Rotella

Rotella is the old-school licorice wheel that still makes sense for people who like chewy candy with a strong anise note, and by our assessment, its main strength is the familiar spiral format and dense chew. It is not trying to be refined; it is a simple candy shape with a very direct flavor, which is exactly why it has lasted. The downside is the same thing in reverse: licorice is a narrow taste, and Rotella does not soften that much for newcomers. In practice you get something to tug apart, roll, and chew rather than a candy that changes as you eat it. Compared with softer gummies or fruit chews, it is more stubborn and more old-fashioned. The kind of person who already likes licorice will find the appeal quickly, and everyone else will know after one bite. Rotella stays very much a licorice wheel.