Friday, April 4, 2008
Red Vines GiveawayNational Licorice Day is on Saturday, April 12th. Why licorice only gets a day when peanut butter gets a whole month is beyond me. (Here are some more candy days.) In recognition of this Red Vines contacted me a few weeks ago offering up some prize packages for Candy Blog readers. I’ll be giving FOUR (4) of these prizes away. (Rules below.) Here’s what’s inside: Plus you’ll also get a hat, tee shirt, sticker, water bottle and three temporary tattoos! So, if you’re a Red Vines lover (or haven’t tried it before and would like to experience a representation of their line of products) just follow these simple directions: If these odds aren’t good enough for you, Red Vines is also running a contest on their website, too for actual scholarship or travel money. (Other fine print: Red Vines are made with wheat and are not suitable for those with wheat/gluten sensitivities. Above photo was provided by Red Vines, not taken by me.) UPDATE: Four lucky winners were drawn and their packages shipped out this week. They should have them in their hot little hands right now. The winners were Tara, Shelley, Kim & Paul. Congratulations! Related Candies
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Meticulously photographed and documented reviews of candy from around the world. And the occasional other sweet adventures. Open your mouth, expand your mind.
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“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
What matters is what something is not what it’s called so… I think Red Licorice should be able to be called licorice :D It’s the same thing with White Chocolate being called chocolate ^_^
I know lots of black licorice lovers think its a travesty to call the red stuff licorice, but I like the red kind better so I’m AOK with calling it licorice!
All I know is Red Vines are Delicious. I don’t care if you call it licorice or not.
Just don’t give me twizlers… They taste like plastic!
Yes Yes Yes Red Vines need to be called licorice because I have called it licorice all my 54 years!!!
I love the red kind and I’m so used to it being called licorice, I couldn’t really imagine it being called anything else. So, I’m completely fine with it being called licorice even if I have to ask for the color of the licorice before I accept any. ;D
I have been trying to find the strawberry and cherry red vines for the longest time!
Calling it licorice doesn’t matter to me, I’m mainly concerned with the taste. And red vines are the best!
All I know is that besides color and taste, the two candies VISUALLY look alike and have the same texture, which is good enough to connect them - in the minds of the masses.
But, as some great comedians once said, “Red Vines and Dr. Pibb equals crazy delicious!!!”
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/play.shtml?mea=2921
Who really cares?!
Keep calling it licorice…one of the nicest compliments I have ever recieved was when I was a kid and someone told me I had an “old soul” because I said licorice was my favorite candy!
Technically, I guess not. But it’s too late now! I’ve never had their black licorice - I’m a huuuuuge black licorice fan so I’d love to try it.
I agree that the red stuff isn’t “real” licorice, but I think it’s ok to call it “red licorice.” I don’t think the practice is confusing anyone.
For what it’s worth, black licorice usually “doesn?t actually have any licorice in it” either but, unlike the red stuff, at least it is flavored like licorice.
definitely! i think it’s pretty much entered the lexicon at this point i like the way wikipedia puts it:
‘the term “black liquorice” (or “black licorice”) has become a retronym’
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice_candy
What, there aren’t FDA regulations about this?!?
Nah, the black stuff is licorice and the red stuff is delicious…but it isn’t licorice.
Yes, it should still be called licorice for the mere fact that too many people would get confused if they changed the name.
Although, I feel Red Vines should be the 5th food group, so maybe it should get it’s own category.
#7 - Are you sure it’s Dr. Pibb, or are you confusing Mr. Pibb and Dr Pepper?
#9 - I’m also a black licorice fan and, quite frankly, I think that “black vines” (easier to say than “Red Vines Black Licorice Twists” yet also clearer) are disappointing compared to other brands. They’re still worth eating, but I think I’d prefer black Twizzlers, which is saying something. If you try them perhaps you will enjoy them more than I do.
Red licorice has been red licorice for too long! I think at this point it would confuse people if we were to try and give it another moniker. In our house, we’ve always just specified what type of licorice we have—red licorice, black licorice, allsorts, etc. And anyway, since I’m the only person in our house who will eat the black licorice or allsorts, I don’t have to share!
I’m okay with calling it licorice. That’s always what I’ve called it and it hasn’t been an issue. While there’s nothing like the smell of rich black licorice I think there’s room for everyone under the licorice umbrella!
I’m ok calling it whatever- it’s delicious either way!
