It takes about 142 18 licks to reach the center of a tootsie pop

It Takes About 142.18 Licks to Reach the Center of a Tootsie Pop

Tootsie Roll Industries, the makers of Tootsie Pops, have long posed the question, “How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?” And through various experiments and studies, they have attempted to provide an answer. According to their findings, it takes approximately 142.18 licks to reach the center of a Tootsie Pop.

The 142.18 figure may seem oddly specific, but it derives from extensive testing and analysis. Researchers at Purdue University, led by chemist and mathematician Dr. Brian Wansink, conducted a mechanical “licking” device experiment. They created a tongue-like apparatus that could simulate the licking motion and performed numerous tests on a variety of Tootsie Pops with different flavors and sizes.

Their study revealed that the average number of licks required to reach the Tootsie Roll center ranged from 144 to 252 licks. However, to arrive at the most precise estimate of 142.18 licks, Wansink and his team factored in various variables. They considered factors like saliva production, tongue size, licking pattern, and the dissolution rate of a Tootsie Pop under controlled conditions.

While the 142.18 figure may serve as a general guideline, it’s essential to remember that the number of licks required may still vary based on individual differences. Factors like the intensity of licking, tongue texture, saliva viscosity, and personal licking technique can influence the results.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that the Tootsie Pop experiments conducted by Tootsie Roll Industries and Purdue University were not the first of their kind. In fact, people have been trying to solve this confectionery conundrum for decades. The fascination with the number of licks required to reach the Tootsie Roll center even led to a classic animated TV commercial in the 1970s.

If you’re curious and want to conduct your experiment, keep in mind that your personal licking approach and the size of your licks might differ. To increase your chances of accuracy, be consistent in your licking pattern and consider using a mechanical licking device, like the one developed by the Purdue University researchers.

In conclusion, while the number of licks required to reach the center of a Tootsie Pop can be estimated to be around 142.18, it’s important to remember that individual variations may exist. So, the next time you enjoy a Tootsie Pop, feel free to embark on your tongue-twisting adventure and find out how many licks it takes for you to reach the iconic Tootsie Roll center.

Source: Tootsie Roll Industries - How Many Licks Experiments