Swedish candy

 Swedish candy, or just candy for us is a HUGE thing here. The classic tradition of "Saturday Candy" (Lördagsgodis) is no longer as important.

 

One of the most iconic aspects of Swedish candy culture is "Lördagsgodis" (Saturday candy). This decades-old tradition involves visiting candy stores or supermarkets every Saturday to select a personal assortment of sweets. It's a beloved ritual for families and individuals alike, reflecting Sweden's emphasis on balance and moderation when it comes to treats.

The average Swede consumes about 16 kg of candy annually

Candy plays an important role in Swedish celebrations and daily life. It's integral to birthdays, holidays, and the beloved "fika" coffee break tradition. While Swedes love their sweets, there's also a growing trend towards healthier candy options. Many brands now offer organic, vegan, and additive-free versions of popular treats. You can even find "naturgodis" (nature candy) sections with dried fruits and nuts.

 

Pick and Mix - A Swedish Specialty

 The "pick and mix" concept is hugely popular in Sweden. Candy stores offer a vast array of loose candies in bins, allowing customers to create their own custom mixes. You'll find hundreds of varieties, from salty licorice to sour gummies, in all sorts of fun shapes like cars, fish, skulls, and more.

 

In Sweden, you can find a wide variety of candy options in regular supermarkets, cinemas, and other everyday locations. Here's an overview:

Supermarkets

Most Swedish supermarkets feature extensive candy sections, including:

1. Pick and mix (lösviktsgodis): Large sections with bins of various candies that customers can mix and match.
2. Pre-packaged candy: Popular brands like Malaco, Ahlgrens, and Fazer are readily available.
3. Chocolate bars: Marabou and other Swedish and international brands are common.
4. Seasonal selections: Special candies for holidays like Easter and Christmas.

Cinemas

Swedish movie theaters typically offer:

1. Pick and mix counters: Similar to supermarkets, allowing moviegoers to create their own candy mix.
2. Boxed candies: Pre-packaged options for quick purchases.
3. Popcorn and other snacks: Often available alongside the candy selection.

Other Locations

1. Convenience stores (pressbyrån, 7-Eleven): Offer a selection of packaged candies and sometimes small pick and mix sections.
2. Kiosks and newsstands: Usually have a range of popular candy brands.
3. Gas stations: Often feature candy sections for travelers.
4. Specialty candy stores: Found in shopping centers and city streets, offering extensive selections.

 

Popular Swedish Candy Types

Some quintessential Swedish candies to highlight:

• Swedish Fish - The internationally famous gummy candy
• Djungelvrål - Salty licorice
• Bilar - Marshmallow cars, a nostalgic favorite
• Polkagris - Traditional peppermint rock candy

 

 

Here's a list of popular Swedish brands for candy and chocolates:

1. Marabou - Known for their chocolate bars and chocolate-covered treats
2. Cloetta - Produces a wide range of candies and chocolates
3. Fazer - While Finnish, it's popular in Sweden and makes chocolates and candies
4. Ahlgrens - Famous for their "Bilar" (car-shaped marshmallow candies)
5. Malaco - Offers a variety of gummy candies and licorice
6. Candy People - Specializes in gummy candies
7. Polly - Known for chocolate-covered marshmallow treats
8. Kexchoklad - Produces chocolate-covered wafer bars
9. Daim - Makes chocolate-covered toffee bars
10. Läkerol - Produces pastilles and throat lozenges
11. Gott & Blandat - Offers mixed candy bags
12. Djungelvrål - Known for their strong salty licorice
13. Dumle - Makes chocolate-covered toffee candies
14. Plopp - Produces chocolate bars with soft toffee centers
15. Center - Known for their chocolate-covered nougat rolls
16. Bubs - Specializes in various gummy candies
17. Kolafabriken - Produces traditional Swedish toffee
18. Karamellkungen - Offers a wide range of pick and mix candies
19. Konfektyr - Makes various types of confectionery
20. Troll - Produces a variety of candies, including sour and sweet options

These brands offer a wide range of flavors and textures, from chocolate bars to gummy candies, licorice, and toffees, representing the diverse landscape of Swedish confectionery.