Buying sweets without disappointment: how to choose gummies, marshmallows and sweets for every occasion

Buying sweets seems straightforward, until you start comparing different bags, multipacks and international brands. An appealing pack tells you little about portion size, ingredients or whether the contents are suitable for children. Even with Haribo sweets, gummies and party sweets, there can be differences you only notice once you open the pack.

Keep an eye out for these three common pitfalls:

• A large pack isn’t always better value. Check the price per 100 g and see whether it contains several smaller bags.
• “Fruit” or “natural” on the front doesn’t tell you everything. Check the full ingredients list and nutritional information on the pack.
• Allergens and gelatine are sometimes overlooked. Gummy sweets, marshmallows and jelly beans may contain gelatine, milk, soya, gluten or other ingredients.

What should you look for when buying sweets online?

1. Weight, portions and price per 100 g

Compare not just the number of bags, but the total weight too. A 175 g bag, like some types of marshmallows, may be suitable for sharing, while small bags are more convenient for party bags or a sweet gift.

With a multipack, it’s worth checking:

• the total net weight;
• the number of individual packs;
• the recommended serving size, if given;
• the price per 100 g;
• the best-before date on the pack.

A larger pack can be practical for birthdays and parties. For a school treat, individually wrapped sweets or smaller portions are often easier to hand out.

2. Ingredients, allergens and dietary requirements

The product name doesn’t always give you the full picture of what’s inside. Gelatine is often found in fruit gummies, sour sweets and marshmallows. Its source can vary from one product to another. So, if you need to take religious, vegetarian or other dietary preferences into account, check the label.

Here are a few examples from the range:

• According to the product information, Haribo Chamallows Soft Kiss contains gelatine, milk, lactose and soya.
• According to the product information, The Jelly Bean Factory Jelly Beans is described as gluten-free and gelatine-free.
• According to the product information, Red Band Fizzy Mix does not list any of the 14 major EU allergens, but it does contain gelatine.
• According to the product information, Candyman Mac Bubble does not list any of the 14 major EU allergens.

Always check the current packaging. Recipes and labels can change, so the information on the pack takes precedence.

3. Match the flavour and texture to the occasion

If you’re looking to buy gummies for children, you might prefer soft sweets with familiar fruit flavours. For adults or a sweet table, more variety could be appealing, such as jelly beans, sour sweets or sweets with different textures.

Think about the occasion too:

• Everyday snacking: smaller packs are easier to portion.
• Party sweets: choose a variety of shapes, colours and flavours.
• A sweet gift: an eye-catching pack or an unusual flavour combination is a handy choice.
• Party bags: check age warnings and, where possible, choose easy-to-manage portions.
• Playing outdoors: you could pair sweets with bubble-blowing toys, but keep the sweets separate from the liquid.

Our recommendations for different shoppers

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Haribo Chamallows Mix - 175 g

Why it suits this shopper: A handy-sized bag with assorted shapes and fruit flavours, ideal for snacking, sharing or making simple desserts.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 175 g weight is clearly stated, making it easy to compare the contents with other bags of marshmallows.

Key benefits and highlights

Assorted shapes, a soft texture and, according to the product information, no artificial colours or preservatives.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Nerds Gummy Clusters Fruits 45gr

Why it suits this shopper: A great choice if you’re after an unusual combination of a soft gummy centre and a crunchy coating.

How this product avoids the pitfall

At 45 g, the portion size is clear. That way, the eye-catching international packaging won’t be mistaken for a large pack.

Key benefits and highlights

A chewy gummy combined with crunchy Nerds; according to the product information, made with fruit concentrates and gelatine.

Suitable for: Specific occasions and frequent sweet eaters

The Jelly Bean Factory Jelly Beans - 90 g

Why it suits this shopper: Ideal for a sweet table, tasting session or any occasion where a variety of flavours takes centre stage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The resealable pack helps keep the jelly beans fresher after opening, provided they’re stored in a cool, dry place.

Key benefits and highlights

90 g of sweets, 36 different flavours according to the product information, and a gelatine-free recipe.

Suitable for: Families and parties

Red Band Fizzy Mix Soft Sweet and Sour - 215g

Why it suits this shopper: A mix of sweet and sour flavours to share at a birthday party, movie night or family get-together.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The mix gives you a clear idea of what’s inside before you buy, including sour gummies, bottles and cola-flavoured sweets.

Key benefits and highlights

215 g of sweets, a soft texture and, according to the product information, natural flavourings and packaging made with 50% bio-based plastic.

Pair sweets with a party favour

For a children’s party, you can pair sweets with bubble-blowing toys, such as a bubble gun or bubble wand. When choosing toys, always check the age guidance, warnings about small parts and instructions for supervised use.

According to the product information, the Princess Magic Wand Bubble Machine is intended for children aged 3 and over, runs on three AA batteries and comes with two bottles of bubble solution. The Tokky Bubble Makers are available as a pink or blue rocket launcher. Don’t let children drink the solution, and keep toys and sweets separate when handing them out.

Frequently asked questions about buying sweets

What sweets are handy for parties?

A mix of different shapes and flavours is a practical choice for a group. For example, choose soft gummies, sour sweets and marshmallows. Before ordering, check the total weight, portion size and allergen information.

How should you store gummies and marshmallows?

Store sweets in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and follow the instructions on the pack. Reseal opened bags tightly. Heat or moisture can change the texture of marshmallows and gummies.

What should you look for in sweets for children?

Check the ingredients, allergens, gelatine and any age warnings. Serve sweets in suitable portions and bear in mind that some children may need to avoid certain ingredients. If in doubt, follow the current information on the packaging.