Today we are taking you on a journey through the world of swedish candy, from iconic factory tours and beloved classics to modern twists on vegan candy, sugar free treats and international candy trends. Whether you are planning a trip to Sweden or simply exploring from home, this guide will awaken your taste buds and give you a deeper appreciation of sweet Swedish traditions.
Table Of Contents
The Sweet Legacy of Swedish Candy
Swedish candy culture is more than just Saturday treats. It is a national pastime with roots in both craftsmanship and creativity. Every bite carries decades of tradition, from creamy Marabou milk chocolate bars to the chewy fruit gummies of Malaco. The candy aisles in Sweden offer everything from salty licorice to sugar free gummies, making it a true paradise for all kinds of candy lovers.
Popular classics include:
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Ahlgrens Bilar 160 g
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Malaco Gott och Blandat 210 g
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Marabou Mjölkchoklad 200 g
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Djungelvrål 80 g
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Daim 56 g
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Tweek Vegan Vibe 80 g (vegan)
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Pändy Peach Rings 50 g (vegan)
Exploring Factory Tours and Candy Cities
For true candy enthusiasts, a visit to a Swedish candy factory is a dream come true:
| City | Brand | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Ljungsbro | Cloetta | Chocolate, gummies, foamy candy |
| Upplands Väsby | Marabou | Milk chocolate, specialty bars (originally founded in Sundbyberg) |
| Malmö | Malaco | Gummy candy, salty licorice |
| Gränna | Independent makers | Traditional polkagris (peppermint sticks) |
| Helsingborg | Fazer | Tutti Frutti gummies |
| Norrköping | Local shops and small-scale confectionery producers | Old-fashioned and regional sweets |
Marabou, founded in Sundbyberg in 1916 before moving to Upplands Väsby, is a symbol of Swedish chocolate. Cloetta’s Ljungsbro location offers guided tours with an inside look at their classic production. Gränna remains the polkagris capital, where candy makers shape the iconic red and white peppermint sticks by hand. For more on Gränna’s history, visit Gränna’s official tourist site.
Road Tripping Through Sweden’s Sweet Spots
A candy roadtrip itinerary could include:
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Stockholm – Modern confectionery bars, traditional kiosks, and specialty chocolate shops.
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Norrköping – Nostalgic treats from small specialty shops and local confectioners.
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Ljungsbro – Cloetta factory tour with insight into Swedish candy history.
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Gränna – Watch polkagris being made in its birthplace.
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Jönköping – Chocolate cafés, praline boutiques, and regional sweet traditions.
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Helsingborg – Explore Fazer’s history and Tutti Frutti production.
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Malmö – Malaco’s mix of foamy, gummy and salty licorice, plus diverse candy boutiques.
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Optional detours – Alingsås for handmade caramels, Åre for artisanal chocolate, and Sundbyberg for Marabou’s origins.
Sweet Traditions and Seasonal Favorites
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Christmas – Juleskum 100 g marshmallow treats, often paired with gingerbread cookies and chocolate pralines.
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Easter – Foamy and gummy candy eggs, colorful marzipan figures, and chocolate filled eggs.
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Midsummer – Light, fruity gummies and chocolate covered strawberries enjoyed alongside fresh berries.
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Halloween – Mixes of sour gummies, licorice, and foamy candies in seasonal colors.
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Year round – Salty licorice like Tyrkisk Peber 150 g, S-märke Supersalt 80 g, as well as staples like Ahlgrens Bilar and Malaco Gott och Blandat. Learn more about the tradition in this Wikipedia article on salty licorice.
Modern Trends in Swedish Candy
Health conscious candy options are growing and evolving in Sweden:
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Sugar free and low sugar choices like Tweek Smoothie Chews 70 g, Pändy Fizzy Bottles 50 g, and Tweek Banana Bliss 70 g appeal to those monitoring sugar intake or blood sugar levels.
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Vegan and gelatin free options such as Bubs Hallonlakritsskalle 90 g, Fazer Tuttifrutti 180 g, and Tweek Vegan Vibe 70 g satisfy plant based candy lovers while offering bold flavors.
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Brands like Pändy and Tweek have embraced functional candy trends, developing sweets with fewer calories and balanced ingredients for those aiming to lose weight or find the best candy when on a diet.
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Gluten free options, clearly labeled on packaging, provide safe treats for those with gluten sensitivities.
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Innovative textures and formats, from foamy marshmallow like bites to chewy sugar free gummies, are expanding the range of healthy candy experiences.
FAQ: Swedish Candy Essentials
Can I eat candy on a diet?
Yes, by choosing sugar free, low calorie candy or limiting portion size, you can enjoy sweets while working towards weight loss or healthy eating goals. Many Swedish brands now offer diet candy options, from sugar free gummies to low calorie foamy treats, designed for those watching their blood sugar levels.
What is salty licorice?
A unique Scandinavian favorite made with salmiak (ammonium chloride), offering a bold, salty flavor that can be intense for first time tasters. It ranges from mildly salty gummies to strong, fiery varieties like Tyrkisk Peber, and is a cultural icon in Sweden.
Is Swedish candy gluten free?
Many varieties are naturally gluten free, including several gummies, marshmallow candies, and chocolate bars. Always check the label, as some products may contain traces of gluten from production lines.
Summary
Swedish candy offers a world of flavors, from traditional milk chocolate and marshmallow treats to modern vegan candy, gluten free varieties, and sugar free gummies. Whether you visit historic factories, explore seasonal specialties, join a polkagris workshop in Gränna, or set off on a multi city candy roadtrip across Sweden, you will discover why this is a sweet lover’s paradise.
Key takeaways
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Swedish candy culture blends deep rooted tradition with modern, health conscious trends.
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Major candy cities and regions include Ljungsbro, Upplands Väsby, Malmö, Gränna, Helsingborg, Norrköping, and Sundbyberg.
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A roadtrip can include factory tours, seasonal specialties, regional recipes, and hands on candy making experiences.
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Vegan candy, sugar free gummies, low sugar treats, and gluten free options cater to a wide range of preferences and lifestyles.
Explore more on Sweet Sven
Visit our candy collection for a closer look at the treats mentioned in this guide.