Buying sweets online may seem straightforward, but an appealing photo doesn’t always tell the whole story. A bag may look bigger than it is, a “mix” may consist mostly of one type of sweet, and a tempting international speciality may contain ingredients that don’t suit your needs. With a few simple checks, you can compare sweets, chocolate and gummies much more effectively.
A large bag doesn’t automatically mean lots of portions. Always check the net weight, the number of pieces and, if stated, the number of portions. Sweets wrapped individually can also be more practical for a party or for sharing than one large bag of loose sweets.
Fruit sweets, wine gums and gummies may contain fruit flavouring or fruit concentrate, but the ingredients vary from product to product. So check the ingredients list. For example, Cokoc Triple-Layer Juicy Burst Gummies are listed as containing 10% concentrated fruit juice. In other products, the fruit flavour may come mainly from flavourings.
Terms such as “natural”, “no artificial colours” or “sugar-free” don’t tell you everything you need to know. Check allergens, sweeteners, gelatine, milk ingredients and nutritional information too. The product packaging is still the most up-to-date source. This is especially important with international sweets, as recipes, translations and packaging information may differ from what you’re used to.
For yourself, a smaller bag is often easier to keep track of. Larger packs or individually portioned packs are more convenient for parties or sharing. For example, Look-O-Look Top Mix contains 10 small portion packs, with a total weight of 215 grams. This can make it easier to hand out sweets hygienically and offer a range of flavours.
Also check:
For every selection of sweets, check whether the product contains gelatine, milk, soya, gluten, nuts or other allergens. Merci Petits contains milk, almond, hazelnut, soya and wheat, among other ingredients, and according to the product information may also contain peanuts. This makes it less suitable if you’re not sure which allergies your guests need to take into account.
Red Band Fun Keys is described as a combination of fruit flavours and liquorice, with natural colours. The product information states that it contains none of the 14 main EU allergens. Still, check the packaging when you buy and receive it, as the label is the definitive source.
Not every sweet is right for every occasion:
Why it suits this profile: A handy 175-gram bag of fruit gums and liquorice, divided into seven 25-gram portions according to the product information.
The net weight and portion sizes are clearly stated, so you can compare what’s inside rather than judging by the size of the bag alone.
A combination of fruity and liquorice-style flavours, made in the Netherlands according to the product description, with natural colours listed.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, the box contains seven different chocolate flavours, making it a lovely thank-you or gift.
The variety is clearly described. Do check the listed allergens in advance, including milk, nuts, soya and wheat.
125 grams of assorted filled and unfilled chocolate treats, ideal for handing out individually.
Why it suits this profile: The 325-gram pack is made for sharing and, according to the description, contains different shapes and flavours, including cola, lemon, orange and strawberry.
The contents and sharing purpose are clearly described, making it easier to choose the right amount for your group.
A large sharing pack with a variety of chewy textures and, according to the product information, none of the 14 main EU allergens.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.
It depends on the price per 100 grams, delivery costs and pack size. So compare more than just the item price: check the net weight, number of pieces and any multipacks too. Large bags are handy for sharing, but they don’t always work out cheaper per portion.
Check the shelf-life information on the product page, then inspect the packaging when your order arrives. Some products may have a relatively short time left before their best-before date. In most cases, store sweets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Seal opened packaging properly to help maintain quality.
For a party, choose a mix of flavours and textures, such as gummies, wine gums, sour sweets, chocolate and lollies. Individually wrapped products or small portions are easy to hand out. Check for allergens in advance and take young children into account: small sweets and hard lollies can pose a choking hazard.