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Vigroids
Vigroids
Vigroids
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Nigroids tin container by Ferris & Co. Ltd

Vigroids (also Mighty Imps, formerly Nigroids) was a brand of liquorice sweet. The small black pellets were particularly marketed as an expectorant lozenge for singers, using the slogan "for clarity of voice". The Nigroids/Vigroids brand was acquired by Ernest Jackson & Company Ltd of Crediton, Devon, England, in 1974.[1][2] After several changes of ownership, Ernest Jackson became a subsidiary of Kraft Foods in 2011, and later of Mondelez International.[2]

The principal ingredient of Vigroids is liquorice block juice. The company warns that liquorice can raise blood pressure, and that those with a history of hypertension should not take too many. They suggest limiting consumption to 10 per day. No sugar is used. Small quantities of other flavourings such as menthol, eucalyptus and peppermint are added to help the pellets act as a breath mint.

History

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Plastic dispenser containing Nigroids liquorice pellets

Nigroids were invented by Ferris & Co. Ltd., manufacturing chemists of Bristol, England, in 1900. The company promoted them with the slogan:[3]

For Hoarseness, "Tickling of the Throat," etc. They afford protection to the Voice, Throat, and Chest, against ill-effects of fog, cold and damp. Invaluable to singers and speakers.

Ernest Jackson acquired the brand in 1974. In 2010 the name was changed from "Nigroids" to "Vigroids".[4]

Vigroids/Mighty Imps were listed on the Ernest Jackson Web site until October 2014, but no longer appeared from January 2015.[1]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Vigroids

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Vigroids, formerly known as Nigroids, is the brand name of a sweet in the form of small black pellets, particularly marketed as an expectorant lozenge for singers to promote clarity of voice. The product was developed by Ferris & Co. Ltd., manufacturing chemists based in , , around 1900. Originally promoted for treating hoarseness, tickling in the throat, coughs, and colds, the lozenges were sold in tins and positioned as a remedy for vocal strain. Ferris & Co. exhibited related medical products at the 1947 British Industries Fair, highlighting their range of surgical and pharmaceutical items alongside Nigroids. The company was acquired by J. R. Gibbs in 1958 and subsequently by British Drug Houses in 1959; the brand was later acquired by Ernest Jackson & Co. Ltd. in 1974, leading to further changes in ownership. The principal ingredient is block juice (extract of ), which provides the expectorant properties, combined with elements like for soothing effects; consumption is advised to be limited to no more than 10 pellets per day due to potential elevation from liquorice. continue to be available in select markets, such as as of 2025, where they are sold as throat pellets for relieving , , and scratchy throats. The brand's name change from Nigroids to Vigroids in 2010 addressed historical sensitivities associated with the original term.

Product Overview

Description and Appearance

Vigroids are small, black, pellet-shaped sweets resembling tiny lozenges. These uniform pellets are designed for soothing and are typically about the size of small peas, measuring approximately 3-5 mm in diameter. Their texture is hard yet chewy when slowly dissolved in the mouth by sucking, rather than biting. The flavor profile features a strong, bittersweet taste, often accompanied by a slight medicinal aftertaste from cooling agents like . Packaging has varied over time, including metal tins for bulk storage and portability, as well as individual foil wrappers for single pellets to maintain freshness. Vigroids visually resemble other traditional confections, such as Nipits or imps, but are distinguished by their consistent pellet form optimized for gradual release in the mouth.

Ingredients and Formulation

Vigroids are formulated primarily with block juice, an extract derived from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, where serves as the key compound contributing to the product's expectorant qualities and comprising the majority of the composition. The full exact formulation is not publicly detailed, but includes secondary throat-soothing components such as for cooling effects, along with herbal extracts (e.g., and sage), flavoring, glycerin, and a or base. Recipes rely on the natural dark color of the extract without artificial colors. The production process involves extracting from roots through and concentration to yield block juice, which is blended with other components into a paste, formed into pellets, and dried to solidify. Nutritionally, a typical serving of several pellets delivers high content from the natural components of the liquorice extract, with relatively low calories (around 50-100 per 10-gram portion) and trace minerals such as and magnesium sourced from the root material.

Historical Background

Origins and Introduction

Vigroids originated as a product of Ferris & Co. Ltd., a chemists firm established in , , with records of activity dating back to at least 1921. The company introduced the lozenges, initially named Nigroids, in 1933 as a remedy tailored to the pre-antibiotic era, when treatments for respiratory issues relied heavily on herbal formulations. Designed primarily as an expectorant lozenge, Nigroids targeted common ailments such as coughs, sore throats, and hoarseness, providing relief through its soothing properties for the throat and voice. The core ingredient, root extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra), leveraged the plant's longstanding role in traditional European medicine as an emollient and expectorant, documented since times for easing respiratory irritation and promoting mucus clearance. Ferris & Co. registered the product emphasizing this natural base, positioning it as a reliable over-the-counter option derived from traditions. Early marketing focused on the pharmacy trade, where Nigroids were packaged in small metal tins for convenient general consumption by consumers seeking voice clarity and throat comfort, particularly among singers and speakers. This initial entry established the product's timeline in the burgeoning field of proprietary medicines, with distribution expanding to meet demand in compact formats suited for portable use.

