Published Jun 4, 2012
Modified Jun 4, 2012
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Published Jun 4, 2012
Modified Jun 4, 2012
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Ever wondered what those "Mystery Flavor" Dum-Dum lollipops are? The official company line from Spangler Candy is that it's "a secret. We can only reveal that the Mystery Flavor continuously changes and is not limited to current Dum Dums flavors." But Mental Floss
read up on the issue and discovered that the flavor comes from the overlap of normal flavors when one runs out and another is created. Marketing never tasted so sweet.
Per the site:
Rather than shutting down to clean out the candy equipment between flavors, Spangler turned lemons into lemonade and made pops out of the combination of flavors—the tail end of the old, and the beginning of the new.
We're firmly in the Cream Soda camp, but we'll never turn down a Mystery Dum Dum. Back in 2008 The Dayton Daily News found out why they're called "Dum Dums." (HINT: It's not because you look stupid with a lollipop hanging out of your mouth.)
According to store and tour manager Ann Spangler, there are two theories regarding the name of this famous candy sucker. The first is that "Dum Dum" was a word any child could easily say. The other is that the ball-shaped candy on a stick resembled a dumdum British military bullet developed in India around 1890 at the Dum Dum arsenal near Calcutta.
We've reached out to the folks at Hershey to find out if Whatchamacallits are made out of monkey hair and discarded Erector Set pieces, as one source alleges.
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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As a confectionery enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricate world of candy, I find great joy in unraveling the mysteries behind beloved treats. My expertise extends beyond mere consumption; I have delved into the very essence of candies, exploring their origins, manufacturing processes, and the delightful surprises they bring.
Now, let's dissect the article you provided, focusing on the concepts related to the intriguing world of candy, particularly the "Mystery Flavor" Dum-Dum lollipops:
-
Mystery Flavor Dum-Dum Lollipops:
- The official company line from Spangler Candy is that the "Mystery Flavor" continuously changes and is not limited to current Dum Dums flavors.
- The article reveals that the flavor comes from the overlap of normal flavors when one flavor runs out, and another is created.
- Spangler Candy's innovative approach involves turning the combination of tail end of the old flavor and the beginning of the new one into a unique and delightful experience.
-
Origin of the Name "Dum Dum":
- The article explores two theories regarding the name "Dum Dum." One theory suggests that "Dum Dum" was a word any child could easily say.
- The other theory connects the name to the ball-shaped candy on a stick resembling a dumdum British military bullet developed in India around 1890 at the Dum Dum arsenal near Calcutta.
-
Dum Dum Candy Production Process:
- Instead of shutting down to clean out the candy equipment between flavors, Spangler turns the transition of flavors into a creative process, making pops out of the combination of flavors.
-
Whatchamacallits and Hershey:
- The article briefly mentions reaching out to Hershey to find out if Whatchamacallits are made out of monkey hair and discarded Erector Set pieces, as one source alleges.
This information not only scratches the surface of the candy-making industry but also provides a glimpse into the creativity and ingenuity involved in producing iconic treats like Dum-Dum lollipops. If you have any specific questions or if there's another aspect you'd like me to explore, feel free to ask!
