Choo Choo Charlie: The Story Behind the Iconic Candy Mascot
If you grew up in the 1950s or 1960s, you probably remember a cheerful boy in a striped engineer's cap who could make a train run by shaking a box of candy. He was Choo Choo Charlie, the mascot of Good & Plenty licorice candy. But who was he, and how did he become so famous? In this article, we will explore the story behind this iconic character and his delicious candy.
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Who was Choo Choo Charlie?
The origin of the character
Choo Choo Charlie was created by Russ Alben, an advertising executive who worked for the Quaker Oats Company, which owned Good & Plenty at the time. Alben was inspired by the popular song "The Ballad of Casey Jones", which told the story of a heroic railroad engineer who died in a train crash. Alben decided to create a kid-friendly version of Casey Jones, who could control a train by shaking a box of Good & Plenty in his hand. He named him Choo Choo Charlie, after the sound that the candy made when shaken.
The catchy jingle and commercials
Alben also wrote a catchy jingle for Choo Choo Charlie, based on the tune of "The Ballad of Casey Jones". The lyrics went like this:
Once upon a time there was an engineer Choo Choo Charlie was his name we hear He had an engine and he sure had fun He used Good & Plenty candy to make his train run Charlie says "Love my Good & Plenty" Charlie says "Really rings my bell" Charlie says "Love my Good & Plenty" Don't know any other candy that I love so well
The jingle was sung by children in a series of animated and live-action commercials that aired on TV from the early 1950s to the late 1960s. The commercials showed Choo Choo Charlie using his magic candy to save the day in various situations, such as rescuing a circus train, delivering mail, or racing against a jet plane. The commercials were so popular that they became part of American pop culture, and many people still remember them today.
The popularity and legacy of Choo Choo Charlie
Choo Choo Charlie was not only a successful advertising campaign, but also a beloved character for many children. He inspired toys, books, games, clothing, and other merchandise that featured his image and name. He also appeared in comic books, magazines, newspapers, and even on postage stamps. He was one of the first mascots to have his own fan club, which had over a million members at its peak. He was also one of the first mascots to cross over into other media, such as radio and movies.
Choo Choo Charlie's popularity lasted for several decades, until he was retired in the late 1970s. However, he still has a loyal fan base today, especially among nostalgic adults who grew up with him. He is considered one of the most iconic and memorable candy mascots of What is Good & Plenty candy?
The history and ingredients of the candy
Good & Plenty candy is one of the oldest branded candies in the United States, dating back to 1893. It was first produced by the Quaker City Chocolate & Confectionery Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which later became the American Licorice Company. The candy consists of narrow cylinders of sweet black licorice, coated in a hard candy shell to form a capsule shape. The pieces are colored bright pink and white and presented in a purple box or bag. The name Good & Plenty was chosen to suggest that the candy was both delicious and abundant.
The health benefits and risks of licorice
Licorice is a natural flavor obtained from the root of the licorice plant, which is native to Europe and Asia. Licorice has been used for centuries as a medicine, a spice, and a sweetener. Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-ulcer properties. Licorice can also help soothe sore throats, coughs, and digestive problems. However, licorice can also have some negative effects, especially if consumed in large amounts or for a long time. Licorice can cause high blood pressure, low potassium levels, fluid retention, and hormonal imbalances. Licorice can also interact with some medications and supplements. Therefore, people with certain health conditions or who are taking certain drugs should limit or avoid licorice consumption.
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The variations and flavors of Good & Plenty
Over the years, Good & Plenty has introduced some variations and flavors to appeal to different tastes and preferences. For example, in 1971, Good & Plenty launched Good & Fruity, a multicolored, multi-flavor candy with a similar shape. Good & Fruity had five flavors: cherry, lemon, orange, lime, and blue raspberry. However, Good & Fruity was discontinued in 1992 due to low sales. In 2008, Good & Fruity was relaunched with a new formula that replaced the licorice center with fruit-flavored chewy candy. Another variation of Good & Plenty was Good & Fiery, which was introduced in 2018 as a limited edition. Good & Fiery had a spicy cinnamon flavor that contrasted with the sweet licorice core. In addition to these variations, Good & Plenty has also experimented with different colors and packaging for seasonal or promotional purposes. For example, in 2000, Good & Plenty released pink-only boxes for Valentine's Day. In 2004, Good & Plenty released purple-only boxes for Halloween. In 2016, Good & Plenty released red-white-and-blue boxes for the presidential election. How to enjoy Good & Plenty candy today
The best ways to eat and store the candy
Good & Plenty candy is a versatile and delicious treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Some people like to eat it straight from the box or bag, while others like to mix it with other snacks, such as popcorn, nuts, or chocolate. Some people like to use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or cake, while others like to bake it into cookies, brownies, or pies. Some people like to freeze it for a crunchy and refreshing bite, while others like to microwave it for a warm and gooey sensation. However you like to eat Good & Plenty candy, make sure you store it properly to keep it fresh and tasty. The best way to store Good & Plenty candy is in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. You can also keep it in an airtight container or a resealable bag to prevent moisture and insects from getting in. You can also refrigerate or freeze the candy if you prefer, but make sure you thaw it before eating to avoid breaking your teeth.
