DOTS candy is a classic sweet available in a variety of flavors. This chewy candy has been around since 1945. Mason first made it before Tootsie Roll Industries took over in 1972. Tootsie Roll Industries produces over four billion gumdrops yearly at its Chicago plant.
These sweet treats are not only tasty but also vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, and kosher. As one of America’s favorite gumdrops, they come in options like Original, Sour, Tropical, and even Yogurt Dots.
Flavors and Varieties
DOTS candies come in a wide range of flavors that suit any sweet tooth. The classic “Original Dots” include cherry, lemon, lime, orange, and strawberry. These gumdrops are chewy and flavorful, making them a favorite for many. The Sour Dots have an extra tangy kick. Thanks to the added citric acid, they come in cherry, lemon, orange, grape, and green apple.
Fun and Unique Varieties
The Tropical Dots offer a more exotic taste with flavors like Island Nectar, Wild Mango, Grapefruit Cooler, Carambola Melon, and Paradise Punch. For a twist, Yogurt Dots add a creamy flavor with Banana, Orange, Blackberry, and Lemon-Lime.
You can’t forget Crows, the black licorice gumdrops that have existed since the 1890s. They were once considered “Black Rose,” but the true name is just as iconic.
Special Holiday Flavors
DOTS also join the fun during holidays with themed versions. For Halloween, options like Ghost Dots give you the Original Dots flavors without color, leaving you guessing the taste. Bat Dots are black and have a blood orange flavor, while Candy Corn Dots mimic the famous fall treat.
Christmas brings variations like Holiday Dots in mixes like Cherry/Green Apple and Lime/Strawberry. If you enjoy bold fruit flavors, Lumps of Coal Dots in Blackberry and Black Cherry might be your thing for the holiday season. Valentine’s Day offers Valentine Dots, featuring a vanilla base with Cherry or Passion Fruit tops.
During Easter, you can enjoy Easter Dots in Blueberry, Lemon, Lime, Cherry, and Orange. Springtime Dots, introduced this year, come in Grape, Mango, Strawberry, and Pineapple flavors, adding a spring twist to your treat selection.
Discontinued and Promotional Varieties
Over the years, DOTS has had its share of seasonal and temporary flavors. Spice Dots once graced shelves in the 1980s, and Wild Berry Dots offered a tart, crunchy coating but were phased out in 2007. Dots Elements, introduced in 2008, featured pomegranate, cinnamon, green tea, and wintergreen flavors but are no longer made.
Hot Dots or Cinnamon Dots had a short run between 2004 and 2006. Patriotic Dots and Assorted Reds Dots added a twist with vanilla tops and strawberry, blueberry, and fruit punch flavors. Special single flavors like pink grapefruit, peach, and watermelon also appeared and were marketed as “sour slices.”
In 2022, Watermelon Dots were added to the lineup, featuring a red top and green base that mimics the look of a watermelon. Assorted Lemonade Dots added a refreshing mix of lemonade, blue raspberry lemonade, cherry lemonade, strawberry lemonade, and limeade flavors the following year.
Ingredients and Dietary Information
DOTS contain a mix of corn syrup, sugar, modified food starch, malic acid, natural and artificial flavors, sodium citrate, and artificial colors. For those with dietary restrictions, DOTS are an excellent choice as they are vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, and kosher.
Whether you’re a classic candy lover or looking for a holiday-themed treat, DOTS has a flavor to match your cravings.
The Allure of Nostalgia
Part of the enduring appeal of DOTS candy lies in its nostalgia factor. Many chewy gumdrops evoke childhood memories, like sharing a box with friends or sneaking a few pieces from a candy dish. The iconic packaging and recognizable shape make DOTS a staple in the candy world, bringing comfort and familiarity. Their versatility also plays a role in their popularity—whether used in creative recipes like DOTS-themed cookies or as a colorful addition to holiday gingerbread houses, these candies are as much fun as they are about flavor.
A Candy for Every Occasion
One of the standout features of DOTS is their adaptability to any occasion. Whether it’s Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Easter, there’s a DOTS variety to celebrate the season. This commitment to seasonal offerings keeps the brand fresh and exciting and allows fans to look forward to new and exclusive flavors every year. For many candy enthusiasts, collecting and trying each new variety has become a cherished tradition, adding to the brand’s loyal following.
From their vegan-friendly ingredients to their wide variety of flavors, DOTS remains a beloved treat for both the young and the young at heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do They Offer All DOTS Candy Flavors All Year?
Not every flavor of DOTS candy is available all year. Some special editions are only sold seasonally or for a limited time. For example, certain unique flavors like Hot DOTS and Patriotic DOTS were limited releases. Other classic flavors are more consistently available.
Where Can You Buy DOTS Candy in Bulk?
You can buy DOTS candy in bulk at multiple places. Online retailers like Amazon and specialty candy websites usually have large packs. You might also find bulk options at wholesale stores like Costco or Sam’s Club.
What Ingredients Are in DOTS Candy?
DOTS candies are made of simple ingredients, including sugar, corn syrup, and natural or artificial flavors. Additionally, they contain modified food starch and some coloring agents to give them their bright colors.
Have Any DOTS Candy Flavors Been Recently Discontinued?
Yes, some DOTS candy flavors have been discontinued. For instance, the Hot DOTS flavor was available from 2004 to 2006. Other flavors, like Spice DOTS, were only sold in the 1980s.
What Makes DOTS Candy Different From Classic Gumdrops?
DOTS gumdrops differ from classic gumdrops mainly in texture and flavor variety. They tend to be chewier and less grainy than traditional gumdrops. DOTS also come in a wider range of flavors and special editions.
Is DOTS Candy Suitable for Vegetarian or Halal Diets?
Yes, DOTS candy is suitable for vegetarians and contains no animal-derived ingredients. According to PETA, DOTS is also vegan, making it a good choice for those avoiding animal products. The candies are also kosher and free of common allergens like nuts and gluten.
