Candy in the 80s vs Today – What’s Changed?

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June 18, 2025 Edited June 26, 2025 1 view(s) 4 min read
Candy in the 80s vs Today – What’s Changed?

What did Swedish candy look like in the 1980s, and how does it compare to what we enjoy today? This post takes a nostalgic and informative dive into the evolution of Swedish sweets – from chewy classics and sugary gummies to today’s healthy candy, sugar free options, and plant based marshmallow treats.

Whether you are craving something soft and foamy, salty and bold, or sweet and vegan, Swedish candy has transformed into a global favorite with something for every taste bud.

Table Of Contents

table of content

Candy in the 80s – Colorful, Classic, and Full of Sugar

The candy aisles of the 1980s and 1990s in Sweden were packed with bright packaging and bold flavors. Brands like Cloetta, Malaco, and Fazer dominated the scene, offering everything from creamy chocolate to sour gummies and salty licorice.

Popular Swedish candy in the 80s:

  • Tutti Frutti – juicy, chewy, and loaded with gelatin

  • S Märken – ultra sour sugar coated gummy discs

  • Center – chocolate filled with smooth caramel

  • Foam mushrooms and banana marshmallows – soft, foamy, and sweet

  • Djungelvrål – salty licorice that shocked your taste buds

  • Marianne – mint chocolate with a creamy center

There was no talk of sugar free candy, low calorie candy, or vegan candy. Ingredients like artificial coloring, gelatin, and refined sugar were the norm. Gummy candy was loved, but it wasn’t made with plant based alternatives.

Today’s Swedish Candy – Conscious, Creative, and Still Delicious

Modern Swedish candy is more than a sweet treat. It’s about flavor, fun, and feeling good about what you eat. Whether you are looking for gluten free, gelatin free, vegan candy, or sugar free gummies, there is something for everyone today.

What makes today’s candy different?

  • Gummies without gelatin – like Bubs and vegan Tutti Frutti

  • Foamy candy without animal products – plant based marshmallow textures

  • Sugar free candy – including Tweek and Pandy, great for weight loss and blood sugar levels

  • Healthy candy alternatives – low calorie, low sugar, and full of flavor

  • Licorice with less sugar – both sweet and salty licorice options

  • Allergen friendly – gluten free and dairy free treats now come standard

  • Clear ingredient lists – no surprises, just transparent choices

Soft gummy rings, fizzy sour belts, and foamy hearts now come in plant based versions. And Swedish marshmallow candy, once full of gelatin, can now be enjoyed by those who eat vegan or follow a diet candy lifestyle.

The Rise of Plant Based and Vegan Candy

One of the biggest shifts in Swedish candy is the move toward plant based ingredients. Many popular gummies are now made without gelatin, and even marshmallow-like textures are created using starch or pectin instead of animal products.

Examples of popular vegan candy:

These are not just for vegans. They are loved by anyone looking for a guilt free treat that fits modern health goals and lifestyle choices.

International Candy Culture – Sweden’s Sweet Export

Today, Swedish candy is making waves globally. International candy fans are discovering everything from our salty licorice to our sugar free gummies and fruity foamy candies.

Why people around the world love Swedish candy:

  • Unique flavor balance – sour, sweet, and salty in one bite

  • Iconic textures – chewy, gummy, foamy, and smooth

  • Health conscious choices – from vegan candy to sugar free options

  • Nostalgia meets innovation – classic brands now making plant based versions

  • Global availability – easy to order online from anywhere

Real Reactions from Candy Lovers

Across social media, reactions to Swedish candy range from surprised to delighted:

“I’ve never had gummy candy this chewy and fruity without gelatin – love it.”
“How is your salty licorice legal? It’s wild but I can’t stop eating it.”
“I’m on a diet, and your sugar free candy is actually satisfying.”

Summary – From Retro to Right Now

Swedish candy has come a long way. From sugary classics with gelatin and artificial flavors to vegan, plant based, and low sugar innovations, the candy we enjoy today is both nostalgic and new.

Whether you prefer marshmallow softness, chewy gummies, or licorice that tingles the tongue, Swedish candy offers a full range of textures and tastes – made for modern snackers.

Key takeaways:

  • Swedish candy in the 80s was full of sugar, gelatin, and nostalgia

  • Today’s options include vegan candy, sugar free gummies, and gluten free snacks

  • Foamy and marshmallow candy now comes plant based

  • Healthy candy is more available than ever – perfect for diets and blood sugar control

  • Swedish candy is now international, enjoyed by candy lovers all over the world