Joybuy Insights

Buying sweets: how to choose the right flavour, packaging and ingredients online

Buying sweets seems simple, but when you shop online it can be hard to tell the different options apart. Are you looking for gummies for yourself, sweets to share at a party or vegan sweets for the family? Ingredients, portion size and packaging are all important.

Watch out for these three common pitfalls:

  1. Confusing “vegan” with “sugar-free”
    Vegan sweets contain no ingredients of animal origin, but they can still be high in sugar. For example, Autodrop Vegan Cadillacs contain 62 grams of sugar per 100 grams. So vegan doesn’t tell you anything about the sugar or calorie content.

  2. Assuming “sugar-free” means low-calorie
    Sugar-free sweets are often sweetened with polyols or other sweeteners. This can lower the sugar content, but it doesn’t automatically make the product calorie-free. What’s more, excessive consumption of sweeteners such as maltitol, sorbitol or isomalt can have a laxative effect. So always check the nutrition table.

  3. Choosing packaging that doesn’t suit how you’ll use it
    A large bag is handy for a sweet jar, but less practical if you want to hand out individual portions. Individually wrapped sweets, such as Fruittella Mini or Napoleon Lemon Sour Balls, are better for taking on the go, party treats and sharing.

What to look for when ordering sweets online

1. Check the ingredients and allergens

Don’t just look at the product name or flavour. Check the full ingredients list for things such as:

  • Gelatine, which is often of animal origin and isn’t suitable for vegan sweets.
  • Milk or other allergens. For example, Van Melle Licorice Toffee lists milk as an allergen.
  • Wheat and gluten. Look-O-Look Top Mix contains wheat flour, so it isn’t suitable for people avoiding gluten.
  • Sweeteners and polyols in sugar-free sweets.
  • Colourings and flavourings, especially if you have specific preferences.

A claim such as “gluten-free”, “vegan” or “free from the 14 main EU allergens” applies only to the product in question. If you have an allergy, always check the packaging, as recipes can change.

2. Compare nutritional values per 100 grams

The portion size shown on the front of the pack can give a misleading impression. So compare the values per 100 grams. Pay particular attention to:

  • energy in kilocalories;
  • carbohydrates and sugars;
  • fat;
  • polyols in sugar-free products;
  • salt, especially in liquorice and sour sweets.

Konjac jelly stands out for its low energy content. Delief Konjac Jelly Mango lists 4 kcal per 100 grams and 0 grams of sugar. The multipack version lists 5 kcal per 100 grams. This makes this type of product a different choice from traditional gummies, but it’s still important to read the ingredients and instructions for use.

3. Consider the size, portions and shelf life

For a party or the office, individually wrapped sweets are hygienic and easy to hand out. A product containing several small portions, such as Look-O-Look Top Mix with ten portion packs, makes it easy to offer a range of flavours.

For home, a 225 to 280 gram bag may offer better value per gram. Store sweets in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Seal opened packaging securely. Always check the date and storage information on the packaging.

Our recommendations for different occasions

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Fruitella Mini Vegan - 203 g

Fruitella Mini Vegan - 203 g

Why it suits this profile: The bag contains 16 mini sticks in strawberry, banana and orange flavours. Individually wrapped sweets are handy when you want to share without putting out a large quantity all at once.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portions are individually wrapped, so you don’t have to judge by the total bag weight alone. If you have allergies, be sure to check the label.

Key benefits and highlights

Vegan according to the product information, with fruit juice, natural flavourings and colours. The nutritional information lists 385 kcal and 55 grams of sugar per 100 grams.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Napoleon Lemon Sour Balls - 225 g

Napoleon Lemon Sour Balls - 225 g

Why it suits this profile: Ideal for anyone who loves sour sweets with a distinct lemon flavour. These hard sweets have a sour powder filling and are individually wrapped.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly describes the shape, filling and packaging. So you know in advance that you’re not buying soft gummies or a loose sweet mix.

Key benefits and highlights

Described as vegan, gluten-free and halal, and free from the 14 main EU allergens. Per 100 grams: 380 kcal and 67 grams of sugar.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent snacking
DELIEF Vegan Collagen Konjac Jelly Mango 120g x 10

DELIEF Vegan Collagen Konjac Jelly Mango 120g x 10

Why it suits this profile: A multipack of ready-to-eat mango konjac jelly in squeeze pouches. It’s a good fit if you want to take light, individual snacks with you or keep several portions at home.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Each pouch contains a defined portion, and the nutritional information is listed per 100 grams. This makes it easier to compare the quantity with regular gummies.

Key benefits and highlights

Vegan according to the product information, with 5 kcal and 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams. Once opened, the pouch should be refrigerated and used promptly.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying sweets

Where can I safely order sweets online?

Choose a retailer that clearly lists product information, ingredients, allergens, nutritional values and shelf life. Also check that the pack size suits your needs. Portion packs are handy for a party, while a larger bag or sweet mix may be more practical at home.

Are vegan sweets automatically sugar-free?

No. Vegan sweets avoid ingredients of animal origin, but often contain sugar, glucose syrup or fruit juice. So always check the nutrition table. Fruittella, Napoleon and Autodrop have vegan options, but according to the product information, the products mentioned contain sugar.

Which sweets are lower in sugar?

Start by comparing the amount of sugar per 100 grams. Sugar-free peppermint, such as Wilhelmina Sugar-Free Peppermint, uses sweeteners and lists 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams. According to the product information, Anta Flu Classic is also sugar-free. If the product contains polyols, check the warning about excessive consumption. Konjac jelly also lists 0 grams of sugar and around 4 to 5 kcal per 100 grams, but its texture and taste are different from traditional sweets.