Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup is a beloved chocolate syrup brand that has been around for over 90 years. Many people enjoy using Fox’s U-Bet syrup to make chocolate milk, ice cream sundaes, or other sweet treats. But not everyone knows the history behind the brand or where it is actually made today. This article will explore the origins of Fox’s U-Bet and detail the current manufacturing process and location.
Brief History of Fox’s U-Bet
Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup was first created in 1917 by Fox Syrups in Rochester, New York. The company was originally called Forgione, Macaluso & Sons and was founded by three Sicilian brothers – Rosario, Giuseppe, and Emmanuel Forgione. They sold fruit syrups door-to-door before developing a chocolate syrup recipe and branding it as “Fox’s U-Bet Chocolate Syrup.”
The name “U-Bet” was chosen as a play on words, suggesting consumers could “you bet” on the great taste. Fox’s U-Bet became popular in soda shops and diners across America by the 1920s. The company was sold to PepsiCo in 1963 but continues to produce Fox’s U-Bet today.
Current Fox’s U-Bet Manufacturing
After being owned by PepsiCo for many decades, Fox’s U-Bet was sold to Mondelēz International in 2018. Mondelēz is now the current maker of Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup.
The primary manufacturing facility for Fox’s U-Bet is located in Scottsville, Kentucky. The 500,000 square foot plant produces a variety of Mondelēz products, including Fox’s U-Bet, Sour Patch Kids candy, and Trident gum.
Scottsville is a small town about halfway between Nashville and Louisville. The plant employs over 500 people and operates 24 hours a day, 6 days a week. It has been making Fox’s U-Bet syrup since the 1990s after PepsiCo consolidated syrup production to the Kentucky facility.
Manufacturing Process
The Scottsville plant uses a highly automated process to produce over 11 million cases of Fox’s U-Bet annually. Here are some key steps in how the chocolate syrup is made:
– Sugar, corn syrup, cocoa, and other ingredients are combined in large boilers and heated to the needed temperatures.
– The liquid syrup mixture moves through a series of tanks and pipes into holding tanks before going to the filling machines.
– The syrup is pumped into plastic squeeze bottles on high-speed filling lines that can fill up to 1,200 bottles per minute.
– Filled bottles move along conveyors where date codes are applied.
– Bottles are packed into corrugated cases, sealed with tape, and palletized by robotic palletizers.
– Cases of finished products are stored in the plant’s warehouse until they are shipped out to distributors and retailers.
Quality Control
Maintaining consistency and safety is a priority in the Fox’s U-Bet manufacturing process. Some of the quality control measures include:
– Computerized systems monitor temperatures, flow rates, and equipment performance.
– Samples are pulled and tested in on-site labs to verify Brix (sugar content), viscosity, micro testing, and other metrics.
– Metal detectors, magnets, sieves, and filters are used to ensure no foreign objects end up in bottles.
– Regular equipment sanitization and employee training on food safety procedures.
– Date codes are applied to each bottle for traceability.
These controls ensure every bottle of Fox’s U-Bet is produced to the proper standards.
Fox’s U-Bet Ingredients
Fox’s U-Bet contains just a few simple ingredients to achieve its signature chocolate flavor:
High Fructose Corn Syrup
The main sweetener used in Fox’s U-Bet is high fructose corn syrup. This commonly used sweetener provides a sweet taste, viscosity, and body to the chocolate syrup.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is also used in Fox’s U-Bet as an additional sweetener and thickening agent. The combination of corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup gives the chocolate syrup a smooth, silky texture.
Cocoa
Cocoa powder provides the distinct chocolate flavor and brown color. Fox’s U-Bet uses a blend of cocoa powders sourced from different regions to achieve the ideal chocolate taste profile.
Water
Water binds all the ingredients together and allows the syrup to have a pourable consistency. Purified water is used in Fox’s U-Bet production.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
Small amounts of natural and artificial flavors are added to enhance the chocolate taste. Common chocolate flavors can include vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, etc.
Salt
A pinch of salt is used to balance flavors and reduce the sweetness perception. This allows the chocolate taste to come through.
Potassium Sorbate
Potassium sorbate is added as a preservative to prevent mold, yeast, and bacteria growth in the syrup. This maintains safety and prolongs shelf life.
So with just these few simple ingredients, Fox’s U-Bet creates its delicious chocolate syrup loved by consumers for nearly a century.
Nutrition Facts
Fox’s U-Bet contains 120 calories and 28g of sugar in a standard 2 tablespoon (30mL) serving size. Here is the full nutrition facts breakdown:
| Nutrition Facts | 2 tbsp (30mL) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat 0g | 0% |
| Sodium 15mg | 1% |
| Total Carb. 29g | 11% |
| Sugars 28g | – |
| Protein 0g | 0% |
As the table shows, a serving of Fox’s U-Bet delivers 120 calories, all from carbohydrates in the form of sugars. It contains no protein or fat. The main nutrients in Fox’s U-Bet are sucrose sugar and high fructose corn syrup, which make up most of the 28g of sugars per serving.
Fox’s U-Bet can fit into a balanced diet in moderation but is considered high in sugar. Some alternatives for chocolate milk or ice cream toppings include unsweetened cocoa powder with stevia or a brand with less sugar. But when you want that original chocolate syrup taste, Fox’s U-Bet is a long-standing favorite.
Where to Buy Fox’s U-Bet
Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup is sold across the United States and beyond. Here are some of the main retailers that carry it:
Grocery Stores
Fox’s U-Bet can be found in the syrup aisle at major grocery chains like Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Winn-Dixie, Giant Eagle, Ingles, HEB, Food Lion, and more.