If not licorice, then what? It’s like using tissue to blow your nose; a lot of different brands, but everyone calls them “kleenex”. When purchasing licorice I get the “red” for my husband, while I love the “black”. Those are the terms we used when our kids were growing up, “Which licorice to you want, the red or the black?”. For me, it’s basically the twist that makes Red Vines absolutely and positively licorice!
Someone already stole the ‘Red Vines + Mr. Pibb = Crazy delicious’ line! Sure, why shouldn’t they be called licorice? How many products do we have named one thing that don’t actually contain that product. Might as well with this one, too!
Although I can understand that Red Vines are in a traditional licorice form I think it is misleading to call them licorice. Licorice comes in so many different forms that I believe it is very silly to call any “red flavored treats” licorice.
The Vines is fine!
I think of licorice as anything in the genre, so it’s fine with me! (Although I do love the chocolate Twizzlers too!)
I LOVE red licorice. It probably shouldn’t be called licorice at all, but since it has been for so long, I think it’s sort of grandfathered in as a real thing. If we didn’t call it red licorice, what would we call it? How could we ask for it by name?
I don’t think they should be. In my family, we have always referred to them as Red Vines, even if it was a generic version or a different brand of candy.
red licorice is not licorice. it should be called cherry candy that is shaped like licorice
YES!
I think it just makes the name more interesting. I will always love red licorice.
Do you think Red Licorice should be called licorice at all, since it doesn?t actually have any licorice in it?
well, personally I hate licorice. especially the red kind. but if it tastes like licorice, it should be ‘licorice flavored’ but not ‘licorice’.
But more importantly, after saying the word licorice in my head so many times it doesn’t even sound like a real word anymore….
I think red licorice should be called licorice because it’s a nostalgia thing… besides… why does candy need more names?
I think red licorice probably *shouldn’t* originally have had that name, but now that it has been called that for years it would be a little too confusing to change it now!
Part of me says if it doesn’t have licorice or anise in it, it’s not licorice. At the same time, the term “licorice” has turned into a generic term to describe the vine/tube shape for candy.
I use the term licorice for either one, so I’m not going to tell anyone else they can’t
My reason for voting Yea on the issue is that I’ve always known red licorice as “red licorice”, and it just wouldn’t be right to call it otherwise
I’m a licorice fiend except for the Jones Soda Black Cat Licorice soda and the Altoids licorice flavour. Too much of a good thing.
I don’t really consider the red licorice, licorice but love it too. And if you pay close attention a lot of things these days that bill themselves as licorice don’t contain any real licorice.
If a pineapple can be a pineapple, then red licorice can be red licorice. I imagine people who argue otherwise are the same people who point out that a tomato is technically a fruit.
I think it’s fine - after all, they’ve been calling it like this for so long.
Send some to me in Italy - I can’t wait to show a country who only knows black licorice what the good stuff is!!!
I think it’s fine. That’s what most people know it by. April 12 is also my son’s birthday!
“Why licorice only gets a day when peanut butter gets a whole month is beyond me.”
Have you TASTED licorice? Bletch! Don’t enter me in the contest! I’m happy to let this this go to another candy die hard. haha
i figure, why not? it may not actually be licorice, but at this point it’s entirely common to call them that. people use language however they like, which tends to have interesting results.
Red licorice is the koala bear of foods. It may not be anywhere close to the identity of its popular classification, but it’s so good that it doesn’t matter.
Sure, why not.. although I don’t usually call the red stuff licorice - in our house, it’s “red vines” (because Red Vines are the only acceptable brand!) and the black stuff is licorice. Thanks for the giveaway!
the name should definitely stay the same. people know it as “red licorice” and no matter what the powers-that-be decide to call it, “red licorice” it will always be.
this is the question ive asked myself HUNDREDS of times as a kid lol..i dont think they should call it licorice cause its not licorice..BUT since its always been called that i dont think i could change it..
As a huge fan of anise & strong black liquorice, I definitely don’t think red “liquorice” should be categorized as such. Though, of course, what /do/ you call it then? Still haven’t figured that one out yet…
Too late to change things now, I reckon. Should it have been called licorice at the beginning? Nope.
To echo a bunch of people here, I think red licorice’s name is here to stay. It’s been in the public imagination for so long that there’s no real turning back. Besides, licorice is just too fun to say to reserve it for the black stuff alone.
I would say no but I don’t know what else it would be called!
I don’t think it should be called licorice, but most people call it that and I doubt they will start calling Red Vines something else.
Have to call them licorice, what else?
