Rating: 4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Intro Summary
The classic British sweet house Swizzels has taken its beloved Drumstick raspberry & milk flavour and transformed it into a soft, foamy chew with the “Squashies” format. Packaged in a 140 g bag, this iteration delivers the iconic flavour in a squeeze-friendly texture and offers an appealing option for those seeking both nostalgia and a new mouth-feel. Features like being “free from artificial colours” add to its appeal. Homepage+2Amazon+2
Taste Profile and Dietary Accessibility
- Flavour: The raspberry & milk combo gives a sweet, creamy and tart pairing — reminiscent of the original Drumstick lollipop but in a chewy form. The raspberry flavour gives the fruity hit, the milk notes soften it, making it less sharp than some purely fruit sweets.
- Texture: These aren’t your standard jelly babies; the “Squashies” format means they have a soft, foam-gum texture — a ‘squidgily, squashable’ description used by the brand. Morrisons Groceries+1
- Ingredients / dietary: They contain gelatine so not suitable for vegetarians or vegans (see Tesco listing: “Gelling Agent: Gelatine”). Homepage They are free from artificial colours according to product description, which is a plus. Morrisons Groceries
- Nutritional snippet: Per 100 g they provide ~356 kcal, with high sugar content (84 g carbs, of which 63 g sugars) in the standard version. Swizzels+1
So: good flavour and fun texture, but limited in dietary scope (not vegetarian/vegan) and heavy in sugar as expected for confectionery.
Brand & Format Appeal
- Brand heritage: Swizzels has been crafting sweets since 1928 in the UK. Wikipedia+1
- Format innovation: The “Squashies” concept (launched in 2012) turned the classic flavour into a soft chew rather than a hard lolly. Homepage+1
- Nostalgia factor: For those familiar with Drumstick lollies, this version taps a nostalgic sweet spot while offering a different texture.
- Packaging & sharing: A 140 g bag size is good for sharing, treat bowls, party bags or casual snack times.
Practical Limitations
- Dietary restriction: Contains gelatine → unsuitable for vegetarians/vegans.
- Sugar content: Confectionery nature means high sugar – not a “healthy snack”.
- Value vs quantity: While 140 g is decent for a single pack, you may find better cost-per-gram deals if you’re bulk buying or comparing generic alternatives.
- Texture preference: If you prefer firmer gummies or classic jelly-type sweets, the foam/soft texture might seem unusual or less satisfying. Some reviews mention this. Amazon+1
Value Assessment and Target Audience
| Feature | Swizzels Drumstick Squashies 140g | Typical standard gummy bag (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 140 g | Varies often 120-200g |
| Flavour | Raspberry & milk (nostalgic classic) | Various generic flavours |
| Texture | Soft “Squashies” foam-chew | Standard gummies or jellies |
| Dietary suitability | Gelatine → not vegetarian/vegan | Varied (many also gelatine) |
| Artificial colours | Free from artificial colours | Depends on brand |
| Best for | Nostalgia fans, sharing treat bag | Value seekers, general snacking |
| Who might avoid | Vegans/vegetarians, those wanting firmer texture | Those wanting classic jelly feel |
Who Should Buy These
- If you enjoyed the original Drumstick flavours and want a new texture variation, this is a fun upgrade.
- If you’re preparing party bags, movie nights or treat bowls and want something more interesting than standard gummies — the “Squashies” format stands out.
- If you prioritise “free from artificial colours” in sweets and are okay with gelatine.
- If you’re looking for UK-manufactured nostalgic brand confectionery with strong heritage.
Who Should Avoid These
- If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet (gelatine presence disqualifies).
- If you are looking for low-sugar or health-conscious snacks — this is a full sugar sweet.
- If you prefer firmer, chewier jelly types rather than foam/soft texture.
- If you’re bulk-purchasing and value cost per gram above novelty — other options may offer more quantity for less cost.
Final Thoughts
Swizzels Drumstick Squashies bring together a beloved flavour with a playful, soft chew format. They succeed in combining brand nostalgia, texture novelty and share-friendly packaging. If you’re after something fun, familiar and treat‐worthy, they check the boxes. However, if your priorities are dietary restrictions, sugar content or maximal quantity-for-cost, then they may not be the optimal choice.
Have you tried the Drumstick lollies before or are you new to the Squashies texture? Which style of sweets is your go-to snack?
