Last year Gimbal’s Candy introduced Cherry Lovers, a fanciful assortment of nine different cherry flavored jelly candies in the shape of hearts. It wasn’t my kind of thing and I wished that there was a citrus version. Gimbal’s went far more inventive than that and created Honey Lovers which features 16 different honey infused flavors of jelly beans.

Gimbal’s makes a wide array of panned candies and licorice but the big selling point for them is that they operate in a low-allergen facility. No peanuts, no tree nuts, no gluten, no dairy, no eggs and no soy. Honey isn’t just a flavoring here, the third ingredient on the list is actually honey. (The first two are sugar and corn syrup.)

The Honey Lovers come in either a 10 ounce bag or a 38 ounce resealable tub. Each of the hearts is colored and patterned to match their flavor. They also feature 25% of the RDA of vitamin C. On top of that, Gimbal’s is donating 5% of their sales to honey bee research at the University of California at Davis (which is just 100 miles or so away).

Golden Honey a wonderful and simple little jelly bean heart. It’s not a bright sweetness, it’s more of a concentrated honey with a little sugary grain from the shell ... which mimicked crystallized honey or honeycomb. The flavor was just a little different from the Jelly Belly Honey Bean, not quite as caramelized but still authentic.
Peaches and Honey tastes like peach fuzz and honey, kind of strange but true. Honey and peach have similar syrupy notes, so these go together well, kind of like a peach cobbler flavor.
Tangy Orange Honey starts our like a plain juicy orange jelly bean then becomes a deep honey flavored and smooth chew.
Buttered Honey Popcorn was the one I avoided. I detest fake butter flavor and this one had that “old movie theater” flavor. It was a little on the toffee side because of the honey, but still my least favorite of the bunch. (I’m sure some folks will be in love with it.)
Meyer Lemon Honey is kind of like a cough drop without the menthol. The lemon is light and only slightly zesty but no sign of tartness. The honey note is defined but separated from the lemon-ness, like the lemon is on the shell and the honey is in the center.

Cinnamon Honey wasn’t terribly strong but mostly cinnamon. I didn’t catch much honey on the end of it. Not as blazing as Gimbal’s stellar Lava Balls, but still fun and quite a change up from the rest of the primarily fruity bunch in this mix.
Black Cherry Honey has a little tartness at the front and was a very well balanced heart. The cherry flavors weren’t exceptionally strong, but still lasted well into the emergence of the honey flavors.
Honey Mocha Toffee (not pictured because I thought it was Black Cherry Honey) is just dreadful, there’s that fake butter flavor that I guess is supposed to be toffee and then a faint whiff of instant coffee. It’s like a bad hazelnut coffee creamer.
Coconut Honey is terribly sweet and with a strong tropical vibe. The coconut is strong on this one and since it’s easily confused with the vanilla, I ate it by mistake a few times. As long as you’re looking for something really coconutty, this is a great little heart.
Honey Vanilla this was my absolute favorite, I kept searching the bags for this one. It’s like a jelly bean version of the marshmallow in a See’s Scotchmallow. Fragrant and soft vanilla with the deep sweetness of honey.
Honey Raspberry is deep red and jammy sweet with just the right touch of honey at the end. The floral berry notes lingered long after the chew was gone.

Honey Dipped Strawberry is sweet and has that great summer taste to it, the honey isn’t a strong as the others, but then again, I didn’t need it to be with the great toasted sugar notes of the strawberry there.
Huckleberry Honey is kind of a mystery to me. I don’t know huckleberries that well, but can definitely say that the light berry and summer fruit notes have a tangy bite and a sweet finish.
Pomegranate Honey is a nondescript tart berry flavor where the honey takes over pretty quickly.
Blueberry Honey is like the other berry and fruit flavors, quite mild and mellow. I caught a faint bit of blueberry flavor to it, but mostly it tasted like a very honey-laden iced tea. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Orchard Pear ‘n Honey tastes rather green in the best way possible. It doesn’t have the same crunchy grain of a real pear, but the deep malty flavors of the honey go well with the grassy notes.

Overall this was a very inventive mix. Of the 16 flavors there were only two that I picked out and refused to eat (Mocha Toffee and Popcorn), and another three that I picked around but didn’t toss back in there if I got by accident. But the ones I liked, I thought were stellar (Vanilla Honey, Honey, Meyer Lemon, Strawberry). Even if I didn’t like some, there were others whom I shared these with who did, so they are a real crowd pleaser. The only suggestion I’d have would be to have a smaller flavor mix (with 5-8 flavors in a more limited color palette) that might do better for themed buffets and folks who simply buy candy for the colors.

Related Candies

1. Eat with your Eyes: 100% Honey
2. Jelly Belly Honey Beans
3. Cool Honey Altoids
4. Puffy Candy Corn
5. Boules de Miel (balls of honey)
6. Melville Candy Company Honey Spoons

These are Vere Tiles from a chocolate company in New York. Package here.

