I’m not sure I’ve ever had a taffy that was so blue... except for the flavour. It’s not to say that it’s a problem with the people who make Airheads, after all they didn’t invent the flavour blue raspberry. I’ve heard many stories in my time about why blue raspberry exists, some are more realistic than others. The problem I have with blue raspberry is no one really explains why it still exists. The only reason I think it’s still around is a cross between gimmick and nostalgia. I think making a bright blue treat makes it very appealing to the eye, even though the flavour doesn’t really match. I also think that this gimmick has been going for so long that people have actually started to associate the “raspberry flavour” with blue. It’s a self fulfilling prophecy.

Notice I use quotes when I say the words “raspberry flavour”, that’s because I’m not entirely sold that blue raspberry treats actually taste like real raspberries at all. Instead I feel like it tastes unlike any other berry flavour. I’m not putting these down at all by the way, because I actually like the fake flavour of blue raspberry treats. I also like the fact that they’re a weird colour. I just wanted to make myself clear when I explain that I’m aware that not only are there no blue raspberries (unless some genetic splicing company out there is making them), and I’m also aware that these do not taste like real raspberries. It’s a wonderful berry like flavour that tastes good, and yes, it brings me back to my childhood.

I feel like I’m the perfect mark for this taffy. It’s a nostalgic flavour, it’s a bright colour, and best of all it turns your tongue dark blue (so it’s fun too). I’m very picky about my taffies as I find if they’re too chewy my jaw starts to hurt, and if they’re too soft they’re not satisfying. Fortunately the folks at Airheads have managed to find that balance. I even think that the format of this thin strip of taffy makes it even more pleasurable to eat.

I had a great time eating this taffy, I had a great time chuckling to myself as I checked out my blue tongue, and I’m well aware that there’s no such thing as a blue raspberry.