Buying sweets online: how to choose the flavour, size and ingredients without making the wrong choice

Buying sweets online may seem simple, but attractive packaging doesn’t always tell the whole story. Whether you’re looking to buy liquorice, order sweets online or put together a complete assortment of sweets, it’s worth looking beyond the flavour name and picture.

The most common pitfalls are:

• Mistaking a larger size for better value: a 400 g bag may be handy for sharing, but less suitable if you’re looking for smaller portions.
• Trusting marketing claims without checking the ingredients: terms such as ‘with fruit juice’, ‘natural’ or ‘sugar-free’ don’t automatically mean a product suits your needs.
• Overlooking allergens and dietary preferences: gelatine, milk, sulphites, wheat and possible traces of allergens may all be important when choosing what to buy.
• Getting the texture wrong: soft liquorice, hard sweets and fruit gums differ considerably in how they feel to chew and when you might enjoy them.

What should you look for when buying sweets online?

1. Check the ingredients and allergens

Check the ingredients list and allergen information before placing your order. For liquorice, for example, look out for gelatine, ammonium chloride, liquorice root extract and sulphites. Fruit gum may contain beef gelatine. If a product is described as vegan, check the current packaging if you’re unsure.

‘Sugar-free’ products also need a closer look. According to the product information, Klene Sugarfree Honey Liquorice contains no sugar, but does contain sweeteners such as maltitol syrup and steviol glycosides. The packaging also states that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. This isn’t a reason to avoid the product, but it’s useful information to bear in mind when making your choice.

2. Compare the flavour profile and texture

Think about when you’d like to enjoy your sweets:

• Salty liquorice: according to the product information, Venco Double Salt Liquorice contains 9.9% ammonium chloride, giving it a distinctive sweet-and-salty flavour.
• Soft liquorice: Venco Soft Liquorice Mix combines soft liquorice with salmiak, mint, fruit and chilli.
• Sweet liquorice: according to the ingredients list, Venco Honey Licorice contains honey and 1% ammonium chloride, among other ingredients.
• Fruit gum: Powerbeärs Tetris Fruit Gum comes in different fruit flavours and has a soft, chewy texture.
• Hard sweets: Holland Hopjes are coffee-flavoured hard sweets that you can let melt slowly.

A description such as ‘mix’ doesn’t always mean that each flavour is included in equal quantities. So, if you’re looking for a particular flavour, check the product description.

3. Check the weight, portions and packaging

Compare the net weight, rather than just the number of bags. An individually wrapped mix is practical for the office, visitors or when you’re out and about, while a resealable bag may be more convenient if you’ll be enjoying it over several occasions.

Check the nutritional information per 100 g, too. Most regular sweets are high in carbohydrates and sugars. For example, according to the product information, Fruittella Berries and Cherry Toffees contains none of the 14 main EU allergens and is described as vegan, but it is still a sweet made with glucose syrup and sugar. ‘Vegan’ tells you something about ingredients of animal origin, not the nutritional value.

Our recommendations for different types of shopper

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Venco Honey Licorice - 235 g

Why it suits this profile: The 235 g pack is ideal for enjoying at home and sharing, while its sweet honey flavour is an approachable choice if you’re used to less salty liquorice.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The product information clearly lists gelatine, sulphites and honey, so you can check dietary requirements and allergens in advance.

Key benefit & highlights

235 g pack; sweet liquorice; ingredients and nutritional information available.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Neutral Holland Hopjes - 160 g

Why it suits this profile: A distinctive choice for fans of Dutch sweets and a familiar coffee flavour, these hard sweets offer something different from soft liquorice or fruit gum.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The product description makes it clear that these are hard coffee sweets, so you won’t be expecting a soft or chewy texture.

Key benefit & highlights

160 g pack; coffee extract listed; halal and gluten-free according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific occasions & regular sweet lovers

Fruitella Mix of Minis - 410g

Why it suits this profile: This individually wrapped mix is handy for parties, work, days out or keeping in the cupboard when you want a choice of flavours.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The product information names the different brands and confirms that the sweets are individually wrapped. This makes it clearer how the mix can be enjoyed than the word ‘mix’ alone.

Key benefit & highlights

410 g pack; individually wrapped; a combination of Fruitella, Mentos, Chupa Chups and Look-O-Look.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for vegan sweets

Fruitella Berries and Cherry Toffees - 200g

Why it suits this profile: The product information describes these individually wrapped toffees as vegan, with fruit juice, natural flavourings and natural colours.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The ingredients list includes fruit juices and gum arabic as a gelling agent, with no gelatine in the ingredients provided.

Key benefit & highlights

200 g pack; described as vegan; four berry flavours and cherry.

Frequently asked questions about ordering sweets online

What should I look for in sugar-free liquorice?

Check which sweeteners have been used and read the warnings on the packaging. Sugar-free doesn’t automatically mean you can enjoy a product without limits. Some products may have a laxative effect if consumed in excess.

How should I store sweets after ordering them online?

In general, store sweets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal opened packaging tightly to help prevent moisture and loss of quality. Always check the storage advice and best-before information on the packaging.

Which types of sweets are good for sharing?

Individually wrapped products, such as Fruitella Mix or Fruittella Mini Vegan, are handy for visitors, the office and when you’re out and about. For a varied selection, you could also choose a sweet mix with different textures, such as soft liquorice, fruit gum and hard sweets. If several people will be sharing, remember to check for allergens and dietary requirements.