Vigroids

Plastic dispenser containing Nigroids liquorice pellets.

Nigroids tin container by Ferris & Co. Ltd

Vigroids (formerly Nigroids) is the brand name of a liquorice sweet. The small black pellets are particularly marketed as an expectorant lozenge for singers, using the slogan "for clarity of voice". The product is manufactured by Ernest Jackson & Company Ltd of Crediton in Devon, a subsidiary of Kraft Group^[1]

In November 2010 the name was changed from "Nigroids" to "Vigroids"; the former name became a subject of some controversy due to it being similar to the word "nigger" or "negroid". Originally made by Ferris and Company of Bristol, the pellets had been sold under the brand name 'Nigroids' since 1900.

The principal ingredient of Vigroids is liquorice block juice. The company warns that licorice can raise blood pressure, and that those with a history of hypertension should not take too many. They suggest limiting consumption to 10 per day. No sugar is used. Small quantities of other flavourings such as menthol, eucalyptus and peppermint are added to help the pellets act as a breath mint.

History

Nigroids were invented by Ferris & Co. Ltd., manufacturing chemists of Bristol. The company promoted them with the slogan:

For Hoarseness, "Tickling of the Throat," etc. They afford protection to the Voice, Throat, and Chest, against ill-effects of fog, cold and damp. Invaluable to singers and speakers.^[2]

Ernest Jackson also manufacture a very similar product in similar packaging called 'Mighty Imps'. Also based on licorice, the ingredients list of Mighty Imps is slightly different and includes artificial sweetener and capsicum.

Directly comparable products include "Tabu", manufactured in Italy by Menozzi & De Rosa of Milan. Vigroids also bear a strong resemblance to Sen-Sen, a liquorice product made by T. B. Dunn Company.

See also

• List of breath mints
• Victory V

References

1. ^ Ernest Jackson & Co Ltd.. "About us". http://www.ejackson.co.uk/aboutus.ashx. Retrieved 18 January 2011. 
2. ^ Source: Manufacturer's packaging, n.d.