20 Of the Most Iconic Tootsie Roll & Pop Flavors Ranked

Stephanie Osmanski

July 7, 2023 at 11:52 PM·8 min read

If you come home from trick-or-treating without any Tootsie Rolls or Tootsie Pops, did you even go trick-or-treating? Both the classic rolls and the pops are candy staples known for their chocolately chew, but in recent years the brand has branched into non-chocolate candy, including Fruit Chews and the even newer Tootsie Roll Fruit Chews Sours. The five new sour flavors reminded us how big the Tootsie Roll universe is now, which inspired this list of the Tootsie Roll and Tootsie Pop flavors, ranked.

While we may never get the answer to the burning question, "How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?," there is one question we do have answers for—which flavor is best?

Keep reading for answers to frequently-asked Tootsie questions, plus our list, from worst to best.

Here at Parade.com, we're all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.

What is a Tootsie Roll?

It may surprise you to learn that a Tootsie Roll isn't chocolate. It's a chocolate-flavored taffy that combines qualities of chocolate, taffy and caramels. According to the official Tootsie Roll website, it's designed to be like "perfectly-balanced cocoa" with "a fruit-flavored undertone."

Tootsie Roll 280-Count Tub - Resealable Plastic Jar of Individually Wrapped Treat Size Tootsie Rolls - 98 Ounce, Chocolate

What is a Tootsie Pop?

A Tootsie Pop is a lollipop with a Tootsie Roll in the center. As kids of a certain era will know, Tootsie Pops are associated with a cartoon owl (cleverly named Mr. Owl) who helps a boy learn how many licks it takes to get to the center of the famous lollipop. For the record, Mr. Owl says the answer is three, but keep in mind that's three licks and a chomp.

Tootsie Roll Pops Variety Pack Bulk Candy | 90 Individually Wrapped Lollipops filled with Tootsie Rolls | Assorted Suckers Candies in Reusable Plastic Tub, 90 Count (Pack of 1), (-092021-v5)

What is in the middle of a Tootsie Pop?

Inside a Tootsie Pop, you'll find a chocolate-flavored, chewy Tootsie Roll. This also answers another frequently-asked question: Is there chocolate inside a Tootsie Pop? Nope, not technically. Instead, you'll bite into a chocolate-flavored Tootsie Roll.

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Is there a strawberry Tootsie Pop?

There is no plain strawberry Tootsie Pop, but there is a Strawberry Watermelon Tootsie Pop. If you're trying to find it at the store, look for the pink and green wrapper. If the strawberry-watermelon combo is a deal breaker for you, there is a strawberry Tootsie Roll.

Is there just one Tootsie Roll flavor?

No! There's a variety of Tootsie Roll flavors, including Tootsie Frooties and the new Tootsie Fruit Chews Sour, which come in blue raspberry, lemon, cherry, watermelon and orange flavors.

20 Tootsie Roll and Tootsie Pop flavors, ranked

20. Tootsie Roll Vanilla

You'll recognize this as the Tootsie Roll in the blue packaging. Here, a blue wrapper doesn't mean blueberry or blue raspberry, but rather vanilla. It's creamy and smooth, but it's not necessarily what we're looking for in a Tootsie Roll.

Vanilla Tootsie Roll Midgees Limited Edition 12 Ounce Bag

19. Chocolate Tootsie Pop

Although the chocolate-flavored Tootsie Roll is the quintessential flavor, we found that the combination of the chocolate lollipop and the chocolate center wasn't our favorite. One of the joys of eating a Tootsie Pop is the contrast between the flavor of the lollipop and the chocolatey center, which this double chocolate version doesn't have.

Tootsie Pops Tootsie Roll Pops Chocolate Flavor Limited Edition, Single Flavor Lollipop, 13.2 Ounce bag, 13.2 Ounce

18. Tootsie Frootie Strawberry

This fruity chew is pink and so is its packaging. While it's not our favorite of all the Tootsie Rolls, it wouldn't be the last one left either.

Tootsie Roll Strawberry Frooties - 360 Pack,38.8OZ

17. Caramel Tootsie Pop

This Tootsie Pop has a mild caramel flavor, unlike some caramel candies that really hit you over the head with buttery sweetness. The combination of creamy caramel and the chocolate-flavored Tootsie in the center is good, but maybe not our first choice.

Tootsie Pops Limited Edition Individually Wrapped Single Flavor Lollipops with Tootsie Roll Center, Caramel, 12.6 Ounce

16. Grape Tootsie Pop

The Grape Tootsie Pop is a classic. While it's sure to be most appreciated by people who love grape flavoring in general, it's not too grapey either, so even those who don't love grape-flavored candy will still enjoy it.

Grape Tootsie Pops 60 pops

15. Tootsie Roll Original Chocolate

Don't @ us! The Tootsie Roll Original Chocolate may be the OG, but over time, it's been eclipsed by so many other fun flavors. (Most especially the new Sour Fruit Chews.)

