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Red Ripperz
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Red Ripperz with the Red Skins wrapper

Red Ripperz (formerly Redskins or Red Skins) are a red, raspberry-flavoured chewy confectionery manufactured in Australia by Nestlé under their Allen's brand.

The confectionery is sold as elongated bars which are individually twist-wrapped in paper, weighing approximately 10 grams each, although smaller sizes exist.

In June 2025, Allen's released apple and grape versions in a Ripperz Remix pack.[1]

Branding controversy

[edit]

'Redskin' has been considered a racist term for Native Americans and First Nations Canadians since at least the 1800s.[2][3]

In 1996, a complaint was made to the New Zealand Advertising Standards Complaints Board about a Redskins advertisement aired on New Zealand television. The advertisement featured comedian Mark Wright dressed in Native American clothing and assuming an accent. A mock drumbeat featured on the soundtrack. Despite protest from Nestlé New Zealand that the advertisement was inoffensive, the board upheld the complaint.[4]

Red Skins packaging formerly featured a drawing of a Native American wearing a traditional headdress. This was replaced in the late 1990s by a more neutral red character.

In June 2020, along with Chicos, Nestlé announced that the name will be changed to "represent the inclusive nature of modern society". The company said the decision was made to ensure "nothing we do marginalises our friends, neighbours and colleagues". The statement added "these names have overtones which are out of step with Nestle's values, which are rooted in respect."[5][6] The announcement of a name change occurred in the wake of widespread name changes following the George Floyd protests.[7] On 16 November 2020, Nestlé announced that the new name for Red Skins would be Red Ripper. Packaging bearing the new name would be available in stores in early 2021.[8] However, rebranding has been controversial as ‘Red Ripper’ was a name for Soviet serial killer Andrei Chikatilo.[9] The product was eventually released with the name Red Ripperz.[10]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Red Ripperz

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Red Ripperz are red, raspberry-flavoured chewy lollies manufactured in Australia by Nestlé under its Allen's brand. Introduced as a rebranding of the longstanding Red Skins product, the name change was announced on 16 November 2020 in response to complaints that "Red Skins" evoked a racial slur historically applied to Indigenous Australians and people of colour. The new moniker, however, faced immediate backlash for unintentionally referencing the "Red Ripper," a nickname associated with Russian serial killer Andrei Chikatilo. Despite these controversies, Red Ripperz have maintained popularity as a tangy, chewy treat and were expanded in June 2025 with Remix packs featuring apple and grape flavours alongside the original raspberry.

Product Overview

Description and Characteristics

Red Ripperz are a raspberry-flavored chewy manufactured by under its brand in . The product consists of elongated, cylindrical pieces with a vibrant red hue, achieved through the natural colorant derived from insects. They are designed for prolonged chewing, featuring a dense, elastic texture that allows stretching before breaking, marketed as providing a "stretchtastically longlasting chew." Each piece is individually wrapped in red and white , facilitating single servings and portability, with the overall product emphasizing intense flavor intensity balanced by a subtle salty undertone from added salt in the formulation. Available primarily in bulk bags ranging from 100g to 800g, the candies maintain a firm exterior that yields to tough, gummy consistency upon mastication, distinguishing them from softer licorice varieties. The core characteristics remain consistent with the product's heritage as a high-sugar, gelatin-based treat, prioritizing chew resistance over melt-in-mouth dissolution, which appeals to consumers seeking durable, flavor-sustained snacks. No alterations to taste, texture, or appearance were reported following the from the prior name, ensuring continuity in sensory profile.

Ingredients and Production

Red Ripperz are raspberry-flavored chewy candies primarily composed of derived from corn, cane sugar, and vegetable fat as base components. Additional ingredients include food acid () for tartness, gelatine for chewiness, as a red colorant derived from insects, and artificial flavors, salt, and occasionally an acidity regulator such as and a vegetable-derived emulsifier like monoglycerides. The formulation emphasizes high chew resistance and intense flavor, with each piece individually wrapped for convenience. Production occurs at facilities in under the brand, involving the boiling of syrups with gelatine and acids to form a pliable mass, followed by incorporation of colors, flavors, into strips, cutting into pieces, and automated wrapping. In September 2023, temporarily halted production of individual 300g bags of Red Ripperz sticks during a facility transition to a new site in Broadford, Victoria, resuming afterward with maintained Australian . By June 2025, production expanded to include remix variants with apple and flavors alongside the classic , preserving the core chewy texture. The process adheres to Australian food standards, with no or major declarations beyond potential soy traces from emulsifiers.

