Yes. What you are seeing is real. Those are worms and insects inside those lollipops.

Normally, the “Disgusting Food Item of the Week” comes from some far-off land, and serves as a reminder of the vast culinary gulf that separates Americans from the rest of the world.  This week, however, I have found an item that’s made and sold right here in America (well, California, anyway) – insect candy.

I’m sure that they took their inspiration from another culture, but

For over 20 years HOTLIX® has been making people cringe with delight with their outrageous confections featuring real insects embedded inside the candy!

A box of Crickettes. A few got out.

So many disgusting Hotlix “treats” to try: Crickettes (Salt ‘n Vinegar, Bacon & Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion), Larvets (crunchy flavored worms), flavored Scorpion Suckers, and many more.

FORBES magazine called Hotlix candy “An ideal conversation starter”.  I can just imagine that conversation: “WHAT THE F*** IS THAT?  I’M NOT EATING THAT!”

Hmm…maybe I’ll buy some to give to the neighborhood brats on Halloween…

My friend Tom enjoying some Crickettes during a recent lunch at Ambition in Schenectady. No, I did not have any.