The Food That Built America

S05E06 Penny Candy Craze

In the early 20th century, a little-known candy maker invents the Tootsie Roll, the first-ever wrapped penny candy. At the same time, a jobless salesman reimagines medicinal hard candy, turning it into a vibrant, fun fruit-flavored multipack called Tropical Charms. Together, they spark a revolution in the candy industry, paving the way for nationally recognized brands and elevating the lollipop to international stardom.