Last Updated on October 28, 2022 by Jim Edwards
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Zotz – An Italian Candy That Went Global
In 1970, Frank Landrey returned from Europe with some Italian candies he had received as a gift. He gave the box of candy to his children. Soon, all the neighborhood kids were pestering him for more of “that funny fizzy candy!”
At the time, Frank was in the habit of saying, “Don’t give me the Zotz,” if he thought someone was pulling his leg. With two ZZs in FIZZ and two ZZs in ZOTZ, the name stuck, and the first order of ZOTZ candy was shipped in July 1970. In the 70’s people often gave them to someone as a prank because sour candies were new and the person you were giving one too had no idea what they were about to experience. So it was a fun prank!
What do Zotz Taste Like?
ZotZ are a unique candy – they are a hard candy with a fizzy, sour center. So the initial taste is like a typical fruit flavored hard candy. But…when you get into the center you get a fizzy, tart explosion!
After you suck on them for a bit, the outer shell starts to dissolve the sour powder inside hits your tastebuds and mixes with your saliva. The sour powder is made of malic and tartaric acids that are mixed with sodium bicarbonate. The result is a fun and delightful experience! The mild sour flavor of the ingredients produces a fizzing sensation.
We can’t say this enough…kids love them! And adults of all ages really enjoy them too. They are a bit nostalgic, so for most adults over the age of 40 they will bring back some childhood memories.
Zotz – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
When did Zotz Candy come out?
ZotZ were originally manufactured in Italy by G.B.Ambrosoli SPA in Ronago Italy. They made their way to US store shelves in 1968 and have been a great hit ever since!
Where flavors do Zotz come in?
You can find them in apple, cherry, watermelon, blue raspberry, strawberry, grape and orange. Personally we love the Watermelon the best!
Where can I buy Zotz?
Zotz are sold in strings at convenience stores and candy stores throughout the United States. You can find a great variety assortment here too. Perfect way to try out a bunch of flavors!
What makes Zotz fizz?
The fizzing center of Zotz contains bicarbonate of soda plus some super secret ingredients that the company doesn’t disclose. Our sources tell us that malic and tartaric acids are mixed with sodium bicarbonate. And then when those ingredients mix with your saliva….the fizz begins!
Do Zotz contain allergens like peanuts, tree nuts or milk?
Zotz contains does not contain peanuts, tree nuts or milk. One ingredient is derived from wheat, but Zotz are gluten-free.
Is Zotz gluten-free?
Yes, Zotz are gluten-free! It’s important to note that although the glucose-fructose syrup in Zotz is derived in part from wheat, there is far less than the 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten which the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has declared as effectively gluten-free. Be sure to read the label carefully before consuming.
How does the fizz get inside?
You can get an idea from watching the video below. You will see a big basket of the fizz, and then they show it being injected! If you’ve ever had a Zotz and been curious, be sure to watch the video below.
Where are Zotz made?
Zotz are made in a little factory in northern Italy, where they have been produced for decades.
What were the advertising slogans for Zotz?
There were a few main slogans we remember:
- “Where the Fizz izz”
- “Big Fizz Candy”
- “Exploding Pop”
How are Zotz Candy made?
If you are on this page you are probably curious. This video is a tour of the Zotz factory in Italy. It’s almost as good as being there. And after watching we want to go visit it for sure!
Also see: Haribo Berries – Raspberry Flavored Gummies
What are the ingredients in Zotz?
Ingredients:
Sugar, Corn Syrup, Malic Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate, Tartaric Acid, Artificial Flavors, Artificial Colors (F.d. &C. Yellow N.5, Yellow N. 6, Red N. 40), Maltose Carbonate
Related: Read our Skittles Candy Review – if you like Zotz, you will like fruity skittles too!
Image credit: “Zotz” by Jeremy Brooks is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
I’m Jim Edwards and I started this website to share my love of Junk Food. We cover new junk food, desserts, snack foods, fast food secret menus, candy (of course!) and other related news. We love trying “secret menus” at restaurants. And we love trying new products too. So, we are trying to have some fun with our hobby and share some useful information with you, our community. Please feel to send us your suggestions and feedback through the contact form. And if you have products you would like us to try, let us know…!