Goetze’s introduced new Gourmet Caramel Creams last year to their line. The two new items are Licorice Caramel Creams and Double Chocolate Caramel Creams.

Licorice Caramel Creams are not new, they were made years ago and then discontinued as licorice fell out of favor and Goetze’s concentrated on the core products in their line.

The new caramel creams are formatted in the same way. A hoop of wheat-based caramel surrounds a crumbly soft sugar center. They’re individually wrapped and in the case of this new line, they’re sold in 9 ounce stand-up gusseted bags.

The gourmet part isn’t about fine, locally sourced ingredients or small batches:

As with all Goetze products, the new Gourmet Caramel Creams are low in fat and sodium, have no cholesterol, and are made with the finest wheat flour, milk and cream ingredients. However, the Licorice and Double Chocolate treats have also been fortified to enhance their quality and content. Both of the Gourmet flavors are considered a Good Source of Calcium, with a single serving of each containing 30% RDA of Calcium (the same amount as an 8oz glass of milk)! In addition, the Gourmet Caramel Creams Licorice also contains 11% RDA of fiber!

First, I have to remind folks that Caramel Creams are a little different. They’re really not caramels at all, they’re a wheat-based chew so they’re hardly even sweet on the outside. I liken them to cookie dough, but in the case of the Licorice variety I can only say that they’re like a very chewy version of the Aussie-style of soft licorice.

The scent of the licorice is strong on the anise and reminds me of Ouzo. The molasses notes are restrained. The chew is tough and long lasting, the acidic notes of the molasses and licorice come through very well. There’s a tar quality to it, the strength is so aromatic at times it’s practically corrosive (I mean the best way possible). The cooling sugar center gives a little splash of cold water and helps spread the flavors around.

I really enjoyed these a lot. I’ve tried them several times now as samples from trade shows and I’ve been looking forward to buying a full bag for myself in stores ... if only I could find them. (Looks like OldTimeCandy.com has them, maybe I’ll have to place an order.)

They’re so different from any other licorice or caramel product. The closest thing I can think of might be a Licorice Allsort - but with a softer, fresher and more intensely-flavored chew.

Each Bullseye has 40 calories each, 10% of your calcium one gram of fat plus they’re made in a no-nuts/no peanut facility.

The second gourmet version is the Double Chocolate Caramel Cream which honestly doesn’t differ that much from the straight Chocolate Caramel Cream. Sure the center has a little cocoa in it, but the chocolate flavor is all in the caramel chew outside. The selling point here is the addition of calcium, which is substantial.

The flavor is like eating brownie batter, or the edges of a freshly cooked brownie bar where it’s really chewy. It’s not terribly sweet, so the cocoa flavors are rich and a little milky with just a slight hint of salt.

They’re both really filling and sometimes feel more like a snack than a candy.

Related Candies

1. Panda Soft Herb Licorice and Licorice Cremes
2. Broadway Black Licorice Rolls
3. Bassett’s Licorice Allsorts
4. Goetze’s Caramel Creams

The 2010 Sweets & Snacks Expo is in full swing in Chicago as of today. The three day trade show is the largest expo of candy in North America. Since it’s for those in the candy industry only (and some selected members of the press) the public has to wait for the new products to hit store shelves. Here are a few new items:

Name: Nintendo Coin Candies
Brand: Boston America Corp.
Description: New from Boston America Corp. is a line of officially licensed Nintendo Coin Candies. This product has a tremendous appeal to both kids 8-12 and teens/young adults aged 13-25. Each tin contains 1 ounce of sour coin shaped candies.
Introduction Date: 1/1/10
Notes: I can’t quite figure out what this “sour coin shaped candy” actually is. But the fun thing is that it’s not the hum-drum chocolate coin. For another take on the Mario Bros Power Up Box, check out the Au’some Snerdles I reviewed a few weeks ago.

Name: Burstin Berry Blow Pops
Brand: Charms Company (Tootsie)
Description: Five new exciting flavors of America’s favor Gum Filled Pop. Flavors include Razzberry, Blackberry, Blueverry, Tropicalberry and Crazzberry. 
Introduction Date: 1/10/10
Notes: I’m kind a purist when it comes to my Blow Pops. Grape seems to work best for me but a Crazzberry might be a fun combination of tangy, sweet and chewy.

Name: Candy Cane Pop Drops
Brand: Tootsie
Description: New peppermint flavored drops. Chewy Tootsie Roll inside a striped shell.
Introduction Date: Christmas 2010
Notes: I liked the Candy Cane Tootsie Pops, but they were a little large, which required a commitment. The format of the Pop Drops is actually a better version in my opinion. It’s also fun to see that you can get a single flavor package like the old days of Tootsie Pop Drops in the rolls.

Name: Frooties - Rootbeer, CranBlueberry, Strawberry Lemonade
Brand: Tootsie
Description: New Flavors of Frooties: full-bodied Root Beer, crisp CranBlueberry and refreshing Strawberry Lemonade.
Introduction Date: 01/01/10
Notes: I know these came out earlier this year but I haven’t found them in stores. A creamy root beer taffy chew sounds right up my alley though and I like that they’re expanding the line into these fun flavors.