The point of language is to communicate something, not to indicate some inalterable, eternal truth. Red licorice communicates something—nobody is confused when you say you want some red licorice, they don’t give you black licorice and then paint it red or something. On the other hand, if you want to form a campaign to call it something else, I have a family member who for years has been railing against chocolate martinis, reuben sandwiches of any variety other than the standard, and artichoke pesto. Me, I think life’s too short to get worried about what to call the things I shove in my mouth.
I say yes, they should be called licorice, because then I might be able to convince myself to try them for the first time ever (have never liked black licorice).
If we didn’t call it licorice.. what would we call it? Yummy red twisty things? I don’t like black licorice.. but I sure to love red licorice. I guess it is the yin and yang of licorice..
It may not be licorice but it is CRAZY DELICIOUS!
By itself, I don’t think that the word “licorice” is the best way to describe the red candy (perhaps this is because if someone were to offer me licorice, I would immediately think that they meant the black, licorice and anise flavored stuff). But I do think that, if preceded by “red” or “strawberry,” it is the most effective way to conjure up the “Red Vines” type candy. As mentioned above, there are just some words that take on new (and perhaps inaccurate) meanings through common usage ... once that happens, I wouldn’t fight it!
Yes, the tradition of red licorice should continue. Changing it would bring an age of fumbling over words.
yes, red vines are red licorice. what else would we call them? red twisty thingies? red licorice works just fine. red vines are my absolute favorite. the kookaburra were nice for a taste, but nothing beats red vines.
Yes, I think it should be called red licorice. It is too late to change it—the name is imprinted in the minds of candy eaters everywhere!
Licorice schmikorish. Just give me a Red Vine.
I don’t think Red Licorice should be called licorice at all, because to me, the word “licorice” invokes a specific flavor rather than an actual “thing” (the piece of candy itself).
Thanks!
I think its too late to change the name of it now,I can’t imagine trying to go buy red licorice by another name, its tradition now, and we need to hold onto to good old fashion, nonviolent clean tradition!
Yes, it’s too late to change it now.
Red Vines red lickerish It’s not broken so it doesn’t need to be fixed! As for why Peanut butter which has been known to kill people gets an entire month ....shaking head - makes no sense at all!
Red twists! I love that name. It shouldn’t be called anything else.
I visited the Red Vines web site, and THEY call it licorice, so I don’t think they’ll be changing the name any time soon. But that isn’t the question, is it. I think it is quite alright to call this candy red licorice even though there’s no actual licorice in it—learn something new every day! It would be too confusing to re-name it after all these years. There’s much to much tradition involved. Yummy.
It’s gotta be called licorice, what else would you call it?
I have always thought of these as red vines and NOT licorice. They are red and viney and oh so delicious.
Of course it shouldn’t be called licorice, since it isn’t licorice. Just like cassia shouldn’t be called cinnamon, and muskmelon (for that matter) shouldn’t be called cantaloupe. But do I think that’ll stop them. Har har har.
As a big black licorice fan, I don’t think Red Vines warrant the licorice name, though they are delicious, too!
as red licorice is now a flavor of other things, such as jelly bellies, i think they better keep calling it red licorice.
Licorice is black, end of story.
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but on the other hand, even if a rose were called liquorice, that wouldn’t make it smell like liquorice. Likewise, rose coloured sweets.
Red Licorice should keep its name because it goes beyond the existence of Licorice and into texture, appearance, and common usage.
Isn’t Jagermeister Licorice alcohol? I wouldn’t call that Licorice even though it has it…
I don’t think it should be called licorice, because, quite simply, it’s not! And thats not fair to group in all those delicious licorices with a different candy thats branding its self as licorice. Granted I love the “lying licorice” but I still think they should be clearly differentiated.
I absolutely L.O.V.E RedVines. My friends don’t understand it because everyone thinks that other stuff TW——lers is the real thing. But I’ll tell ya something. While RedVines may not be made out of licorice, IT iS DeFiNiTeLy the ReAl thing!!! Plus, I don’t think its what’s in it, that makes it licorice, its the feel and that magnificient taste that excites your tastebuds in to delicious deliriousness. While that may not be scientfic, that’s just how I feel about.
I LOVE RED VINES!!! I think Red Vines are definitely licorice to me, because they’re what I grew up eating as licorice. When I was younger, I rarely rarely ever ate real licorice; only Red Vines. I never even realized that they didn’t have actual licorice in them until a year ago!
It’s tradition to call the sugary red twists licorice, so why stop now?
