Jolly Rancher "Grape"

Jolly Rancher

I used to think that Jolly Rancher candies had unique fruit flavours. They aren’t unique in the choice of flavours, grape is in fact one of the most common flavours of candy ever. I just thought that the flavours they used were different than what other candy brands were using. Then After eating a few Jolly Rancher candies, and in particular after eating this grape Jolly Rancher I figured it out. There’s nothing unique about the actual flavours of Jolly Rancher candies, what’s unique is the intensity of the flavours.

From the minute I unwrapped this candy, all I could smell (and eventually taste) was an intense fake grape flavour. It’s the kind of flavour that takes over every sense in your nose and mouth. It’s powerful enough that I imagine anyone within five feet of you will know that you’re eating a grape candy. I also imagine that if you don’t like fake grape flavoured things, it would be a nightmare. Fortunately I very much enjoy fake grape flavoured treats, and I was far enough from anybody who may not enjoy fake grape flavoured treats that no complaints were had.

When I use the term “fake” grape flavoured treats, I use it with love. I use it only because I feel like these taste nothing like what a remember a real grape tasting like (that’s actually impressive in this case because I literally ate a bunch of grapes minutes before I ate this candy). These might even contain real grape juice, I don’t know, but I do know that the spirit of the flavour is not close to the experience of eating real grapes. On another note, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I really enjoy the texture of Jolly Rancher candies. There’s something about a slightly sticky hard candy that is pleasing to me. Some might feel differently, but for me it just adds a new layer to the regular hard candy texture.