Name: ICEE Fizzing Lollipops
Brand: KoKo’s Confectionery & Novelty
Description: Sweet ICEE flavored hard candy lollipops with a fun fizzing center. They are available in a 12 count peg bag or a 48 count display box. Flavors include cherry, blue raspberry, green apple, and lemonade. 
Introduction Date: 01/01/10
Notes: The new Icee line of candies from KoKos is rather interesting since it’s based on a slush drink, which in itself is based on sodas or fruits. The gummis I tried last year weren’t terribly notable, but this lollipop promises a fizz, which sets it apart from the most popular lollipops like Tootsie Pops and Blow Pops.

Name: Sconza Lemoncello Almonds
Brand: Sconza Candy Co.
Description:
Roasted California almonds drenched in white chocolate and lemon cream.
Introduction Date: 05/25/10
Notes: Sconza does fabulous things with almonds. They’re located right in the heart of the most productive almond growing regions in the world, so it’s no surprise the they make some of the freshest panned almonds in the world. This version sounds like a fun twist on the ordinary chocolate covered almond and will probably be of great interest to brides and party planners for candy buffets or favors.

Name: Sour Punch Bits
Brand: American Licorice Company
Description: Cheek pinching sour greatness comes in Strawberry-Watermelon, Tangerine-Lemonade, and Lemon-Lime in a 3.5oz theater box with vertical or horizontal display options. Sour Punch also has new hanging bags in blended flavors including: Strawberry-Lemonade (5oz), Lightnin’-Lemonade (8oz), Strawberry-Watermelon (8oz), and Lemon-Lime (5oz). Available today for any candy set!
Introduction Date: 1/4/2010
Notes: Sour Punch Straws are fun but kind of messy to eat. This format of the same style of candy - a chewy flour-based fruity chew with a sour sanding - makes it easier to pop the little nibs. The theater box is a great idea, a sour twist on the red licorice category.

Name: Bazooka Bubblegum Nuggets
Brand: Bazooka (Topps)
Description: Bazooka Bubblegum Nuggets comes in a re-sealable pouch, great for every on-the-go kid! 
Introduction Date: 02/01/10
Notes: Great for every on-the-go kid? And bubble gum was packaged in what format that was incompatible with being active? I’m not quite sure if the nuggets are candy coated, like Gold Mine Gum or if they’re just uncoated pieces (kind of like the Big League Chew strips).

Name: Trident Layers: Cool Mint + Melon Fresco
Brand: Cadbury North America
Description: Sugar free Trident Layers™ - the gum that delivers intriguing dual-flavor combinations introduces a new flavor Trident Layers Cool Mint + Melon Fresco™. Trident Layers™ gum is uniquely formulated with a special middle flavor layer you can actually see. So Each bite provides a double taste sensation and now in NEW Cool Mint + Melon Fresco™.
Introduction Date: 05/03/2010
Notes: I’m kind of a gum purist, so I’ll leave the review on this one to my gum-loving counterparts.

Name: Campfire Marshmallow Zebras
Brand: Doumak, Inc/Campfire Marshmallows
Description:
Two great tastes in one! Delicious dark chocolate generously drizzled over original Campfire Marshmallows with a delicate vanilla accent. The bite-size shape is perfect for snacking. Also great for S’mores! Comes in a 4.5oz gusseted stand-up bag with peg hole for merchandising flexibility. Resealable bag for maximum freshness.
Introduction Date: 05/01/10
Notes: The simplicity of a marshmallow is hard to top. I like the Campfire style that doesn’t have the sugar sanding like Peeps and of course chocolate is an awesome combo. It’s fun to see Campfire angling towards the candy aspect of marshmallows instead of sitting around on the bottom shelf of the baking aisle as an ingredient.

Name: Milk Chocolate with Strawberry Crème
Brand: Ritter Sport
Description:
Ritter Sport’s limited-edition Milk Chocolate with Strawberry Crème features rich European milk chocolate filled with light dairy cream and pieces of real strawberries. Sales proceeds will go to breast cancer research, as Ritter Sport has pledged to donate $100,000 to help promote awareness, ensure early detection and, hopefully, find a cure. The product will hit retail shelves by October, just in time for National Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Introduction Date: October 2010
Notes: Ritter Sport already makes a Strawberry Yogurt bar ... I was kind of hoping this one would be a dark chocolate version, but I’ll keep an open mind about it. Strawberry isn’t too common in candy bars, especially at the price point that Ritters go for, so that may give these a big boost.

Related Candies

1. Candy Tease: Sweets & Snacks Expo 2010 - Part 2
2. Nobel Nama Caramel Gummy
3. Ritter Sport Fruhlingsspezialitaten 2010
4. Ritter Sport Peppermint
5. Candy Cane Tootsie Pops
6. Tootsie Pop Drops

Soda flavored gummi spaghetti - these are cola and ramune (lemon-lime) gummi strings from Japan.