Description
Cherry Juju Coins
These candies are similar to jujubes and are approximately 1 inch in diameter. Each piece is marked with a dollar symbol. Made in the USA.
The story of Red Hot Juju Dollars is a fascinating journey through American confectionery history, marked by rebranding, flavor confusion, and a legacy that continues to capture the nostalgia of candy lovers.
Originally created by the Henry Heide Company, these chewy, coin-shaped candies were first introduced in 1925 under the name "Red Hot Dollars." This moniker, however, had nothing to do with a spicy flavor. Instead, "red hot" was a popular slang term at the time for something new and exciting. The candy's original flavor was raspberry, a fact that would cause consumer confusion decades later.
Heide's company, a major name in candy, also produced other classic confections like Jujyfruits and Jujubes. After a long and successful run, the company was acquired by Hershey's in the 1990s. Recognizing the persistent consumer confusion between the "Red Hot" name and the raspberry flavor, Hershey's attempted to clarify the product by changing its name to "Red Raspberry Dollars." This move, while logical, proved to be an unpopular decision with dedicated fans. The brand was later sold again, and the name "Red Hot Dollars" was eventually reintroduced, but this time with a new, genuinely spicy cinnamon flavor, while the raspberry version was sold under a separate name.
Today, while the original Heide candy is no longer in production, its legacy lives on through various similar "Juju" or "Cherry Dollar" candies made by other manufacturers. These modern versions often have a distinct cherry flavor and are still shaped like coins, paying homage to the classic design. They are a testament to the enduring appeal of this unique candy, a treat that represents a piece of confectionery history and the sweet nostalgia of a bygone era.
