Charms: the American lollipop with a surprise inside

Charms is the brand behind Blow Pops, the iconic American lollipops with a hidden bubble gum center. Founded in 1912 in Bloomfield, New Jersey, the company started with simple fruit-flavored hard square candies — among the first ever to be individually wrapped in cellophane. But it was in the 1970s that it released its masterpiece: the Blow Pop, the world's first bubble-gum-filled lollipop. Since then, the brand (acquired by Tootsie Roll in 1988) has also launched Fluffy Stuff, a bagged cotton candy in fruity flavors. Two candies, one great American treat.

Where does Charms come from?

In 1912, Walter W. Reid Jr. founded the Tropical Charms Company in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Its specialty: square fruit-flavored hard candies, among the first on the market to be individually cellophane-wrapped. The brand quickly shortened to "Charms."

During World War II, the US Army included Charms candies in combat rations — a quick energy boost for soldiers in the field. In the 1970s, the brand took a big step with the invention of the Blow Pop: the world's first lollipop with a bubble gum center. In 1988, Tootsie Roll Industries bought Charms for $65 million, becoming the world's largest lollipop manufacturer.

What's a Blow Pop?

A hard candy lollipop in intense fruity flavors (strawberry, watermelon, cherry, grape, sour apple…), with a bubble gum ball hidden inside that reveals itself once you've worked your way to the center. Two treats in one: first the candy, then the gum. Simple, effective and designed to last a good long time.

The Charms range to discover

Charms Blow Pops Strawberry — strawberry, the flagship flavor since day one.
Charms Blow Pops Watermelon — fresh, summery watermelon.
Charms Blow Pops assorted — the mix of all flavors.
Fluffy Stuff Cotton Candy — bagged cotton candy, light as a cloud, in fruity flavors.

Frequently asked questions

Does every Blow Pop have bubble gum inside?

Yes, every Blow Pop has a bubble gum ball at its core. You discover it naturally when you reach the center — that's been the brand's promise since the 1970s.

What is Fluffy Stuff?

It's cotton candy sold in a resealable bag, in fruity flavors (strawberry, watermelon, cherry…). Light, melt-in-your-mouth, and without the hassle of a cone. Perfect for snacking anywhere.