Never had the pleasure of tasting Red Vines. I don’t have a problem calling it red licorice, but vines or laces are a good alternative.
Technically, they shouldn’t be called licorice. However, as with Kleenex, Coke, etc., it would be a losing battle to convince people of that fact. I’m happy with the status quo on this one. BTW, I live in the eastern half of the U.S. and have never seen Red Vines! I’ll keep my eye out . . .
no, I always thought the differences between red vines and licorice too great…
This is so strange. Last night my husband and I were leaving the WalMart and I was snacking on Red Vines. I asked him why Red Licorice is called Licorice when it’s not Licorice - he was stumped. I think it’s the only way to market licorice to kids. I doubt any brand would be as successful as Red Vines or Twizzler if they only sold Black. It helps bring the brand name to masses.
I tend to just call them by their brand name. Off-brand red licorice just gets called “twizzlers” because it’s a fun word to say.
It’s interesting that folks are cavalier about what to refer to as “licorice,” but will get up in arms about attempts to sell chocolate that has either reduced cocoa butter (mockolate) or reduced cocoa mass (white chocolate). In keeping with the chocolate nomenclature, red vines should be referred to as “red licorice,” but never as “licorice.”
Doesn’t bother me at all. It has the same texture as real licorice so it is pretty darn close in my book. I will say give me my switzer’s anyday.
I get cravings for Red Vines, and my company shares my thirst! They supply us with Red Vines in our lunch room—for free! Since I work with software developers for whom precision is critical, there have been many debates around this topic. In the end, we all agree that they are simply delicious. Even if that’s all we agree on.
Sure! Call it licorice. Nobody will ever know what you’re talking about, or offering them, if you don’t. It’s like Jello and Kleenex.
I happen to love Red “licorice” and I don’t like black licorice. They have *always* been very different to me. My vote is for calling Red Licorice “RED licorice” but never just “licorice”! Texture makes it similiar to the Black variety but taste? SOOO much better!
(I know alot of you will disagree but sorry! That’s how my tastebuds feel!)
I don’t like black licorice but I do like red licorice so I think it should be called the same. They both look the same just a different color. Oh well if it isn’t made with real licorice.
I really don’t like black licorice, but if the red stuff has no licorice technically in it, then I guess we need to come up with a new name!!
Red or Black licorice, I like them both. I think it is perfectly fine for them both to be called ‘licorice’. Sometimes I want red licorice and sometimes I want black licorice. They are both yummy!
Lets change the name to Red Vines!!!!!
I love the red or black licorice…it’s my weekness to get through those tough days. My children have even given me licorice for gifts.
would it help to mention my birthday is April 30th??? Love the blog….Thanks in advance
No—I think most people associate licorice with that type of candy, even if it doesn’t have licorice in it. Just a chewy-long-twist or stick of sweet, non-chocolate candy—YUM!
I LOVE REDVINES!!
I think we should stick with calling red licorice, licorice. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!
(and chocolate licorice too!)
Only licorice can be called locorice. Then again I grew up in the land of Switzer, http://www.switzercandy.com/ and you could ONLY call the black stuff Switzer. The red stuff was called red twists or similar.
I love the real deal locorice and I use Switzer as the benchmark.
I think red licorice should be called red licorice! It the best kind of licorice there is!!
I have never tried red vines!
But I would like to. I don’t think red licorice should be called licorice because it doesn’t contain any. Sort of like mocklate (fake chocolate). But I let it slide because it is iconic. Mocklate on the other hand is just cheap and trying to fool you into eating it. People who eat red licorice have no intention of eating something that tastes like black licorice.
Yeah, I think it should still be called red licorice. I can’t imagine what else it would be called, and people probably wouldn’t call it by it’s new name anyway!
“Red licorice” is fine, I think. But as I hate licorice flavor, and have never eaten “real” licorice, I think of the term as a style of product, rather than flavor.
No. That would be like calling chocolate made without real chocolate the same thing!
I’ve never called it anything but red licorice, it’s good not matter what you call it.
I think they should not have called it licorice to start with but since they did it’s what most people know it as.
Hrm—I’m okay with “red licorice” since the two words always come together. So even though there’s nothing licorice-y about it, there’s no confusion either. Just one of those quirks we’ve all learned to live with!
Licorice starts sounding reaaaally weird if you read/say it too many times, I notice
Until and unless we insist and demand that marshmallows have real mallow root, I think licorice is just fine. So does my sister’s daughter, you know, Anise.
definitely shouldn’t HAVE been called licorice - but since I don’t like “traditional” (black) licorice, and love red vines, I am a-okay with them being called whatever.
