Monday, February 8, 2010
Wiley Wallaby Outback BeansMost candy coated licorice is the same. They’re little snips of licorice laces covered in a hard candy shell. The exception might be Good & Plenty, which uses a thicker and softer licorice nib for coating. Now there’s a new version on the marketing called Wiley Wallaby Outback Beans with Chewy Black Licorice Centers. Wiley Wallaby is the Australian Style licorice brand from American maker Kenny’s Candy. They’re known for making licorice twists in a rainbow of flavors, from Root Beer to Spearmint to Pina Colada. I picked these up at the Fancy Food Show and was told they should be hitting the stores via wholesalers sometime later this month. This format is a generous 13 ounce tub, which makes it easy to serve right from the package then seal it back up. The short little rods are about one half to three quarters of an inch long. They’re matte and bright - a mix of purple, hot pink and a slightly lavender white. The shell is not quite crispy and becomes grainy and cool when chewed. It has a light anise flavor to it, but the real licorice impact comes with the black licorice center. It’s a soft and chewy mix of molasses woodsy notes and clean and sweet licorice. (There’s real licorice extract in there plus anise oil.) My only hesitation with these is that the pink ones use Red 40, and I just couldn’t stand the bitter aftertaste. (There was a hint of it in the purple ones, but not enough to dissuade me from eating them after I’d gone through the white ones.) The consistently soft chew and well rounded flavor put these right up there with Good & Plenty. Even after keeping the tub around for several weeks with the seal broken, they were still fresh (try that with a theater box of Good & Plenty). The good news for vegans is that it’s all artificial colors and no glazes in there (and mostly natural every thing else). The most exciting part of this new product line (and perhaps I’ve buried my lead) is the closest thing I’ve found to the classic Good & Fruity. Since Hershey’s created their new version of Good & Fruity, which is no more than a crazy neon jelly bean, I’ve mentioned to more than one candy maker that there are still plenty of candy fans who long for a candy coated red licorice. The Wiley Wallaby Outback Beans with Chewy Red Licorice Centers may fit that hole in the confectionery pantheon quite well. The short little pieces come in three colors, a festive mix of orange, green and yellow. At the center of each grainy and not quite crunchy candy coating is a piece or red licorice. I don’t know what flavor this red center is. At times I think it’s strawberry, but other times it’s a mild cherry. Whatever it is, it has a nice soft chew, a pleasant smoothness and a light tangy note of berries. The candy shell is very much like that on Good & Plenty. It’s smooth on the outside but not quite a hard crunchy shell, instead it becomes grainy and sweet. They’re quite satisfying and addictive to keep popping. I expect these to be well-priced, as the Wiley Wallaby brand is usually less expensive than the true Australian imports. I also expect these to show up in bulk bins and probably stores that already carry the Wiley Wallaby line. Related Candies
POSTED BY Cybele AT 9:29 am |
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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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They both sound fantastic. I’ll have to add them to my very long candy wish list. Great review!
Can someone clarify for me what exactly “Australian style” is? Or for that matter. American style? I’m pretty clear on dutch style but I’ve never been clear on the other two.
I live in Australia and we don’t really have a style, in fact, I rarely see these. We have just the normal licorice bullets like everyone else. Kind of weird that they should lump us with this “style” of licorice. Where do they get their info?
Australian style, as far as I can tell, is larger very soft chunk of a wheat-based licorice with molasses. I don’t think it’s that different from the American style.
Tasty Japan - it’s the center that’s Australian style, not the shape in this instance. It’s much softer and larger than most licorice bullets we have available here.
The licorice ones sound fantastic.
Any idea what kind of retailers (or specific ones) that will be carrying these?
The purple and pinks are so bright!! It actually hurt my eyes when I scrolled to the closeup of them.
I was very disappointed in the new Good & Fruity product that Hershey’s released. It’s not even close to the original. Will give these a shot. Kenny’s usually makes a solid product.
I just bought the pink, white a dn purple for the first time today because the store had no Good And Plenty. These are REALLY good. They are larger the G & P’s and the coating is softer. I dont taste an icky after-taste at all. I rarely eat candy so maybe they taste extra good to me because they are a treat ?? But I will be getting these again!
I have been searching and searching for a candy coated red licorice!! I was SO happy to finally come across this website. My search started because I used to buy these candies by Sour Punch. They were candy coated pieces of sour red licorice…they were amazing!! I probably had them approx 7 years ago, and I can no longer find them. As much as I wish I could get my hands on those, I would be happy to at least find a candy coated red licorice.
Does anyone know of a website where I can purchase Wiley Wallaby’s Outback Beans?
Great website!!
I just found the outback beans at a Big Lots store. They were soooo good I went back for more! They were $3.00 for a 16oz. bag.
We definitely don’t have a Big Lots in Canada. :(
I have even emailed Kenny’s to ask what websites I can order off of, and all the websites they gave me none of them carry that product!!
Very frustrating!!
I love the white pink and purple outback beans. Addicting!!!
We were last June and pick up a bag of Outback Bean and now we would like to know were to get more?
We live in Sacramento, Calif.
Please help us!!
I first picked a 10 oz. bag of the gourmet black. It was great. Had husband pick up some more but
only had outback beans. I agree sooo good and addicting. I went back to MARC’S where we found
them for 2 for 5.00 for a 16 oz. bag. ALL GONE!!
It has been a hit or miss item. I have found some
since but have seen them gone again.
i too was very disappointed with the new good & fruity..i had been hoping for years they would re release good & fruity and when they did i was so disappointed that they were not the same as the original..i saw the outback beans in my local Albertson’s grocery store today and bought them hoping they may be more like the original good & fruity..lo and behold as i was driving home i opened them and downed a handful thinking hmmm these do remind me of the original..when i got home i did a google search and found this site..so glad to hear i’m not the only good & fruity fan out there..lol
Here in MN, USA, I was able to find these at Mills Fleet Farm.
I love the Cherry Outback Beans. Want more of them but can’t find them anymore.
I have found these in MN as well…Deal Smart (used to be Petters) and also Mikes Discount food. In fact I bought a tub yesterday at Deal Smart and have already almost eaten the whole thing. I think these are WAY better than good n plenty. Much softer.
I’ve also tried the red variety as well. Also delectable.
I love the soft texture and the vivid flavors….... I am addicted! I found them a Sam’s Club and have seen the brand at Target. ~~Delicious!
Only recently had Outback Beans. Id give them high rating. Easy to eat large amount in one sitting!
The Foster’s of Good’n'Plentys, if that makes any sense. I’m almost a pound into a three pound tub and I feel awesome. Bravo, Wiley Wallaby. Bravo.
I found these via wholesale company called Intertrade Gorumet.
The company opens up to the public once a year. Yummy Candy!
These tasty Outback Beans can be bought online from the factory store at http://klnstore.com
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