Historical Development

Origins and Early Years as Red Skins

Red Skins, a raspberry-flavoured chewy lolly, were first manufactured in the early 1900s by , a Sydney-based company founded around that period. produced the sweets alongside other products like Lifesavers, with early packaging featuring illustrations of Native Americans that aligned with the name's reference to . The lollies gained popularity as a staple treat in and , particularly among children in the mid-20th century, where they were commonly traded, shared, and sold in milk bars and school canteens. In 1964, was acquired by Lifesavers Australia, maintaining production of Red Skins as a regional favourite. Lifesavers' subsequent acquisition by in the late 1980s integrated Red Skins into the company's broader confectionery lineup, eventually associating it with the brand despite its distinct origins.

Process

In June 2020, initiated the rebranding of its Red Skins lollies after identifying the name as having overtones out of step with the company's values, particularly due to "Red Skins" being a derogatory term historically used for Native Americans. The decision was part of a broader internal review of local brands employing stereotypes or negative connotations, prompted by heightened global sensitivity to racial issues following the protests. committed to renaming the product quickly while preserving its chewy, fruit-flavored characteristics, stating the change aimed to ensure "nothing we do marginalises our friends, neighbours and colleagues." By November 16, 2020, announced "Red Ripper" as the new name for Red Skins, selected to retain the playful and bold essence of the original branding without altering the product's recipe or formulation. The choice followed an internal evaluation process focused on maintaining consumer familiarity and appeal, though specific details on name generation or testing were not publicly disclosed. New packaging featuring the updated name began appearing in Australian stores in early 2021, marking the completion of the rebrand rollout. emphasized continuity, noting the lollies remained unchanged to support ongoing consumer enjoyment.

Branding and Naming Controversies

Concerns Over Original "Red Skins" Name

The name "Red Skins" for the chewy lollies, in production since , drew scrutiny in 2020 for its resemblance to "," a term historically used as a racial slur for Native Americans. , the parent company, acknowledged that the name was "out of step" with its values following "concerns raised over many years" about its potential to offend due to racial overtones. This assessment aligned with broader cultural sensitivities amplified by the movement after George Floyd's death on May 25, 2020, which prompted global reviews of brand names perceived as insensitive. Critics of the name argued it perpetuated derogatory , equating the candy's branding with slurs that evoke colonial-era of , even though the product's Australian origins and red coloring referenced its appearance rather than . However, prior to , the name had faced minimal domestic backlash in , where "redskin" lacks direct historical application to Aboriginal populations, suggesting the concerns were largely influenced by imported American discourse around terms like the former Washington Redskins team nickname. Nestlé's decision reflected corporate responsiveness to activist pressures rather than documented instances of harm from the candy's name in its home market.

Rationale for Rebranding

Nestlé cited the racial overtones inherent in the term "Red Skins" as the primary reason for the product to Red Ripperz, stating that the original name was inconsistent with the company's values of inclusivity and modern consumer expectations. In a , 2020, announcement, the declared that the names Red Skins and the accompanying Chicos "are out of step with our values and the expectations of our consumers," necessitating their retirement to avoid any perception of marginalization. The decision aligned with Nestlé's broader commitment to fostering joy and delight through its brands without unintended offensive associations, particularly as "redskin" has historically functioned as a slur referring to Native American peoples, evoking derogatory stereotypes despite the candy's name deriving from its red color and skin-like texture. Company executives emphasized that the rebranding reflected evolving societal norms toward greater sensitivity, aiming to preserve the product's appeal while eliminating potential harm to communities. This rationale was articulated amid a global surge in cultural reevaluations following the protests in mid-2020, though did not explicitly link the timing to specific events, focusing instead on proactive alignment with inclusive principles. The new name Red Ripperz was selected to retain phonetic and visual similarity to the original, minimizing disruption to brand recognition while addressing the identified concerns.