Twizzlers, on the other hand, are grody to the max and shouldn’t even exist, much less count as “red licorice”.
No, but it’s fantastic anyway.
I re-discovered RED VINES a few weeks ago when I was in training for work. Sadly for my waistline I devoured 3 bags in a week. “Licorice” makes me think of the black candy with the slightly unappetizing aroma. I do agree though, what would be a better name?
Red Vines are a wonderful, soft guilty-pleasure. Twizzlers are a poor-man’s choice when you really want Red Vines. Licorice should either be red or black, not all of these other colors and flavors either. Just the original candy.
Absolutely! I think of licorice as the type of candy, not the flavor. Anise is the flavor of black licorice (which I also adore).
I think Red Licorice should be able to be called licorice.
Red licorice is the best licorice and deserves it’s delicious, delicious name.
yes of course its so good
Well, I think red “licorice” should be considered real licorice, since it was created in the same spirit as the black stuff.
I have been eatting what I thought was Red licorice for years, Mom used to buy this stuff every week back in the 60’ies, so why spoil a good thing. What would you call it Red Sticks, I mean Red Vines is the best there is, I used to love to use it as a straw to suck up my RC Cola out of the bottle. Why do we have to change everything. Keep it like it is.
I go with no, since I find black licorice to be so vile that the removal of the word “licorice” from the packaging would instantly make them taste 15% better.
No, but it’s yummy anyway.
I think it would be confusing to change the name now. Everyone knows what red licorice means, even if it doesn’t mean licorice.
Leave it as it is. It wouldn’t be the same if they changed it now. We would still call it red licorice. No matter what the name.
It is licorice in my book and if I want black licorice I say so!
Red Vines ARE crazy delicous!!
I’m on the fence on this one. I guess I’ll go with…yes, it should be called licorice. But I hate real licorice, so go figure.
I can be counted amongst those who believe it shouldn’t have been called “licorice” to begin with, but it’s far too late to change it now. Even more so since I’ve grown up calling it ?red licorice.”
I would, however, be quite amused to start calling it “red-flavored extruded confection.” However, I am known to be quite strange.
I don’t think it should be called licorice, since it doesn’t actually contain any.
I don’t think it should be called licorice. It’s not! The only real licorice is black licorice. I guest I’m a purist. :o)
All red licorice should be called Red Vines. Which by the way, who likes anyway??? I’m a big fan. Cheerios to a great product!
Of course it’s licorice- if people grew up calling it licorice because their parents called it licorice then it becomes licorice because of the generations of lovers of Red Vines LICORICE!
I think that when something has been around and called a certain thing for so long, you should just leave it alone. This is also the case with red vines.
I’m a grandma and always have called it red or black licorice and so does everyone I know. Why not keep up a little tradition? Anyway, I always look for the “Red Vines” label when buying it.
(just a note about color: it says “red” vines on the label so why would it matter?)
#103 - I would have to disagree that “Anise is the flavor of black licorice.” I love (black) licorice flavor, but am not too fond of anise. They are similar, but distinct.
#109 - I don’t know about “the removal of the word ‘licorice’ from the packaging.” People usually call it “red licorice,” but it rarely actually says “licorice” on the packaging.
#121 - “it says ?red? vines on the label so why would it matter?” But even the black twists say “Red” on the label, right? (Take a look at the lower-left corner of the photo above.)
Oops, I meant the lower-right corner of the photo.
Sure, if it looks like licorice, smells like licorice, and tastes like licorice; then it should be called licorice!
Thanks!
There’s a brand other than Twizzlers *and* it tastes better? Bring it on! Twizzlers are so mediocre.
But what do we call this concoction? Well, the herb licorice is icky, in my opinion, having been forced to drink licorice (root) infusion/tea for a cough about 5 years ago. (I do like anise seeds, though!) So personally, I’m glad it doesn’t contain licorice! The word communicates what the product is, which is the true point of language, so leave it be.
I am actually entering because my mom loves red vines and this would be a great surprise for her. I know she says that it should not be called licorice, but I personally do not care. I just want to eat it
Noo…they shouldn’t be called licorice because they don’t contain any.
Red licorice shouldn’t be called licorice because I’ve avoided eating red licorice most of my life because of my hatred of black licorice. Thinking of the delicious possibilities the first 19 years of my life could have held makes me want to cry.
