Candy Review: Wonka’s Shockers Squeez

Saturday, September 15, 2007 - by Brian

Sometimes the package that candy comes in is just as important as the candy itself. In the here-today, gone-tomorrow world of novelty candy, the packaging can be make or break. For example, why is it that something like Pixie Stix has become a candy classic, while so many other fun candy products fail, destined to become Retro Candy Flashbacks?

The people at Wonka have decided to try their luck in the novelty candy world with their latest fun product, the new Shockers Squeez Sour Candy. Packaged in a 1.5 oz. tube, Shockers Squeez comes in two flavors: Mouth Blastin’ Berry and Tongue Trippin’ Lemon. Essentially, these tubes of gel-like candy are a new incarnation of Wonka favorites Shock Tarts.

I am always a little wary of candy that comes in any sort of liquid or gel, especially when the vessel of choice is a tube the likes of which I might find in my bathroom to help me banish plaque and cavities. Still, I like to take a walk on the wild side every now and then, so I gave this Wonka product a squeeze.

Mouth Blastin’ Berry: Mildly sour initially with a sweet aftertaste. I definitely taste the classic “blue” flavor of Shock Tarts and other typical blue candies. In fact, it tastes like powderized blue Shock Tarts mixed with a gel. It is almost a little gritty in texture. The appearance is a little strange because the shimmery blue looks suspiciously like the toothpaste in my bathroom.

Tongue Trippin’ Lemon: More sour than the Berry flavor. It has the same gritty texture and toothpaste-like appearance as its blue counterpart. This one tastes a lot like powdered lemonade mix, which is confusing but pretty tasty. I don’t think it tastes as much like a Shock Tart as the Berry does, but I am glad it does not taste like cleaning solution like so many other artificial lemon candies do.

Both flavors of Shockers Squeez were enjoyable, but I think Lemon has a slight edge for me, due to my love of powdered lemonade mix. However, I think I could be sick if I ate the whole tube of candy, not to mention I might lose some taste buds.

This product is probably more enjoyable for kids, though, due to its extreme sugary taste and fun packaging. To test this theory, I decided to give some to a few young children I have access to, knowing that I would not be around later for their sugar highs.

After squirting it directly into their mouths, here’s what the kids had to say: “Awesome!” “I think it’s yummy.” “Is this toothpaste? Mommy says I’m not allowed to eat toothpaste.” There was also a lot of sticking out of tongues. Clearly, it’s very kid-friendly, not only for the novelty factor, but also because of the color-changing-tongue factor. I can now safely call Wonka Shockers Squeez kid-approved!

Look for Wonka Shockers Squeez nationwide this month.

• Wonka’s Website

Wonka, berry, lemon, sour, Shock Tarts, gel