Criticisms of the Rebranding Decision

Critics of Nestlé's decision to rebrand Red Skins lollies, announced in June 2020 amid heightened sensitivity following the movement, argued that the change was an unnecessary capitulation to , as the product had been marketed in for over 80 years without significant local complaints about racial offense. One Nation Senator publicly condemned the move as excessive, suggesting it prioritized imported American cultural concerns over Australian traditions and leading some consumers to resell unopened packs of the original product online for inflated prices up to AUD 2,500. The selection of "Red Ripper" as the replacement name drew particular backlash for inadvertently evoking Andrei Chikatilo, the Soviet dubbed the "Red Ripper" or "Rostov Ripper," who murdered at least 52 women and children between 1978 and 1990, potentially alienating consumers sensitive to references glorifying violence. This choice was seen by detractors as a failure of due diligence in the rebranding process, transforming an effort to eliminate offense into one that introduced new insensitivities, with users and commentators labeling it tone-deaf and prompting calls for boycotts. More broadly, opponents contended that the eroded brand heritage and consumer nostalgia without of harm from the original name in its , viewing it as corporate virtue-signaling that prioritized global optics over practical realities, especially since "Red Skins" derived from the lollies' and chewy texture rather than deliberate racial intent. Such decisions, critics argued, reflect a broader pattern of preemptive concessions to activist pressures rather than data-driven assessments of actual offense, potentially setting precedents for further alterations to longstanding products.

Reactions to "Red Ripperz" Name

The announcement of the "Red Ripper" name (stylized as "Red Ripperz" on packaging) for the rebranded lollies on , , elicited immediate from consumers and media commentators who highlighted its unintended association with , the Soviet serial killer nicknamed "the Red Ripper" or "Rostov Ripper" for his murders of at least 52 women and children between 1978 and 1990. Critics argued that the name evoked violent imagery unsuitable for a children's product, with users and news outlets decrying it as an insensitive choice that replaced one controversy with another potentially more disturbing reference. Public backlash included calls for further rebranding and expressions of outrage over the perceived glorification of a real-life criminal, with some consumers stockpiling and reselling original "Red Skins" packs at inflated prices up to $2,500 as a form of protest against the changes. Online forums and comment sections reflected divided sentiments, where detractors labeled the name "worse than the original" for promoting associations with rape and murder, while a minority defended it as coincidental or unrelated to Chikatilo's moniker. Nestlé, the parent company of Allen's, did not alter the name despite the criticism, maintaining that the rebrand aimed to align with modern values without endorsing violence. By 2023, sporadic mentions in Australian media continued to reference the naming gaffe as an example of corporate missteps in sensitivity efforts, with columnists noting consumer familiarity with the product had overshadowed the initial uproar. No formal materialized, and sales data post-rebrand indicated sustained popularity, though anecdotal reports suggested lingering preference for the original name among older demographics.

Variants and Market Evolution

Introduction of New Flavors

In May 2025, , a Nestlé-owned brand, launched Ripperz as an extension of its Red Ripperz line, introducing two new flavors to complement the original profile. The remix pack combines the classic intensely chewy raspberry pieces with crisp apple and bold variants, each designed to deliver heightened fruit intensity while maintaining the product's signature texture and individually wrapped format. This development aimed to refresh the nostalgic appeal of Red Ripperz for Australian consumers, with packs retailing at approximately AU$5 and distributed through major supermarkets. The apple flavor emphasizes a juicy, crisp profile, while the grape variant focuses on deep, intense notes, both integrated into the mixed bag to encourage variety in consumption. Official announcements highlighted the flavors' development through consumer testing to ensure alignment with preferences for bold, fruity chews, without altering the core formula that defines the Red Ripperz identity. Availability began at the end of May 2025 across key retailers, marking the first significant flavor expansion since the product's rebranding. This introduction reflects broader market strategies in the Australian lolly segment to innovate within established amid stagnant core sales, though no peer-reviewed data on sales impact or formulation specifics beyond marketing descriptions has been publicly disclosed. The maintains the product's profile, primarily noting potential traces of and soy, consistent with prior Red Ripperz iterations.

Production Changes and Availability Issues

In September 2023, Australia temporarily suspended production of individual bags of Red Ripperz Sticks, alongside Milkos and Sherbies, as part of a transition to a new manufacturing facility. The company attributed the pause to logistical challenges during the relocation, emphasizing that the products were not permanently discontinued but unavailable in single-serve formats while operations stabilized. This shift followed broader adjustments at , though specific details on the new site's location or capacity upgrades were not publicly detailed beyond internal production streamlining. The production halt triggered widespread availability shortages across Australian retailers, with consumers reporting empty shelves for several months starting mid-2023, prompting online complaints and speculation of full discontinuation. Official responses from clarified the temporary nature of the disruption, but restocking delays persisted into late 2023, exacerbating perceptions of reduced market presence for the chewy raspberry-flavored lollies. Bulk packs remained intermittently available, but the absence of standard 150-180 gram bags fueled consumer frustration, as evidenced by discussions highlighting the product's scarcity compared to pre-2023 norms. By mid-2025, production resumed with innovations including the Ripperz Remix variant, introducing apple and grape flavors in chewy formats available nationwide from late May at a recommended retail price of $5 per pack. However, anecdotal reports of altered texture or chewiness in post-pause batches suggest potential formulation tweaks during the facility transition, though has not confirmed any recipe modifications beyond flavor expansions. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to adapt to supply constraints while maintaining core product appeal, with availability stabilizing but subject to regional variations in retail distribution.

