Black Jack Sweets – A Great British Classic!
What are Black Jack sweets?
Black Jack sweets were a really iconic sweet from the 70s and 80s, and they’ve recently become popular again thanks to the ever-increasing demand for retro sweets! So what is it about Black Jacks that makes them such popular choice? And how have they stood the test of time when so many other sweets fell by the wayside years ago?
Black Jack chews were first made in the 1920s by Trebor Bassett. Back then, the wrapper depicted gollywogs, something that would never be deemed acceptable today! 
What flavour are Black Jack sweets?
There’s something truly unique about Black Jack chews that makes them a true retro classic. They certainly have a unique taste!
Black jack chews are aniseed based, so they taste pretty strong and could easily be classed as an “acquired taste”. If you’re not a fan of aniseed, then these probably aren’t the right choice for you.
I remember buying Black Jacks from the tuck shop when I was in my tweens and early teens. One of the main things we loved about them was that they turned your tongue jet black! Back in the days before we had the likes of the Nintendo Switch to keep us entertained, this was probably the highlight of our day!
I’d often choose to pair up my Black Jacks with the good old Fruit Salad chews. Somehow those sweets just went together.
Where to buy Black Jack sweets
Black Jacks are pretty readily available these days and are easy to track down online.
You can find a great selection of retro sweets including Black Jacks on Amazon.
You can opt for classic Black Jack sweets in a good old fashioned sweet jar.
Or if you’re not too fussed about the packaging (and let’s face it we’re not going to eat the packaging), then it’s far cheaper to buy just the Black Jack sweets on their own.
What are the ingredients in Black Jack sweets?
As with any retro sweets that have stood the test of time, the ingredients list can and does change.
At the time of writing, Barratt Confectionary have the ingredients listed as follows:
- Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Palm Oil, Colour (Vegetable Carbon), Hydrolysed Pea Protein, Acid (Citric Acid), Aniseed Oil, Acidity Regulator (Trisodium Citrate)
Are Black Jack sweets vegan?
At the time of writing, black jacks are not suitable for vegans.
Are they suitable for vegetarians?
Black jack sweets are suitable for vegetarians.
Are they gluten-free?
They are gluten-free, making them a great sweet treat for those following a gluten-free diet.
How many calories are there in Black Jack sweets?
There are 17 calories in one Black Jack sweet. Make sure to double-check this though if you are counting calories, as manufacturers do sometimes change the recipe.
Are you a fan of the classic Black Jack chew or does it leave a bad taste in your mouth? Perhaps it brings back happy memories from your younger years? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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