The fun and creative uses of the candy
Good & Plenty candy is not only a yummy snack, but also a fun and creative material that can be used for various purposes. For example, you can use Good & Plenty candy to make art and crafts, such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, keychains, magnets, or ornaments. You can also use Good & Plenty candy to make games and activities, such as bingo cards, tic-tac-toe boards, puzzles, or mazes. You can also use Good & Plenty candy to make science experiments, such as volcanoes, rockets, or crystals. You can also use Good & Plenty candy to make educational tools, such as counting aids, color charts, or patterns. The possibilities are endless with Good & Plenty candy. All you need is some glue, string, paper, scissors, and your imagination.
The online and offline sources of the candy
Good & Plenty candy is widely available in most grocery stores, convenience stores, drugstores, and candy shops across the United States. You can usually find it in the candy aisle or near the checkout counter. However, if you have trouble finding Good & Plenty candy in your local area, or if you want to buy it in bulk or in special editions, you can also order it online from various websites. For example, you can order Good & Plenty candy from the official website of the Hershey Company, which owns the brand since 1978. You can also order Good & Plenty candy from online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, or Target. You can also order Good & Plenty candy from online specialty stores such as Candy Warehouse, Old Time Candy, or Candy Nation. These websites offer a wide range of options for Good & Plenty candy lovers.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In conclusion, Choo Choo Charlie was an iconic candy mascot who made Good & Plenty licorice candy famous in the 1950s and 1960s. He was created by an advertising executive who based him on a legendary railroad engineer. He starred in a series of catchy commercials that showed him using his magic candy to power his train. He inspired a lot of merchandise and media appearances that made him popular among children and adults alike. He was retired in the late 1970s but still has a loyal fan base today.
Good & Plenty licorice candy is one of the oldest branded candies in the United States. It was first produced by a Philadelphia company that later became part of the American Licorice Company. It consists of black licorice coated in pink and white hard shells. It has a sweet and distinctive flavor that comes from the licorice root. Licorice has some health benefits but also some risks if consumed too much or too often. Good & Plenty has introduced some variations and flavors over the years to appeal to different tastes and preferences.
Good & Plenty licorice candy is a versatile and delicious treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. It can be eaten alone or mixed with other snacks. It can be used as a topping or baked into desserts. It can be frozen or microwaved for different textures. It should be stored in a cool, dry place or in an airtight container to keep it fresh and tasty. It can also be used for fun and creative purposes such as art, crafts, games, activities, experiments, or education. It is widely available in most stores and online websites that sell candy.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Choo Choo Charlie and Good & Plenty licorice candy:
Is Choo Choo Charlie still alive?
Choo Choo Charlie was a fictional character, not a real person. However, the actor who played him in the live-action commercials, Daws Butler, died in 1988 at the age of 71. He was also a famous voice actor who voiced characters such as Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, and Snagglepuss.
Is Good & Plenty vegan or gluten-free?
Good & Plenty is not vegan, as it contains gelatin, which is derived from animal bones and skin. It is also not gluten-free, as it contains wheat flour, which is a source of gluten. People who are allergic or intolerant to these ingredients should avoid eating Good & Plenty.
What is the difference between Good & Plenty and Mike and Ike?
Good & Plenty and Mike and Ike are both candy brands owned by the Hershey Company. They have a similar shape and size, but different flavors and colors. Good & Plenty is licorice-flavored and pink and white, while Mike and Ike is fruit-flavored and multicolored. Mike and Ike was introduced in 1940 as a sister brand to Good & Plenty.
How many calories are in a serving of Good & Plenty?
A serving of Good & Plenty is about 28 pieces or 40 grams. This amount has 140 calories, 0 grams of fat, 36 grams of carbohydrates, 23 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of protein. This is equivalent to about 7% of the daily value for calories, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Where can I find more information about Choo Choo Charlie and Good & Plenty?
You can find more information about Choo Choo Charlie and Good & Plenty on the following websites:
The official website of the Hershey Company:
The official website of the American Licorice Company:
The official website of the National Confectioners Association:
The official website of the Candy Hall of Fame:
The official website of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History:
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