Tootsie Roll gave Mr. Owl a chameleon buddy

Hey there, Snackology crew. Welcome to the June 2026 edition of Snack Chat.

Tootsie Roll Industries — which is absolutely a real company — just gave Mr. Owl a promotion and a new coworker.

The cartoon owl, who has snacked on Tootsie Pops since 1969, has now been paired with an unnamed chameleon as the duo promotes “all the Tootsie Roll flavors we have to offer beyond our beloved Original chocolatey flavor.”

Tootsie Roll Industries gave Mr. Owl a refresh last year, updating the character’s look and voice for a new version of the classic “How Many Licks” commercial.

“Mr. Owl and his connection with Tootsie Pops has been iconic for decades,” Henry Mills, chief operating officer at Tootsie Roll Industries, said in the company’s announcement. “Our new chameleon character on screen with Mr. Owl represents an exciting phase for our brand’s future and invites everyone to discover all the Tootsie Roll flavors we have to offer beyond our beloved Original chocolatey flavor.”

While the chameleon looks right at home alongside Mr. Owl, I’m shocked that Tootsie Roll Industries didn’t give the new character a name.

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