Buying sweets online might seem straightforward, but product photos don't tell the whole story. A large bag could contain fewer portions than you'd expect, while a colourful packet says nothing about ingredients or allergens. Likewise, terms like "fruit", "natural" or "sugar-free" deserve a proper check on the label.
With these practical selection points, you can compare sweets, fruit gums, lollipops, liquorice and Asian confectionery in a level-headed way.
An eye-catching packet might make a product look ideal for a children's party or sweet buffet, when in fact the bag is small or contains very few pieces. Always check the net weight, the number of individual sweets and how the product is packaged.
For sharing at a party, individually wrapped lollipops or sweets are practical. For home use, a resealable bag is often more convenient.
Fruit gums and soft sweets may contain fruit juice or fruit concentrate, but they are still confectionery. Compare the nutritional values per 100g and pay particular attention to carbohydrates, of which sugars. For example, ABC Jelly Fruit Jelly Sticks lists 65g of sugar per 100g. Powerbeärs Tetris Fruit Gum has 43g per 100g.
A lower sugar content per 100g doesn't automatically make a product suitable for every diet. Also check the portion size, sweeteners and other ingredients.
In sugar-free sweets, sugar is usually replaced by sweeteners. Corniche Sugar Free Ginger Fudge Lemon lists 0g of sugar per 100g, but also 94g of carbohydrates. Oldtimers Sugar-Free Liquorice Rocks uses maltitol among other sweeteners and lists 0g of sugar.
For these products, read the warnings on the packaging. Polyols can have a laxative effect if consumed in excess. Also, don't take the term "suitable for diabetics" as a general health claim; check the ingredients and nutritional information yourself or seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Check whether the sweets contain gelatine, milk, soya, gluten or any other ingredients that matter to your household. The Jelly Bean Factory Jelly Beans lists none of the 14 major EU allergens and is described as gluten-free and gelatine-free. In contrast, Nerds Gummy Clusters contain pork gelatine and apple.
Even with products that don't list major allergens, cross-contamination can occur. When in doubt, the actual packaging is the final authority. Product information online can change, so always check the label when you receive your order.
Use the table per 100g to compare products fairly. Here are a few examples:
A nutritional information table helps you put marketing claims into perspective. "With fruit", "natural colours" or "sugar-free" doesn't tell you everything about the overall composition.
For a children's party, the number of pieces per pack and individual wrappers matter more than just the price. For a sweet gift, presentation also counts. Softer products can stick together or lose their texture more quickly in heat and humidity. So store sweets according to the packaging advice: usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
For sweets intended for children, also check the age recommendation and supervision guidance. The Cokoc Peeling Soft Candy White Peach Flavor is recommended for children aged 3 and over, with adult supervision advised. A product with an unusual feature, such as Amos TastySounds, also requires you to follow the usage instructions.
Why this fits the profile: A straightforward bag with 11 individually wrapped lollipops in two flavours: strawberry and cherry. A handy first choice for sharing.
The number of pieces and net weight are clearly stated, so you can work out how many portions you're getting before you buy.
11 individually wrapped lollipops, two flavours and natural colours according to the product description.
Why this fits the profile: Ideal for anyone who wants to try multiple flavours without committing to a large bag. The packaging is resealable.
The product information mentions 36 different flavours and a resealable bag, so you're less likely to end up with an open packet that dries out.
According to the product information, gluten-free and gelatine-free, with natural colours and flavours.
Why this fits the profile: With 24 lollipops, this bulk pack is practical for a sweet buffet, children's party or making up several party bags.
The stated quantity of 24 pieces lets you check the amount in advance, rather than relying on the large packaging alone.
24 pieces, mango flavour and, according to the product information, none of the 14 major EU allergens.
Why this fits the profile: An option for anyone consciously seeking sweets without added sugar, who appreciates a blend of ginger, turmeric and lemon flavour.
The nutritional information states 0g of sugar per 100g. The sweeteners used and the carbohydrate content are still points to check.
100g per pack, 7% ginger, 4% turmeric and lemon flavour according to the product description.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
Lollipops with individual wrappers and small, separately wrapped sweets are easy to hand out. Check the number of pieces, age information and allergens. For young children, supervision while eating is advisable.
Don't just look at the price per pack. Calculate the price per 100g or per piece. For bulk packs, the number of individual sweets is also important. This way you can fairly compare a 165g bag with a 408g bag.
Store sweets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal resealable bags properly. Soft sweets, fruit gums and sugar-free varieties can otherwise lose their texture or flavour more quickly. If in doubt, always follow the storage advice on the packaging.