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If you’ve been following along with our candy reviews here at Fuzzy Monkey’s Kitchen, you already know I have a massive sweet tooth. After our recent deep dive into Mike and Ike, it was a no-brainer to pivot to its spicy, high-energy cousin: Hot Tamales. Are you already drooling? I highly recommend grabbing more than one box. Get your Hot Tamales Fierce Cinnamon Candy, 4.25z Theater Box now on Amazon.
A Love Story Written in Cinnamon
My obsession with cinnamon heat started years ago. I remember as a kid and getting absolutely hooked on Atomic Fire Balls, usually while on vacation. In fact, I think the very first time I encountered one was in a random gift shop on a family vacation somewhere. There was something about that intense, mouth-searing challenge that I just couldn’t resist.
When I eventually discovered Hot Tamales, it was an immediate love story. I had no idea I’d fall so hard for a candy comprised of the tastiest Red #40, Yellow #5, Yellow #6, and Blue #1, but here we are! While Atomic Fire Balls aren’t something I see on the shelves every day anymore, Hot Tamales are my reliable, go-to cinnamon fix.
They are regularly available from the local stores I shop. In fact, the box I picked up for this review was from my local Jewel-Osco for a cool $1.99 on sale.
Texture and Taste
While the flavor profile is similar to the smaller decorative cinnamon “red hots” we use to top our Christmas Wreath Cookies, the experience of a Hot Tamale is entirely different. Instead of a hard crunch, you get that classic, chewy jelly bean-like interior protected by a snappy outer shell.
The heat isn’t overwhelming, but it builds. It’s a “Fierce Cinnamon” that lingers just long enough to make you reach for another. For a kitchen-dweller like me, that consistent chew and reliable spice level make them the gold standard of shelf-stable candies. Did I also mention these come in different size packages. This review is for the theater box, but you can also get Hot Cinnamon Chewy Candy 1 lb – Bulk Resealable Bag from Amazon.
Hot Tamales: By The Numbers
Nutrition Facts
- Servings per container: 4
- Serving size: 16 pieces (30g)
- Calories per serving: 110
- Total Fat: 0g (0% DV)
- Sodium: 0mg (0% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 27g (10% DV)
- Total Sugars: 18g
- Includes Added Sugars: 18g (36% DV)
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients & Product Info
Ingredients: Sugar, Corn Syrup, Modified Food Starch, contains less than 0.5% of the following: Natural and Artificial Flavors, Dextrin, Confectioners Glaze, Artificial Color, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Carnauba Wax, Sodium Citrate, Pectin, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Fumaric Acid, Red #40, Yellow #5 (Tartrazine), Yellow #6, Blue #1.
- Dietary: Gluten Free
- Manufacturer: © 2023 Just Born, Inc., Bethlehem, PA
- Official Website Hot Tamales
- Note: Contains Bioengineered Food Ingredients
- UPC: 070970475313
The Verdict: A Winter Essential
As we navigate these frigid winter days, that hot, fiery feeling is actually quite wonderful. It’s the perfect way to warm up from the inside out. As the Just Born family tradition says, “A great candy isn’t made… it’s JUST BORN”.
Grab yourself a box the next time you’re shopping. My advice? Curl up with a good movie, a warm blanket, and a box of Hot Tamales today. Your sweet tooth (and your spicy side) will thank you.
Ready to turn up the heat? > Don’t wait for your next trip to the grocery store to satisfy that cinnamon craving. Whether you’re gearing up for a winter movie marathon or just need a spicy pick-me-up, you can grab a box of Hot Tamales right here on Amazon and have them delivered straight to your door. Trust me, your pantry (and your taste buds) will thank you!