Name Changes and Rebranding

The original brand name "Nigroids" was introduced in 1933 by Ferris & Co. Ltd., manufacturing chemists based in , , for their liquorice-based throat lozenges shaped as small black pellets. The name derived from the product's dark appearance, drawing on the era's racial terminology to imply "negro-like" pellets, a connotation that later became widely recognized as offensive and reflective of early 20th-century socio-cultural insensitivity toward racial descriptors. Following several corporate transitions, including Ferris & Co.'s acquisition by J. R. Gibbs in 1958 and subsequent integration into British Drug Houses (BDH) in 1959, the brand was later acquired by , marking a that preserved its medicinal focus. In November 2010, Ernest Jackson officially rebranded the product to "Vigroids," shifting the name to evoke "vigor" and throat vitality, primarily in response to growing awareness of the original name's racial offensiveness and its potential to alienate modern consumers. This change occurred amid broader corporate shifts, as Ernest Jackson became part of the group (acquired by in 2010) and later part of Mondelēz International in 2013, though the decision was driven by ethical considerations rather than legal mandates. The transition highlighted evolving societal standards on branding, prompting the company to emphasize the product's expectorant benefits without controversial historical baggage.

Uses and Marketing

Medicinal Claims and Applications

Vigroids have been primarily claimed to serve as an expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the respiratory tract, while also soothing irritated throats and promoting voice clarity, particularly for singers and public speakers. These lozenges were marketed for the treatment of laryngitis, post-nasal drip, coughs, and other minor respiratory issues, with the liquorice component providing demulcent properties that coat and protect the throat lining. Historical advertisements from the early 20th century positioned Vigroids (formerly Nigroids) as a "voice pellet" available in pharmacies, recommending them to professionals reliant on vocal performance to relieve hoarseness and maintain clear articulation during public speaking or performances. The product's applications extended to alleviating discomfort from dry coughs, sore throats, and irritation caused by colds or environmental factors like damp air, based on traditional uses of its key ingredients. Early endorsements emphasized their role in protecting the voice and chest against the ill effects of , , and , making them invaluable for teachers, , and entertainers in an era before modern vocal therapies. Although specific user testimonials from the are scarce in preserved records, promotional materials highlighted anecdotal relief for vocal strain, reinforcing their reputation as a go-to remedy for throat-related vocal impediments. Scientifically, the in contributes effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing secretion, which supports the soothing and expectorant claims without serving as a replacement for contemporary medical treatments. adds a cooling sensation that may reduce the and provide localized relief to respiratory mucous membranes. These properties align with licorice's long-standing traditional use in for upper respiratory disorders, though clinical evidence for the product itself remains largely anecdotal and historical.

Commercial Availability and Distribution

Vigroids, originally launched as Nigroids in 1900 by Ferris & Co. Ltd. in , , were initially distributed through UK pharmacies and confectionery shops from the 1910s to the 1950s, often marketed as convenient over-the-counter throat remedies alongside everyday sweets. The brand achieved peak popularity in the mid-20th century, positioning itself as a versatile dual-purpose item blending confectionery appeal with medicinal utility, particularly among performers and the general public seeking affordable throat care. Following its acquisition by Jackson & Co. Ltd. in 1974 and subsequent ownership changes, with the brand now owned by through Jackson & Co. Ltd., availability in the began to wane post-1970s amid shifting consumer preferences toward modern alternatives and evolving regulations on health-related product claims, leading to its delisting from major UK retailers by 2015. As of 2025, Vigroids are no longer available in the , with consumers seeking alternatives. As of November 2025, in contemporary markets, Vigroids remain primarily accessible in , rebranded as Voice Pellets and sold over-the-counter at pharmacies like for R31.99 per 7g pack and Cura Pharm for R26.77 per single pack, maintaining an affordable entry point for consumers. Elsewhere, options are limited to occasional online imports or specialty vintage retailers, with no widespread domestic production or distribution in the UK or other former nations. Historical pricing reflected era-specific affordability, with original early-20th-century tins typically retailed at 1-2 pence, contrasting the modest current packs that continue to offer value as niche herbal confections.

