What Is Hershey Kisses Nigglywiggly?

The piece of paper in a Hershey's Kiss is called a “plume” or “Niggly Wiggly”. The plume is a strip of parchment paper that sticks out from the top of the foil wrapper. It was introduced in 1921 as a way for the Hershey Company to flag their candy so consumers would know that it was an original Hershey's Kiss.

The plume served as an identification tag and initially had the brand name “Hershey's” printed on it, but later, the word “Kisses” was added.

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The narrow strip of paper is called a plume,

Answered from Answered from

Hershey's calls the little strip of paper in each Kiss a “plume.”

Answered from J. Corbett

Ever wondered why that little piece of paper hangs out of a Hershey's Kiss? It’s because that was the company’s way of flagging their candy so consumers would know that it was an original Hershey’s Kiss. The common little paper tail is known as a Niggly Wiggly.

Answered from Bookdust

What Is The Piece of Paper In a Hershey Kiss Called

The tiny paper strip found perched jauntily on the tip of every Hershey's Kiss may seem like an insignificant candy accessory. However, this whimsical embellishment, known officially as a “plume” by Hershey's, has become a key part of what makes the conical, foil-wrapped chocolates visually distinctive and fun to unwrap. Let's explore the comprehensive history, purpose, and production of the iconic Hershey's Kiss plume.

##Origins of Hershey's Kisses and the Plume

Hershey’s Kisses trace their origins back to 1907, a few years after Milton S. Hershey’s revolutionary mass production process allowed for affordable chocolate candies. Initially, Kisses were fully wrapped in foil. But Hershey wanted to differentiate them from imitation candies, so he left a small paper tag exposed. This served as a flag to identify the authentic Hershey’s product.

Fortuitously, the paper tab also gave consumers an easy starting point for unwrapping the cone-shaped chocolates. Hershey soon realized the marketing and functional potential of this design. By 1911, the paper plume became a standard part of the Hershey’s Kiss look.

The Purpose of the Plume: Branding and Functionality

Since those early years, the iconinc Kiss plume has played several important roles:

• Brand Identity – The plume is a signature mark of a genuine Hershey’s Kiss, distinguishing it from copycats.
• Trademark Flag – The unique shape and paper material serve as Hershey's protected intellectual property.
• Unwrapping Aid – The protruding plume provides an easy grip to start peeling the foil off smoothly.
• Decoration – The pretty, perky paper adornment adds festive flair and whimsy to a classic candy.
• Quality Seal – A perfectly centered plume indicates care in manufacturing and hand-crafted appeal.

Evolution of Plume Size, Shape and Style

While the basic paper plume design has remained consistent, Hershey has varied it throughout the decades:

Additionally, special edition Kisses feature customized plumes for holidays like Christmas and Valentine's Day with seasonal motifs, colors, and shapes. The rigorous design process for each new plume variation underscores its significance.

Plume Manufacturing Process and Production Statistics

To attach billions of plumes each year, Hershey’s has honed an efficient, high-speed process:

• Plume paper is fed from large rolls into cutting machines that snip them to precision specifications.
• Automated equipment centers and adheres the tiny paper strips onto foil-wrapped Kisses.
• Quality control checks ensure decoratively correct plume alignment on every Kiss.

Some astonishing plume production statistics:

• Up to 80 million Hershey’s Kisses are made daily, with each requiring its own plume.
• Over 12 billion plumes are produced just for the US market every year.
• Laid end-to-end, a year's worth of Kisses plumes would span over 50,000 miles.

Fascinating Facts About the Beloved Plume

• In 1976, Hershey’s obtained a design patent for the unique paper pennant shape.
• Contrary to assumptions, the plume is not edible. It is specially processed paper.
• Kisses plumes provide a minor moisture barrier to keep the chocolate interior dry.
• Dislodged or sideways plumes are collector’s items among confectionery connoisseurs.
• The ritual stripping of the plume is an integral part of the sensory Kiss unwrapping experience.

Why the Plume Matters

While seemingly just a charming frill, the Hershey’s Kiss plume is deeply connected to consumer perceptions:

• Generations of chocolate lovers associate the plume with cherished memories of enjoying Kisses.
• It drives preference – shoppers will consciously select Kisses over other chocolates due to brand recognition from the plume.
• The plume-unwrapping ritual enhances the sensorial enjoyment of consuming a Kiss.
• Its perpetual novelty and collectability make it a cultural icon extending beyond just candy.

So whether you call it a plume, snoot, tail or Niggly Wiggly, this diminutive flourish remains integral to the iconic appeal of Hershey’s Kisses after over a century of delightful tradition.

Reference

[1] https://www.quora.com/Why-is-the-paper-in-a-Hershey-s-kiss-called-a-niggly-wiggly
[2] https://h-o-m-e.org/nigglywiggly/
[3] https://quizzclub.com/trivia/what-is-the-name-of-the-little-paper-strip-sticking-out-of-the-top-of-hershey-s-kisses/answer/376683/
[4] https://www.hersheyland.com/brands/kisses/about.html
[5] https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Nigglywiggly
[6] https://commonplacefacts.com/2021/01/21/what-do-you-call-the-piece-of-paper-that-sticks-out-of-a-hersheys-kiss/
[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hershey%27s_Kisses