Otter Pops

Otter pops (before freezing)

Otter Pops are a brand of freezies sold in the United States. The product consists of a clear plastic tube filled with a fruit juice liquid, with some varieties containing 100% fruit juice. Although Otter Pops are a "Frozen Treat", they are stored and sold at room temperature. After purchase, the consumer stores the pops in the freezer.

Background

Otter Pops were introduced by National Pax in 1970, to rival Jel Sert's similar product, Fla-Vor-Ice. In 1996, Jel Sert acquired the rights to Otter Pops, as well. During the 2000s, Jel Sert modified the recipe for Otter Pops to add more fruit juice. The new formula equates to three grams of sugar and 15 calories in each one-ounce serving. The current Otter Pops contain 40 calories per 2 oz. serving. (1 pop) The company's manufacturing facilities are located in West Chicago, Illinois. Otter Pops come in 1-, 2- and 5.5-ounce serving sizes. They also come in 6 flavors, each named after a different character:

• Blue (blue raspberry) - Louie-Bloo Raspberry
• Pink (tropical punch) - Poncho Punch (replaced Rip Van Lemon)
• Yellow (lemon) - Rip Van Lemon (discontinued in the late 1970s)
• Green (lemon-lime) - Sir Isaac Lime
• Red (strawberry) - Strawberry Short Kook
• Purple (grape) - Alexander the Grape
• Orange (orange) - Little Orphan Orange

Sir Isaac Lime protest

In 1995, National Pax had planned to replace the "Sir Isaac Lime" flavor with "Scarlett O'Cherry," until a group of Orange County, California fourth-graders created a petition in opposition and picketed the company's headquarters in early 1996. The crusade also included an e-mail campaign, in which a Stanford University professor reportedly accused the company of "Otter-cide." After meeting with the children, company executives relented and retained the Sir Isaac Lime flavor.^[1]

See also

• Pop (frozen snack)
• Fla-Vor-Ice
• List of frozen dessert brands

References

External links

• Official Otter Pops website