In today’s post we will explore the differences between Swedish candy and American candy. From salty licorice to chocolate, foamy marshmallow treats to sugar free gummies, we will look at what sets these two candy cultures apart. We will clearly highlight the characteristics of Swedish candy compared to its American counterparts so you can see exactly how they differ.
Table Of Contents
Main Differences at a Glance
Swedish candy traditions focus on balanced sweetness, natural flavours and a wide variety of textures, from firm gummies to foamy marshmallow treats. Salty licorice and creative chocolate variations are staples. American candy leans towards bold, intense sweetness, brighter colours, and a strong culture of peanut butter and chocolate combinations. Health-conscious choices such as sugar-free gummies, vegan candy and plant-based candy are integrated into the Swedish market, while in the US they are still an emerging niche. These differences arise from cultural traditions, ingredient regulations (see Livsmedelsverket – Swedish Food Agency for EU/Sv regulatory framework) and the FDA’s oversight on additives and safety approval standards (see FDA – How the FDA Regulates Food Additives and GRAS Ingredients).
Swedish vs American Candy at a Glance
| Feature | Swedish Candy | American Candy |
|---|---|---|
| Common Brands | Cloetta, Marabou, Malaco, Fazer, Bubs, Tweek, Pändy | Hershey’s, Reese’s, Skittles, M&M’s, Jelly Belly |
| Popular Flavors | Salty licorice, fruit gummies, foamy marshmallow, creamy chocolate | Peanut butter chocolate, bright fruit gummies, candy corn |
| Texture | Firmer gummies, balanced sweetness, marshmallow-like foamy candy | Softer gummies, high sweetness, lighter marshmallow treats |
| Ingredients | More natural flavours, vegan candy, gelatin free, plant based candy | More artificial colours/flavours, higher sugar, fewer vegan options |
| Health Focus | Sugar free gummies, low calorie candy, healthy candy options | Limited sugar free lines, heavier on artificial sweeteners |
What Makes Swedish Candy Unique?
Popular Swedish Candy Brands
Sweden is home to well-loved candy brands like Cloetta, Marabou, Malaco, Fazer, Bubs, Tweek and Pändy. These names appear in every Swedish candy shop and have created iconic products for decades. For example, Ahlgrens Bilar is a gluten free classic and a national symbol, while Marabou Mjölkchoklad is known for its smooth texture and balanced sweetness. In contrast, American brands often emphasise strong branding and larger product ranges but with a more standardised flavour profile.
Classic Flavors and Textures
Swedish candy offers a broad variety of tastes and textures. Salty licorice is a national treasure, with bold options like Djungelvrål and S-märke Supersalt that are rarely matched in the US market. Gummies such as Haribo Goldbears, Haribo Nappar Cola and Bubs Goody Sour Ovals are all gummy candies with a firmer texture and less sugary finish than typical American gummies. Foamy favourites like Juleskum and Polly bring a marshmallow-like softness, while American marshmallow treats tend to be lighter in flavour but much sweeter.
American Candy Culture
Signature Flavors in the US
American candy is known for bold, sweet-forward profiles. Peanut butter chocolate combinations like Reese’s are iconic, as are brightly coloured fruit-flavoured gummies and seasonal products like candy corn. While Swedish candy often uses more natural flavours and less sugar, American candy tends to be more indulgent and overtly sweet.
Key Differences in Ingredients
Compared to Swedish candy, many American sweets contain more artificial colours and flavours, higher sugar content and less emphasis on vegan candy or gelatin free recipes. Sweden has a strong tradition of plant based candy and innovations in healthy candy options, which is less common in the US mass market.
Side-by-Side Taste Test
Gummies Face-Off
Haribo Goldbears in Sweden have a firmer bite and a balanced sweetness, while many US gummy bears are softer and much sweeter. Bubs Goody Sour Ovals deliver a tart, fruity punch that is harder to find in American gummies, which often prioritise a consistent sweet flavour over sour complexity.
Chocolate Comparison
Marabou Mjölkchoklad is creamier and smoother than Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, with less bitterness and a more balanced sweetness. Flavour variations like Marabou Salta Mandlar or Marabou Oreo push creativity, whereas many US bars stick to a few traditional flavours.
Health and Diet Candy Comparison
Low Sugar and Sugar Free Options
Sweden’s candy market includes a growing selection of sugar free gummies and healthy candy options, such as Tweek Smoothie Chews, Tweek Fabulous Foam and Pändy Cola Sour. These cater to those focused on weight loss or maintaining stable blood sugar levels. In the US, sugar free candy exists but often in smaller product lines and with a heavier reliance on artificial sweeteners.
Candy and Blood Sugar Levels
Swedish low calorie candy choices make it easier to enjoy sweets without large spikes in blood sugar levels. Questions like “Can I eat candy on a diet?” or “What is the best candy to eat on a diet?” are increasingly answered by Swedish brands that blend taste and health. In the US, healthier candy options are growing but remain less mainstream.
Final Thoughts
Key Takeaways from the Taste Test
The world of Swedish candy is diverse, flavour-balanced and often more health-conscious than its American counterpart. While American candy offers its own pleasures, Swedish candy’s mix of salty, fruity, foamy and vegan options makes it a leader for adventurous taste buds.
-
Swedish candy focuses on a balance of flavours, not just sweetness.
-
Vegan candy, gelatin free and gluten free options are widely available.
-
Brands like Bubs, Marabou, Malaco and Tweek lead with variety and innovation.
-
Health-conscious choices such as sugar free gummies are easy to find.