traces of or soy due to shared manufacturing facilities.

Manufacturing process

Crows candies are produced at Tootsie Roll Industries' primary manufacturing facility in , , where the company has centralized operations following its acquisition of the brand, enabling high-volume output alongside similar products like DOTS. Production of DOTS and Crows combined exceeds 23 million pieces per day across Tootsie Roll Industries' facilities, supporting widespread distribution across . The production process utilizes a system, beginning with the preparation of a hot, viscous from pre-mixed ingredients cooked in large kettles to achieve the proper consistency for molding. This is then deposited into custom-shaped depressions formed in trays of by the mogul machine, which automates the stamping of crow silhouettes to ensure precise uniformity. The filled trays are conveyed to cooling areas, where the candies set over several hours as the starch absorbs excess , solidifying the chewy texture. After setting, the gumdrops are mechanically sifted from the starch beds and gently washed to remove residue, followed by a controlled phase to refine firmness and flavor integration. A light coating, typically involving food-grade oils or waxes, is applied to impart the characteristic glossy finish while preventing during handling. Throughout these steps, fully automated lines maintain consistent , , and licorice flavor distribution, with inline quality inspections monitoring texture, color uniformity, and structural integrity to meet standards. Post-production, the candies are rapidly packaged on automated lines into moisture-proof boxes or pouches, which are sealed to protect against and preserve for up to a year under proper storage conditions. This final step ensures the product reaches consumers in optimal condition without compromising the soft, chewy quality.

Marketing and cultural impact

Packaging and branding elements

Crows candy is primarily packaged in classic theater boxes, typically measuring 6.5 ounces or 7.5 ounces, constructed from to suit and retail distribution. These boxes feature illustrations of , rendered in black and white to align with the candy's dark licorice theme. The branding centers on a distinctive mascot, depicted as a jaunty figure wearing a and carrying a cane, which originated with the "Black Crows" trademark registration in 1911 and has been retained on labels through subsequent evolutions. Modern packaging updates include added nutritional information panels, declarations, and barcodes for compliance with current regulatory standards, while preserving the core visual identity. Bulk packaging options, such as cases of multiple theater boxes, are supplied to theaters and stores, with front panels prominently labeling the product as "licorice-flavored gumdrops" to highlight its core appeal. The overall employs a predominantly black background accented by elements, including hues, to evoke a aesthetic reminiscent of early 20th-century confections. Following ' acquisition of the Mason Division in 1972, Crows packaging has integrated subtly with the DOTS line, adopting shared production and labeling conventions without altering its distinct crow-themed design.

Advertising and mascot

In the early , print advertisements for Crows candy prominently featured the brand's , an anthropomorphic crow attired in a and cane, depicted in dapper, mischievous poses to appeal to consumers. These ads, appearing in trade publications like the Confectioners Journal in 1919, promoted the black licorice gumdrops as a fun, shareable treat ideal for social occasions such as movie outings. The mascot, first associated with the brand around the time of its 1911 trademark registration by the Mason Company, symbolized playful delight and cleverness, aligning with the candy's chewy, bold flavor profile. During the mid-20th century, under the Mason Company's stewardship, marketing campaigns highlighted ' strong ties to theater concessions, positioning the candy as a staple movie snack due to its convenient box format and shareable nature. After acquired the brand in 1972, advertising for became integrated into the company's wider portfolio, particularly alongside DOTS, leveraging the company's established marketing channels to emphasize nostalgic, family-oriented appeal. The crow mascot has maintained an enduring presence in promotions to evoke the brand's whimsical heritage and attract longtime fans.

Reception and legacy

Crows have garnered a dedicated among licorice enthusiasts, who praise its authentic flavor derived from its late 19th-century origins, often highlighting it in nostalgic candy retrospectives as a timeless treat evoking childhood memories. The candy's reception is mixed, beloved by fans for its bold, mature taste but polarizing due to the intense black licorice profile that divides consumers, with some finding the flavor overpowering while others appreciate its comforting authenticity. An enduring claims that originated from a error, where the intended name "Black Rose" was misheard as "Black ," supposedly creating rare, valuable misprinted boxes; this has been debunked, as historical records show no evidence of such an error, with the name rooted in earlier branding decisions. In terms of legacy, served as a precursor to modern candies, influencing the development of fruit-flavored variants like DOTS, which spun off from the original licorice formula in the mid-20th century and became a top-selling brand. As part of ' portfolio, continues to contribute to the company's annual sales, helping drive overall net product sales of $763 million in 2023 through its enduring appeal in the confectionery market.

References

  1. https://tootsie.com/products/crows/
  2. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/69902/how-dots-became-successful-candy-spin
  3. https://www.candystore.com/products/crows-theater-size
  4. https://www.candywarehouse.com/products/crows-black-licorice-drops-candy-6-5-ounce-packs-12-piece-box
  5. https://licoriceinternational.com/products/crows-licorice-flavored-gumdrops
  6. https://bulkcandystore.com/products/crows-theater-box
  7. https://candyfunhouse.ca/products/crows-theatre-pack
  8. https://www.bonappetit.com/story/the-history-of-licorice
  9. https://candyprofessor.wordpress.com/2010/04/28/black-crows-and-roses/
  10. https://www.shopmyexchange.com/crows-theater-candy-12-boxes-65-oz-each-8648110/8648110
  11. https://www.candyfavorites.com/pages/a-dot-in-history
  12. https://www.neatorama.com/2010/07/27/snack-break-the-stories-behind-your-favorite-movie-theater-candy/
  13. https://www.candyfavorites.com/products/crows-licorice-flavored-gumdrops
  14. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Tootsie-Roll-Crows-Gumdrops-6-5-oz/55350259
  15. https://www.amazon.com/Crows-Licorice-Flavored-Gumdrops-Theater/dp/B06XJNZFD6
  16. https://tootsie.com/about/
  17. https://www.supplysidesj.com/specialty-nutrients/generating-yummy-gummies
  18. https://licorice.com/blogs/news/learn-about-the-different-types-of-licorice
  19. https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/ingredients-give-gummy-candies-hard/103/web/2025/10
  20. https://tootsie.com/history/
  21. https://www.confectioneryproduction.com/feature/16973/mogul-technology/
  22. https://www.dr-machinery.com/blog/starch-mogul-introduction/
  23. https://www.candydistrict.com/blogs/sweet-talk-blog/top-ten-candies-from-the-early-1900s
  24. https://shop.tootsie.com/products/dots-crows-licorice-flavored-gumdrops-7-5-oz-box
  25. https://candyprofessor.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/black-crows-unmasked/
  26. https://www.historyoasis.com/post/history-dots-candy
  27. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/98677/000110465924038291/tm245926d2_ars.pdf
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