Tootsie Roll Bars, Original Classic Size, 2.25 Ounce Rolls, (Pack of 36), Peanut Free, Gluten Free

14. Tootsie Roll Sour Blue Raspberry Fruit Chew

Yes, this candy will definitely turn your tongue blue! The Tootsie Roll Sour Blue Raspberry is a bit tangier than some of the other sour flavors, but a bold flavor like blue raspberry, that's to be expected.

13. Tootsie Roll Sour Lemon Fruit Chew

The perfect ratio of lemon sourness, we hope Tootsie never retires the Tootsie Roll Sour Lemon flavor. Now that we think about it, this Tootsie Roll would make a great (sour) Tootsie Pop flavor, too! Tootsie Roll: Call us!

12. Pomegranate Tootsie Pop

The Pomegranate Tootsie Pop isn't one of the OG Tootsie Pop flavors, but every once in a while you'll spot this one in the wild. It's bursting with fruity flavor that's not too sweet. You'll be able to spot this flavor instantly because it's the one with the red writing on the red wrapper.

Tootsie Pops Lollipops Miniature Mini 50 Lollies in a Box (Pomegranate)

11. Lemon Tootsie Pop

The only way to improve upon the Lemon Tootsie Pop is to make a sour edition à la the Fruit Chews Sour line. This Pop is refreshing and citrusy and a nice light alternative to some of the other stronger, bolder flavors.

Tootsie Roll Pops Assorted Flavors 6.0 oz (Pack of 2)

10. Tootsie Roll Lime Fruit Chew

The Tootsie Roll Lime has so much zing that it's almost as tangy as one of the sour flavors...but not quite! If you're looking for a citrusy, zesty treat, Tootsie Roll Lime is for you.

Tootsie Fruit Chews Candy in Box, 2lb (Individually Wrapped) (Lime)

9. Tootsie Roll Cherry Fruit Chew

The best part about Tootsie Roll Cherry is that the flavor doesn't veer into "medicine" territory, which is usually the criticism for cherry flavoring gone bad. But not here! This candy tastes like cherry juice, which is a refreshing surprise.

Tootsie Fruit Chews Candy in Box, 2lb (Individually Wrapped) (Cherry)

8. Orange Tootsie Pop

The Orange Tootsie Pop is a work of art! Out of all of Tootsie Pop's fruity flavors, the orange is the most balanced. Not too fruity; not too chocolatey. It's light with a hint of citrusy fruit and it has just enough sweetness to make you crave a second one.

One Flavor Candy Tootsie Pops Lollipop Lolli Pops Bulk in Resealable Bag (Orange, Pack of 20)

7. Tootsie Roll Sour Orange Fruit Chew

How do we describe the Tootsie Roll Sour Orange flavor? It's like an orange creamsicle or orange soda in chewy Tootsie Roll form.

6. Raspberry Tootsie Pop

If you can't find a Cherry Tootsie Pop (see #3), then a Raspberry Tootsie Pop is the next best thing. While most people agree it's super delicious, it's not exactly common knowledge that "the dark red Tootsie Pop" is raspberry. In fact, lots of people get it confused with cherry, which is a true red color. But don't be sad if you make that mistake. A Raspberry Tootsie Pop is a super solid choice.

Tootsie Pops Lollipops 40 Lollies in a Box (Raspberry)

5. Tootsie Roll Orange Fruit Chew

Believe it or not, we're actually ranking the Tootsie Roll Orange higher than its sour counterpart—but only by a hair. It's got a bold, citrusy kick that we love.

Tootsie Fruit Chews Candy in Box, 2lb (Individually Wrapped) (Orange)

4. Strawberry Watermelon Tootsie Pop

There is no plain strawberry-flavored Tootsie Pop, but be thankful for that because the Strawberry Watermelon Tootsie Pop is better. You'll love the hint of watermelon and how nicely it blends with the strawberry.

3. Cherry Tootsie Pop

Tootsie really knows how to nail cherry flavor, and that talent is on display in this lollipop. When the cherry candy combines with the chewy chocolate center we get chocolate-covered cherry vibes, which makes us very happy.

Cherry Tootsie Pops 75 pops

2. Tootsie Roll Sour Watermelon Fruit Chew

If you see a Tootsie Roll with pink and green packaging, snag it! It's the Strawberry Watermelon Tootsie Pop, and it's outstanding. The candy is super chewy, super sour, and super delicious.

1. Tootsie Frootie Cherry

The Tootsie Frootie Sour Cherry is the only Tootsie Roll candy we could eat every day for the rest of our lives. It's tangy and zingy, but it doesn't taste too artificial or too, too sour. It has the right balance of fruit flavor with a sour kick (but not too much kick). For us, it's Tootsie's best roll yet.

Sour Cherry Frooties - Tootsie Roll Chewy Candy - 360 Piece Count, 38.8 oz Bag

Next up, grab a spoon—we're ranking the best and worst Jell-O.

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