Buying sweets might seem straightforward, but an attractive packet doesn't always tell the whole story. A large bag of sweets could, for example, contain less than you expect, while terms like "fruity", "natural" or "sugar-free" say nothing about the taste, ingredients or suitability for your household.
When ordering online, watch out for three common pitfalls:
First, think about when you want to enjoy the sweets. For on-the-go snacking, individually wrapped toffees or peppermints are practical. For a birthday, film night or visitors, a larger bag of sweets works better. If you love a long chew, go for gummies, wine gums or soft liquorice. Those who prefer a firmer bite should look at hard peppermints or liquorice balls.
The difference between soft liquorice, sweet liquorice and salty liquorice isn't just about shape. Pay attention to ingredients such as liquorice root extract, salmiac salt and ammonium chloride. A high percentage of ammonium chloride usually gives a more pronounced salty taste, while honey, molasses or aniseed can create a sweeter profile.
Don't compare sweets by bag size alone. Look at:
Sugar-free sweets often contain sweeteners like maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol or erythritol. According to the product information, these products contain no sugar, but excessive consumption can have a laxative effect. This is also stated on various Klene and Wilhelmina products. So sugar-free doesn't mean you can eat unlimited amounts.
If you're looking for vegan sweets, you need to check whether they contain gelatine, beeswax, milk derivatives or other animal ingredients. Fruitella Berries and Cherry Toffees is listed as vegan in the product information and, according to the supplied specifications, contains none of the 14 major EU allergens.
Gelatine is common in gummies. Powerbeärs Tetris Fruit Gum, for example, states it contains beef gelatine. Amos Peelerz contains gelatine and, according to the product information, may contain milk and sulphites. So always check the actual packaging if allergies, intolerances or a vegan lifestyle are important to you.
Also watch out for conflicting information. Venco Droptoppers says "gluten-free" in the description, while the ingredients information lists wheat flour and gluten. In such cases, take the label on the packaging as your guide and, if in doubt, choose a product with clear allergen information.
The following options have been selected based on verifiable data such as contents, ingredients, nutritional information, packaging and stated attributes.
Why this fits the profile: The 200 g bag contains individually wrapped toffees with a berry and cherry flavour. Handy for sharing at home or taking with you.
The weight, packaging and stated vegan attribute are clearly listed. Check the label again at the time of purchase.
200 g, individually wrapped, made with fruit juices and, according to the product information, vegan.
Why this fits the profile: For anyone looking for a large supply of peppermints with a menthol flavour. The soft centre provides a nice contrast to the hard outer shell.
The contents are 250 g and the product specification lists sugar and ingredient information. This allows you to compare based on facts.
250 g, menthol and peppermint oil in the ingredients list, with a soft centre according to the product description.
Why this fits the profile: A large mix for liquorice fans who want to try different soft shapes and flavours at home or for a group occasion.
The mix states 440 g, approximately 17 portions of 25 g and the presence of gelatine. This makes the choice concrete and not just based on the packaging.
Large pack, mix of soft liquorice, salmiac, honey and aniseed flavours, with portion information.
Why this fits the profile: For anyone specifically looking for sugar-free sweets with a liquorice and honey flavour, in a resealable bag for home or on the go.
The product information states 0 g sugars, the sweeteners used and the warning about excessive consumption. This makes the choice easier to verify.
Sugar-free according to the product information, resealable packaging and none of the 14 major EU allergens listed.
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.
Compare the net weight, price per 100 grams, flavour, texture and ingredients. Also check for allergens, gelatine, sweeteners and storage advice. Product photos are useful for a first impression, but the product information and packaging are what really matter.
Not automatically. Sugar-free sweets often contain polyols or other sweeteners and can still be high in carbohydrates. Check the nutritional value per 100 grams and follow the warning about excessive consumption.
Store sweets in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and away from heat and moisture. Seal a resealable bag properly. This usually helps preserve the texture and flavour. Always check the best-before information on the packaging.