Yes, I do! Even though it doesn’t have licorice in it, for me, it’s the pattern that has truly become synonymous with the word.
I think they should indeed be called licorice, because that is what we have been accustomed to. If they started calling them something else, there might be a revolt.
i think it’s fine to call red vines red licorice even without licorice in it! at this point everyone associates it with licorice. it’s like calling sparkling wine champagne. also, we call peanut butter peanut butter even though there isn’t any butter involved!
Yes, it should still be called licorice… Licorice has morphed into something more than the original ingredient.
This is like asking whether white chocolate should be called chocolate since it does not have actual cocoa in it. My parents own a candy store (wahoo!) and we get some licorice enthusiasts who get really picky when buying licorice. For the size store we have, our licorice selection is quite large - we even have that double salt kind. Ugh.
If we don’t call it red licorice, what are we going to call it then? Same goes for white chocolate. Its been called that for so long, if you suddenly give it a new name will people recognize it? Or will you spend all your time saying, “Its red licorice, we just decided to change the name!” Its a fine line we walk with candy titles.
I vote for leaving it as it is. Mostly because I am too lazy to learn a new name and then spend all my time at the store explaining the name change.
I don’t think of red licorice as being “real” licorice, but I’m also not fussy about what people choose to call it. As soon as I hear “red” in the name, I know what to expect: not licorice. But whatever… The red stuff can be awesome, too. It’s just different.
No, it should not be called licorice. That would be like calling tea, coffee. Both are things boiled in hot water, but they aren’t the same. Don’t get me wrong, I love both the red and black, though black edges out the red. At least *good* black does.
Leave it alone!
As far as I’m concered Black or Red or even Chocolate its all Licorice to me.
In my 49 years i have always called it Licorice.
I drive my boyfriend crazy when he asks me if I want anything when he goes to the store, and do you know what I tell him to get me
Red Licorice.
But I’m more into the Chocolate kind.
Have a great day
They should absolutely NOT be called licorice. They are red vines. Plain and simple.
Yes it’s red licorice! What else would you call it? I’m sticking with it unless someone else comes up with a better name.
We don’t have Red Vines up here in Canada but I really want to try them! We have Twizzlers and Nibs, Cherry Super Nibs are awesome.
No, I don’t think we should call it licorice, candy sounds good.
Yes! Red licorice is the best.
Red is definitely a licorice flavor even without traditional licorise taste. Thanks for having a contest in conjunction with my birthday, National Licorice Day!
I vote in the ‘okay’ camp to call it licorice. I view it as a food eponym, similar to Cheerios and Fig Newtons. There are a lot of mock ones, but the term encompasses them all.
I think its good to call it licorice because it is so widely accepted
I say call it licorice. It’s just like brontosaurus vs. apatosaurus. Sure, you’re right when you call them apatosaurus instead of brontosaurus, but you look like a pedantic tool since almost everyone else in the free world calls them brontosaurus.
Plus, I like Red Vines. I used them as straws before the cool kids did.
A hundred times yes! It is the name we all grew-up with and love. Come on you can’t call it anything else - that would be silly. People would be like uuhhh? - what are you talking about, if you change it to another name. Stick to the name we love - red licorice. Yum!
Yes, unless we also stop calling white chocolate chocolate.
Do you think Red Licorice should be called licorice at all, since it doesn?t actually have any licorice in it?
Yes because our society has established the mental image of licorice to red vines.. plus they’re just delicious! why not call them licorice?
Here is my licorice haiku:
I love licorice
Colorblind to the goodness
Black, red..it’s all good
Yum, red vines. I personally don’t have a problem w/ them being called licorice.
Well, I would say ‘no’, except my favorite kind of ‘licorice’ is the Twizzlers chocolate kind, so that’s rather hypocritical….really, I’ll take it any way I can get it. There’s enough confusion in the world without getting nit-picky about what we call our candy - just eat it!
Yes, I have always preferred red licorice to “black” licorice anyway, so it’s always been licorice to me. While Twizzlers are the most popular variety in this part of the country, I do like others. My favorite is the “Super Rope” but I have a very hard time finding them nowadays…
Not technically, but what else would they call it “red flavored corn syrup and wheat flour twists”? Yum! Sometimes it’s just better not to know what things are made of. I’ll stick to calling them red licorice.
I actually prefer the red stuff, and think that the name “licorice” is appropriate. There are many candies where the name doesn’t “technically” fit the product, but it’s appropriate nonetheless.