Reception and Cultural Significance

Popularity and Consumer Appeal

Allen's Red Ripperz, raspberry-flavored chewy confections, have sustained significant popularity in since their rebranding from Red Skins in January 2021, retaining their status as a nostalgic staple for generations of consumers. The product's appeal derives from its intense fruit flavor, sticky chewiness, and shareable format, often evoking childhood memories and positioning it as a go-to treat for parties, workplaces, and casual snacking. Official statements from the brand emphasize its top ranking among lolly enthusiasts, with Red Ripperz comprising a larger share in mixed bags like Chew Mix due to preferential consumer selection. Consumer demand remained robust post-rebrand, as evidenced by the introduction of variant packs in June 2025 featuring apple and flavors alongside the original , marketed as a "" to capitalize on enduring fondness for the core product. This expansion reflects sustained market interest rather than decline, with the new offerings positioned to refresh appeal while preserving the iconic chew profile. A temporary production halt for individual bags in September 2023, attributed to constraints rather than waning sales, prompted widespread consumer backlash and expressions of disappointment, further highlighting the treat's loyal following. Despite initial naming controversies, empirical indicators such as repeated inclusions in "best Australian lollies" rankings and ongoing retail availability underscore Red Ripperz' resilient consumer base, primarily among valuing affordable, flavorful indulgences over evolving branding sensitivities. The product's individual wrapping enhances its practicality for bulk sharing, contributing to its appeal in social and professional settings without reported shifts in core demographics or preferences.

Marketing and Advertising History

Red Skins lollies, the predecessor to Red Ripperz, were introduced by the Sydney-based Mastercraft company in the late 1950s or early 1960s, with initial packaging incorporating motifs of Native Americans, such as feathered headdresses, moccasins, and tepees, which aligned with mid-20th-century confectionery marketing aesthetics but later drew criticism for cultural insensitivity. Following Mastercraft's acquisition by Lifesavers in 1964 and subsequent purchase by Nestlé in 1985, the product was rebranded under the Allen's label and marketed primarily for its chewy raspberry flavor and texture, typically as a staple in mixed lolly assortments rather than through standalone campaigns. Nestlé updated the packaging to a plain red design by 1991, eliminating most Native American imagery, though a headdress motif lingered on smaller "chew sized" bags until 1996; this shift preceded broader brand promotions, such as the 2003 television commercial featuring general lolly enjoyment themes, but no dedicated Red Skins ads were highlighted in records. A 2014 advertisement featuring comedian Mark Wright in faux Native American attire further exemplified evolving but still problematic representational choices in promotion. The 2020 rebranding to Red Ripperz, announced in June amid concerns over the original name's connotations, involved new purple-and-red packaging rolled out in early 2021 to maintain product familiarity while neutralizing historical associations; focused on the unchanged recipe to reassure consumers. In June 2025, launched Red Ripperz Remix variants in apple and grape flavors, advertised via media announcements and social channels as a "chewy new remix" evoking nostalgia with intensified taste profiles.

Criticisms and Health Considerations

Red Ripperz are composed primarily of and cane , resulting in a high sugar content that contributes to their Star Rating of 1 out of 5. A single serving of approximately 12.5 grams contains 48 calories, with 7 grams of sugars and negligible protein, fat, or fiber. These nutritional characteristics align with broader concerns over , where excessive intake is linked to increased risks of and , though no product-specific epidemiological studies exist. The inclusion of gelatine in the ingredients renders Red Ripperz unsuitable for vegans and some vegetarians, as it is derived from animal collagen. Additionally, the presence of food acids like citric acid and colors such as carminic acid may exacerbate dental erosion and staining with frequent consumption, particularly in chewy formats that prolong exposure to the oral cavity. Consumer criticisms have focused on post-rebranding changes, with some reporting the candy as overly sweet, harder in texture, and less flavorful than the original Red Skins, potentially due to formulation adjustments. In September 2023, Nestlé suspended production of individual 26-gram bags of Red Ripperz—along with related variants—citing unspecified operational reasons, which sparked outrage among consumers over reduced availability and prompted stockpiling. Production resumed for larger formats, but the incident highlighted supply chain vulnerabilities in the Australian confectionery market.

References

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