Tootsie Roll Released New Hoots Candy Line

The confectioner launched a bite-sized candy featuring a chewy center and a crisp shell.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Consumer Goods

Bold vector editorial illustration of colorful bite-sized round candies with a chewy center, arranged in generous negative space. — Tootsie Roll has introduced Hoots, a new bite-sized candy featuring a chewy center and crisp shell, now available at select retailers nationwide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Tootsie Roll has introduced a new candy product called Hoots, a bite-sized treat composed of a soft, chewy center encased in a candy shell. The confections are currently available in chocolate, vanilla, and fruit flavors.

Why it matters

The introduction of Hoots marks a strategic expansion for the manufacturer as it brings a new unwrapped, bite-sized product to the competitive candy market.

Hoots are currently offered in three flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, and fruit. The product is manufactured as an unwrapped confection, diverging from the company's traditional individually wrapped format.

The players

Tootsie Roll

Tootsie Roll is a prominent American manufacturer of confectionery products known for its long-standing history in the candy industry.

Walmart

Walmart is a multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets and grocery stores across the United States.

Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree is a national chain of discount variety stores that offers a wide range of consumer goods.

The details

The new candy is currently sold at select Walmart and Dollar Tree locations. These bite-sized treats represent a departure from the traditional Tootsie Roll, as they are designed to be consumed without unwrapping.

September 2026 marks the initial product release at select retail stores.
Nationwide availability for the candy product is expected in 2027.

Market Landscape

The introduction of Hoots follows the established industry trend of prioritizing bite-sized, unwrapped confections similar to the M&M's bite-sized candy format. By entering this space, Tootsie Roll is positioning itself to compete more aggressively within the snackable candy sector.

Shoppers can currently find the new Hoots candy line at select Walmart and Dollar Tree stores. Consumers should expect wider availability of the product as the manufacturer expands distribution to reach a national scale by 2027.

The takeaway

The addition of Hoots expands the options for consumers seeking portable, bite-sized confectionery treats. Retail availability remains limited for now, but expansion plans suggest a broader rollout is scheduled for the coming year.