Buying international sweets: how to choose unusual flavours without disappointment

If you’re buying international sweets, you’re probably looking for something different from the standard liquorice, wine gums or milk chocolate at the supermarket. Think Japanese sweets, Asian sweets, fruit gummies, jelly sweets, caramel sweets and spicy tamarind sweets. But eye-catching packaging can sometimes hide important information.

So don’t judge by flavour or shape alone. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• An appealing product name doesn’t tell you much about the ingredients. A fruit-flavoured sweet, for example, may consist mainly of sugar, glucose syrup and gelatine.
• “Fruit”, “premium” or “natural” doesn’t automatically mean a high fruit content. Check the percentage of fruit juice and the nutritional information.
• The texture may not suit every occasion. Jellies can be soft, but some products need to be chewed carefully. Hard sweets are less practical for young children.
• Allergens and dietary preferences are sometimes overlooked. Gelatine, milk, soya, peanuts and sesame aren’t labelled in the same way on the front of every pack around the world.

What should you look for when buying international sweets?

1. Ingredients and allergens

Always check the ingredients list on the product page and on the packaging. Pay particular attention to:

• Gelatine: some gummies contain beef or pork gelatine. Cokoc Triple-Layer Juicy Burst Gummies, for example, list gelatine; Amos Orange lists beef gelatine.
• Milk and soya: KANRO Premium Salted Milk Candy contains milk products and soya emulsifier. Kopiko Coffee Candy contains milk and soya.
• Peanuts and sesame: Hardin Mix Chikki Minis contains peanuts and sesame, so it’s not suitable for anyone allergic to these ingredients.
• Possible cross-contamination: a product may be made on a production line that also handles gluten, soya or fish.

Looking for halal sweets? Check for a halal statement or certification on the current packaging. The product title “CANDY AMOS 65 GR PEELERZ GUMMY BANANA HALAL” refers to halal, but always check the product information and packaging before buying.

2. Texture: gummies, jellies, soft or hard

The right texture can make all the difference to how much you enjoy a sweet:

• Gummies and soft sweets: chewy and easy to bite, often a good choice for a film night or a treat. Examples include Want Want QQ Gummy and Cokoc Peeling Soft Candy.
• Jelly sweets: usually smoother and softer. Yuki & Love Litchi Flavoured Jellies contains konjac powder as a thickening ingredient.
• Hard sweets: designed to dissolve slowly and handy for handing out individually. Haitai Cinnamon Candy, Kopiko Coffee Candy and KANRO Milk Candy are all in this category.
• Crunchy sweet bars: Hardin Chikki combines peanuts, sesame and rajgira with jaggery, giving it a very different bite from a gummy.

Check the instructions for jelly products. Orihiro Purunto Jelly, for example, says to squeeze out the contents while chewing to help prevent choking. Always follow the age and safety information on the packaging when giving sweets to young children.

3. Portion size, sugar and storage

Compare the amount in each pack, not just the price. A 200-gram bag may seem like good value, but it might not be as convenient if you’re looking for smaller portions. Individually wrapped sweets are practical for sharing, taking to the office or handing out as a treat.

Also check the nutritional information per 100 grams. According to the product information, Want Want QQ Gummy Cola contains 45 grams of sugar per 100 grams, while Orihiro Purun and Plus Grape Mix contains 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams, according to the listed details. That doesn’t mean every product will suit every dietary preference, so also check sweeteners, allergens and warnings, including any mention of phenylalanine.

As a general rule, store sweets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal opened packs tightly to help prevent them drying out or absorbing moisture.

Our recommendations for different shoppers

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Want Want-QQ Gummy (Cola Flavour) 70g

Why it suits this shopper: A compact bag with a familiar cola flavour is an easy way to try or share Asian sweets.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists portion size, ingredients, allergens and nutritional values, so you don’t have to rely on the packaging alone.

Main benefit & highlights

70 grams, a soft texture and, according to the product details, 45 grams of sugar per 100 grams.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

KANRO Premium Salted Milk Candy 61g

Why it suits this shopper: Ideal if you’re looking for Japanese hard sweets with a creamy milk flavour and a hint of salt, rather than fruity gummies.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list clearly identifies milk products and soya, helping you check for allergens before you buy.

Main benefit & highlights

61 grams, individually wrapped and, according to the product information, made in Japan.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent sweet eaters

ORIHIRO Purun and Plus Grape Mix 130g

Why it suits this shopper: An option for adults looking for grape jelly with a different nutritional profile from regular gummies.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page includes instructions for use, including the need to chew carefully, as well as information about sweeteners and a source of phenylalanine.

Main benefit & highlights

130 grams, a grape mix and, according to the listed nutritional information, 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams.

Suitable for: Families and fans of soft sweets

Cokoc Peeling Soft Candy White Peach Flavor 75g

Why it suits this shopper: Its peach shape and soft marshmallow texture make it a fun treat, with supervision recommended for young children.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it’s suitable for children aged 3 and over and recommends adult supervision while eating.

Main benefit & highlights

75 grams, a soft texture and, according to the product information, none of the 14 main EU allergens.

Frequently asked questions about international sweets

Which international sweets are suitable if I want to try new flavours?

Start with a small pack of around 60 to 75 grams. Cola, orange, banana or grape gummies are more approachable than stronger flavours such as chilli tamarind or cinnamon. That way, you can compare different types without buying a large supply straight away.

How long do international sweets keep?

Shelf life varies by product and is shown on the packaging. Store sweets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal opened bags tightly. Soft sweets and jellies can change texture when exposed to moisture or air, while hard sweets may become sticky.

What should I look for when buying sweets for children?

Check the recommended age, texture, shape and allergens. Jellies, gummies and marshmallows may need extra care while children are eating them. Supervise children when they’re eating sweets and always follow the current instructions on the packaging.