Licorice, to me, means the chewy ropy type of candy. Anise is the flavor of black licorice and generic berry flavor is red.
I do feel that black licorice doesn’t have a monopoly on the term licorice.
Sure that’s probably not according to Hoyle, but hey, it’s my 2 cents worth!
<cue Homer Simpson voice coveting food>
mmmmm, lick-or-ish
<cue Homer drooling sound>
I think that red licorice is a good name for the product. I don’t that red licorice should just be called licorice, though. The word “licorice” without the “red” implies real licorice, IMO.
When I say the word licorice, I picture red roped candy. I believe this is true for most of my peers as a younger generation. I think it’s come to earn the name, whether it’s accurate or not. Changing its name to anything else would run the risk of sounding generic. For the record, even if they changed the name, I’d still call it red licorice.
For me licorice is not only a flavor but a texture. It is very important that it is a wheat based recipe that has the right amount of chew to it. Red vines is great! It is a licorice. Twizzlers are just that twizzlers. They definitely have strayed from the licorice realm. I would never call them by the beloved name of licorice.
It should be a licorice because it is chewy, but it isn’t a taffy.
At this point it would almost be historically inaccurate to revoke the title of licorice, not to mention just confusing. I’m all for slang changing over time. If red sugary stuff turns into licorice, so be it; it still tastes spectacular,
I don’t particularly like the fact that “licorice” is in fact a misnomer…But I guess marshmallows also do not have mallow in them anymore, but haven’t been renamed “Gelatin puffs” or something similar (probably are more candies like that out there too). Actually I prefer real black licorice over red…
p.s.- I just found your blog last week—I love it!
If the stuff tastes like licorice it’s ok. The HARIBO Licorice wheels also don’t have any licorice in them…
I think they should still be called licorice. Even if there isn’t any real licorice in there, our popular culture has taken over and deemed it licorice. I don’t know if that makes sense, or even if that’s a valid justification - (if everyone calls it/thinks it is licorice, it must be okay to call it that!).
LOVE THE SITE - Always gets me hungry before/after/during lunch.
It shouldn’t be called licorice!!!! Just call it red vines, it sounds better!
What else would you call it? Red flavoured rope? It’s not only red liquorice but also mango and apple and blackcurrant etc, etc. Could be a bit tricky to find a new name for all the “liquorices” out there. I’d say keep it as red liquorice, it’s strangely less confusing that way.
I agree with how Red Vines label their packaging with “Original Red Twists” so as not to imply that Red Vines actually have licorice in them. Referring to Red Vines as “red licorice” in conversation is fine, though. Everyone knows what you mean. =)
Red, Red Vines you make me feel so fine! With a great name like that, how could you call them licorice, which for me means that nasty tasting black stuff (no offense to the black licorice lovers!)
Licorice in my mind is two seperate categories. There is licorice flavor(black) and there are yummy twisty flavored ropes that may or may not be licorice flavored.
I actually think Red Vines should have a giant label on it saying NOT LICORICE.
I really like the candy, but hate the comparison to Twizzlers which readily comes up whenever someone asks which “licorice” they prefer.
Seriously, Red Vines and Twizzlers should be in different food groups, and can co-exist on a candy shelf.
I quit calling the red stuff licorice long ago. I almost always refer to them as Twizzlers or Red Vines ...similar to the way we say Kleenex to mean all facial tissue.
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE red vines. They were imperative in helping me quit smoking. I think I tore through nearly 12lbs of them in 2 months.
I really don’t care what anyone calls Red Vines Licorice, as long as you call me when you have some your willing to share. lol
My whole family loves Red Vines Licorice, both red and black and we take a large variety bag on every road trip.
Hmmm. I guess it may be a bit misleading, but I don’t care, as long as I can get them at the theater when I don’t want popcorn with my movie!
Oh, and I’m NOT a fan of Twizzlers. We lived in PA for two years, and for some strange reason, could NOT find Red Vines. Sigh.
If you want to get into semantics, no. Red Vines have no licorice, therefore, they are not licorice.
But I’m not one to get into semantics. Let’s call them licorice, because, to me, it’s the shape/method of delivery that makes licorice what it is.
Also, who cares what you call them? EAT THEM! So tasty.
Yeah, red licorice should still fall under the licorice category despite the ingredient change. If I understand correctly, Coca Cola used to include a significant amount of cocaine when it was originally invented in the early 20th century—we still call a “Coke” a “Coke,” even if the narcotic is no longer an ingredient…
All I know is that I love Red Vines and used to have people smuggle them from California to me in MA.