Mass Merchandisers
Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Meijer also sell Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup in their grocery sections.
Convenience Stores
Convenient stores and gas stations like 7-Eleven, Circle K, Wawa, Casey’s, and others have Fox’s U-Bet available.
Online
Fox’s U-Bet is sold through online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart.com, Instacart, and others. This provides the option to have it shipped directly to your door.
Food Service
Many diners, ice cream shops, and restaurants use Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup for making chocolate shakes, sundaes, and chocolate milk.
So even though it’s made in one main production facility in Kentucky, Fox’s U-Bet enjoys wide distribution across stores nationwide thanks to its reputation as a top chocolate syrup brand.
Fox’s U-Bet’s Popularity Over the Years
Fox’s U-Bet has maintained popularity as a chocolate syrup choice for generations. Here is an overview of why it continues to be a beloved brand after nearly 100 years:
Vintage Appeal
Fox’s U-Bet’s history dating back to 1917 gives it a nostalgic, vintage appeal. For those who grew up enjoying Fox’s U-Bet, it brings back fond memories. The classic logo and packaging design evoke feelings of Americana and old-fashioned soda shops.
Unique Flavor Profile
Many devotees insist the taste of Fox’s U-Bet is different from other chocolate syrups – richer, creamier, and more authentic. The blend of cocoa combined with corn syrup and a touch of vanilla creates a distinctive flavor profile that consumers continue to crave.
Popular in Ice Cream Parlors
Fox’s U-Bet has long been the chocolate syrup of choice at ice cream parlors and diners. Generations of Americans have enjoyed chocolate sundaes and milkshakes made with Fox’s U-Bet syrup. This visibility and availability has helped cement its popularity.
Nostalgic Marketing
Fox’s U-Bet has leaned into its long history by using nostalgic taglines like “Takes you back…” and featuring old-timey images in its marketing over the years. This plays up the feelings of nostalgia associated with the brand.
Distribution Network
Fox’s U-Bet has maintained distribution at major retailers across North America. The widespread availability makes it easy for consumers to find and purchase this popular chocolate syrup.
Thanks to its delicious taste, vintage appeal, and distribution footprint, Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup remains popular with consumers almost a century after it was first created.
How Fox’s U-Bet Stacks Up to the Competition
Fox’s U-Bet is one of the top selling chocolate syrup brands in America. How does it compare to key competitors? Here is a brief overview:
Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
The closest competitor to Fox’s U-Bet is Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup. Like Fox’s U-Bet, it’s been around since the early 1900s. Hershey’s claims a slightly higher 40% share of the chocolate syrup market. It performs well thanks to Hershey’s brand recognition. But Fox’s U-Bet is the preferred choice in certain regional markets.
Nesquik Syrup
Made by Nestle, Nesquik Chocolate Syrup is another long-time competitor. It was introduced in the late 1940s. Nesquik has tried to differentiate itself by marketing the syrup not just for making chocolate milk but for mixing into milkshakes and other recipes. But traditionalists still opt for Fox’s U-Bet.
Bosco Syrup
Bosco Chocolate Syrup held a larger share of the market in the mid-1900s. But today it lags behind both Hershey’s and Fox’s U-Bet. It still has a niche following but lower brand awareness with newer generations.
Generic/Private Label
Grocery store brands like Kroger, Safeway, and Walmart also offer cheaper generic chocolate syrups. These appeal to shoppers on a budget but can’t match the taste, quality, or nostalgia of established brands like Fox’s U-Bet.
Thanks to its history, unique flavor, and distribution, Fox’s U-Bet maintains its position as a leading chocolate syrup even when stacked against the competition. No other brand can quite match its vintage appeal and loyal following.
Interesting Facts About Fox’s U-Bet
Over its long history, Fox’s U-Bet has accumulated some fascinating facts and trivia. Here are a few interesting points about this iconic chocolate syrup brand:
– Fox’s U-Bet was named as a play on words suggesting consumers could “you bet” on its taste.
– The three original founders of Fox Syrups were Sicilian immigrant brothers named Forgione.
– Fox’s U-Bet has been made in the same Scottsville, Kentucky plant since the 1990s after relocating from New York.
– A chemist named Norman Krieger developed the original chocolate syrup recipe for Fox’s U-Bet in 1917.
– The slogan “Takes You Back…” was coined in the 1950s and still appears on Fox’s U-Bet packaging today.
– Fox’s U-Bet was the chocolate syrup of choice at ice cream soda fountains and parlors during the early 20th century.
– During WWII rationing, Fox’s U-Bet was reformulated using less sugar but maintained popularity.
– Fox’s U-Bet has been featured in classic films like Ghostbusters and Stepmom as a symbol of cozy family memories.
– The artist Ryan Duggan painted a series of Pop Art paintings featuring empty bottles of Fox’s U-Bet in the 2000s.
– Fox’s U-Bet makes limited edition seasonal flavors for holidays like pumpkin spice, gingerbread, and eggnog.
After nearly a century in business, Fox’s U-Bet has cemented itself as an iconic and enduring chocolate syrup brand.
Conclusion
Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup has become a beloved American brand since its start in 1917. For nearly 100 years, Fox’s U-Bet has been produced at a plant in Scottsville, Kentucky that makes over 11 million bottles annually. Its signature taste comes from a simple blend of corn syrup, cocoa, and other natural flavors.
Fox’s U-Bet’s distribution across grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants, and online has allowed generations of consumers to enjoy this chocolate syrup. It maintains popularity due to its nostalgic retro branding, unique flavor profile, and visibility in ice cream parlors over the decades. Despite new competitors, Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup remains a favorite choice for making chocolate milk, ice cream sundaes, and other sweet treats.