Cultural and Modern Impact

Vigroids have garnered a niche presence in online memes, particularly through a 2020 post on Reddit's r/DestinyMemes subreddit, which humorously referenced the product's original name "Nigroids" in the context of gaming culture, thereby drawing attention to its rebranding history. Early 20th-century print advertisements for Nigroids, the predecessor to Vigroids, appeared in and newspapers, promoting the lozenges as essential for stimulating and safeguarding the voice during or damp conditions, often targeting singers and speakers. For instance, a advertisement in an Australian newspaper described dissolving a Nigroid pellet in the mouth as a way to "safeguard[] and stimulate the voice," positioning it as a boon for performers. While Vigroids lack major references in film or mainstream literature, they receive minor nods in histories of British confectionery and throat remedies, such as a 2022 article in All About History magazine, which highlighted Nigroids/Vigroids as sweets favored by singers for soothing the . This anecdotal mention underscores their role in traditional remedy narratives without elevating them to pop culture icons. In recent years, Vigroids have experienced a revival in online discussions about discontinued snacks, with users on forums like Reddit's expressing for their unique flavor and calling for a comeback. These conversations often emphasize the product's distinctive taste and historical quirkiness, contributing to its enduring, albeit limited, cultural footprint.

Current Status and Legacy

Vigroids have been largely discontinued in the UK market following ownership changes and shifts toward synthetic alternatives and evolving consumer flavor preferences. Originally produced by Ferris & Co. and acquired by Ernest Jackson & Co. Ltd. in 1974, the brand underwent a name change from Nigroids to Vigroids in 2010 but ceased to be listed among the company's active products by 2015. Brand rights are believed to be held by successors to Ferris & Co., including Ernest Jackson, now part of Mondelēz International's portfolio of companies. Despite discontinuation in the UK, Vigroids remain commercially available in , where they are marketed as voice pellets for throat soothing and sold through major chains. This limited regional presence underscores the product's enduring appeal in select markets, particularly among users seeking natural expectorant lozenges. The legacy of Vigroids lies in its pioneering role within the lozenge category, establishing a template for medicated that combines sweetness with therapeutic claims for voice clarity and protection, particularly for singers and speakers. As an early 20th-century , it contributed to the broader evolution of throat sweets, influencing the development of similar hybrid products that blend confectionery enjoyment with medicinal benefits. Vigroids is recognized in historical accounts of British medicated sweets for its cultural significance in heritage confectionery traditions. In contemporary contexts, the product's reliance on highlights ongoing industry efforts toward sustainable sourcing, with modern suppliers addressing environmental concerns through ethical cultivation and traceability to mitigate overharvesting of wild roots. This shift reflects a lasting impact of liquorice-based formulations like Vigroids on responsible production practices in the and sectors today.

References

  1. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Vigroids
  2. https://www.chemeurope.com/en/encyclopedia/Nigroids.html
  3. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Ferris_and_Co
  4. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-881/licorice
  5. https://www.curapharm.co.za/products/vigroids-voice-pellets-singles
  6. https://www.ebay.com/itm/156834878797
  7. https://med365.co.za/products/vigroids_voice_pellets_singles
  8. https://www.ebay.com/itm/256077837007
  9. https://www.ulprospector.com/en/la/Food/Detail/15444/387474/Liquorice-Block-Juice
  10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7167772/
  11. https://www.madehow.com/Volume-4/Licorice.html
  12. https://www.verywellfit.com/licorice-nutrition-facts-4589470
  13. https://shirindarou.com/en/product/licorice-extract-blocks/
  14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7125727/
  15. https://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/85707
  16. https://www.atlasantiques.co.uk/en-GB/advertising-collectables/ww2-period-british-pharmaceutical-home-front-empty-nigroids-tin/prod_12971
  17. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25473675
  18. https://web.archive.org/web/20230423195210/https://www.ejackson.co.uk/aboutus
  19. https://pillintrip.com/medicine/nigroids
  20. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8703329/
  21. https://gb.readly.com/magazines/all-about-history/2022-12-01/638501ed5600ca5fd66903e4
  22. https://web.archive.org/web/20141017150733/http://www.ejackson.co.uk:80/our-brands
  23. https://www.ejackson.co.uk/About/
  24. https://www.dischem.co.za/vigroids-7g-212
  25. https://archive.org/stream/b19974760M4352/b19974760M4352_djvu.txt
  26. https://www.reddit.com/r/DestinyMemes/comments/esl4h6/vigroids_formerly_nigroids_was_the_brand_name_of/
  27. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/146181503
  28. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/175lyo5/what_discontinued_snackdrink_needs_a_comeback/
  29. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Ernest_Jackson_and_Co
  30. https://unitedplantsavers.org/the-long-road-to-sustainable-licorice/
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