Before it became a Pokemon character, Slo Poke was a caramel sucker produced by the Gilliam Candy Company. Now, it is a true sucker, as opposed to a lollipop (though they are interchangeable words in our diction, they are not necessarily the same thing).
Originally manufactured by the Holloway Company in 1926, these eventually were appropriated by Gilliam. I can’t really say when since it appears the Gilliam Company is retro in its own right, i.e., there’s no website to speak of and very little information about this mysterious company exists.
Despite its maker’s unknown status, these are pretty well-remembered by those who lived during the “nostalgic age” of candy. I had heard about them from my father, but seemed to be unsuccessful in ever finding one until I spotted them this last week at Central Market for thirty cents.
Slo Pokes are vanilla caramel candies that are shaped in a rectangle with a tiny stick inserted to make them suckers. The caramel is firm and a dark brown shade.
I popped one into my mouth unsure of what to expect from them. To my surprise, my sucking on the candy didn’t seem to soften the firm caramel nor did it shrink. I bet you could stick these in your mouth for a good hour if you have the patience not to chew through them.
I, however, do not have such patience. After about five minutes, I took my first bite. That was a mistake. This caramel candy is extremely sticky and got lodged in my teeth.
As for taste, they are quite simple. They taste like your standard caramel with a hint of vanilla. The flavor is not overwhelming or too sugary, but it is rich.
I am neutral about these. They aren’t bad, but nothing is going to make me seek them out. If you’re in the mood for caramel, I recommend Long Boys. I guess if you were seeking a candy you could enjoy for about an hour or two, these might be your thing.
Buy Slo Poke Online:
- at Candy Crate
- at Candy Direct
- at Old Time Candy Co.
- at Amazon.com