I don’t know if it completely registered with me that licorice was the description of a flavor and not just a style of candy. I always thought anise was the “flavor” of black licorice. Anyhooo—here’s hoping I’m the lucky one!
The name “Red Licorice” is perfectly appropriate, given the shape and texture. There’s no dog in “hot dogs,” right? Right?!!
Cheers,
S.
I agree with Sandy before me…. I draw the line at the rope licorice that is green or purple, to me that should not be called licorice (plus it’s just gross)
wow.. i did not even know “Licorice” was a part of Red Vines name until now. all i ever cared about even as a child was that savoring taste and the fun this candy came with. i love Red Vines and i always will no matter what it’s called. it could even have the word “poop” in its name for all i care.
Although it is a misnommer, red “licorice” has almost become more “licorice” in America than black licorice! You say licorice to almost any American (at least in California where I’m from), and the image that is conjured up is that of red licorice, not black. You ask someone if they’d like some licorice, and most likely they will assume you are offering them red, and not black. So, although it is a misnommer, I think it is one that is sticking around, whether I think it should or not!
Does anyone but the one company make anything similar to Red Vines? I don’t think so… if that’s the case I say just call’em Red Vines…
I don’t buy the red ones anyway… black is where it’s at for me… the thinner shoe string kinds are best!
Yes, I really don’t see the need in changing the name because that is what many people know it as. All candy has different names for it and although it might not technically be licorice, it does look the same as black licorice. So I say, keep the name the same.
Call it whatever, it doesn’t matter. I’ve eaten about 30 of those vines this week since a coworker brought in one of those giant plastic tubfulls. Red Vines are more addictive than smoking.
To me,if the name were to be changed,it would be like trying to teach an old dog new tricks. Really, what would be the point? There are enough politically correct terms in this world already,and I for one don’t need to think about that when I want to enjoy my favorite treat. Red Vines are the best. Twizzlers are another story. I do not consider them licorice. It’s like chooseing good chocolate. One may prefer creamy smoothe texture and another may enjoy a firm texture. I like my red vines soft and fresh. Chewing rubber is not a favorite passtime of mine,and that’s what twizzlers remind me of, plastic coated rubber. Black licorice is still a favorite of mine as well. I will choose licorice over chocolate any day.
YAY Red Vines! Yes, I think they are licorice, too, cuz that’s what they’ve always been called. They taste great, the black is ucky.
I think that now, since Red Licorice has entered the vernacular, it would be pointless to argue it. Like tissues-kleenix, it’s going to be called licorice anyway and we shouldn’t squabble, candy is a happy thing!
I love all licorices, black, red, salty, sweet. Yum!
So grateful we can find VINES red and black licorice in Hong Kong. And I adore black licorice. With regards to the red ones, have no problem calling it ‘red licorice’. For many it simply conjures up sweet childhood memories and hopefully is creating new ones. Truly something that should not be misplaced by a name change!
I think we should bow to history and allow Red Vines to remain a “licorice” - even if it’s really not. It’s a bit elitist to exclude something from calling itself something (such as licorice or champagne, etc.) simply because it isn’t the traditional form or from a certain region. Thanks!
I’d say it’s not really licorice… but then again, what else are they going to call it? I don’t really have a better suggestion.
Nooooooooooo not liquorice. Liquorice is the flavour that comes from the liquorice wood or summat. A natural juice. Ever chewed on a piece of liquorice bark? That’s good stuff. Gets stuck between your teeth though.
I don’t care though, I still love it :D
I’d say yes, but I’ve always been more interested in the common usage of words than what is technically correct.
Maybe I’m a purist but I think calling red vines licorice is no good.. if nothing else, it’s confusing.. when someone offers you licorice or asks if you like it, you never know whether they mean twists like red vince or twizzlers, (and if so, red or black or etc?) or licorice candy like panda brand bits or etc..
any word that requires clarification like that should be assigned to it’s more narrow definition!!
I’ll still eat ‘em, even if you call ‘em licorice though.. I’d love to get these.. I used to love them and get them all the time when I lived in California but I haven’t see them since moving to the east; it’s probably been 15 years since I ate one.
I think they shouls be called red vines they taste terrific. I work on the install and dismantle of the All Candy Show every year at McCormick Place. At show closing I head straight to the American Licorice booth to see if there are any leftovers. I usually end up with about 10 pounds of red and black vines. Everyone else is looking for chocolate, but I go for the Red Vines booth.
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