Buying sweets online: how to choose liquorice and confectionery to suit you

Buying sweets online may seem straightforward: choose a flavour, add a bag to your basket and check out. However, there are a few pitfalls that can sometimes leave you with a product that does not meet your expectations. You might receive the wrong pack size, for example, or find that the ingredients do not fit your dietary requirements, or that a sweet bag consists mainly of one flavour.

With this practical guide, you can focus on the information that really matters. This makes it easier to compare Dutch sweets, liquorice and international confectionery before placing your order.

Common pitfalls when buying sweets online

1. A product name does not tell you everything

Words such as “fruit”, “cherry” or “natural” mainly describe the flavour or positioning. They do not automatically mean that a product is low in sugar, vegan or high in fruit content. Always check the ingredients list and the nutritional values per 100 grams.

For example, Holland Foodz Cherry Sticks contain sugar, glucose syrup and colourings. Look-O-Look Filled Cherry Sticks also contain ingredients including wheat flour, gelatine and beeswax. The flavour is similar, but the composition is clearly different.

2. “Sugar-free” does not mean you can eat unlimited amounts

In sugar-free liquorice, sugars are often replaced with sweeteners such as maltitol. This changes the nutritional values and can affect the flavour and texture. So do not just check the front of the packaging: also look at the sweeteners, serving size and warnings on the label.

Oldtimers Sugar-Free Liquorice Rocks are marketed as sugar-free and contain maltitol. Always check the current packaging when your order arrives, as product compositions may change.

3. Dietary labels are sometimes interpreted too broadly

A product that does not contain any of the 14 major EU allergens is not automatically vegan. Gelatine, milk ingredients or beeswax may still be present. Conversely, “vegetarian” does not automatically mean that a product is vegan.

Examples from the range:

• Red Band Winegums Originals contain gelatine, despite not containing any of the 14 major allergens.
• Fruitella Berries and Cherry Toffees are marketed as vegan and, according to the product information, do not contain any of the 14 major EU allergens.
• According to the product information, Gingerbon Ginger Peppermint Bonbons are generally considered vegetarian, halal and gluten-free. Check the packaging and any certification before buying.

What should you look for in a sweet assortment?

Ingredients and allergens

When buying liquorice, pay particular attention to gelatine, ammonium chloride, liquorice root, sulphites and possible traces of milk or nuts. In fruit sweets and wine gums, colourings, acids and gelling agents are common ingredients.

If you have an allergy or intolerance, always rely on the current packaging. Product information on a webshop may be updated in the meantime, but if in doubt, always check the label before eating the product.

Flavour, texture and size

The same flavour can come in different textures:

• Cherry sweets in stick form are easy to share or place in a sweet jar.
• Fruit sweets and toffees are often softer and individually wrapped.
• Wine gums usually combine a soft, chewy texture with a fruit or liquorice flavour.
• Liquorice and salty liquorice often have a firmer bite and a distinctive flavour from liquorice root and ammonium chloride.

Also pay attention to the net quantity. A 145-gram bag is suitable for a smaller supply, while a 200- or 245-gram pack may be more convenient for sharing at a birthday party or during a film night. A box containing multiple packs is particularly practical for a party, but first check how many individual units you will actually receive.

Nutritional values and portions

Most standard sweets contain relatively high levels of carbohydrates and sugars per 100 grams. This applies, for example, to cherry sticks, wine gums and fruit toffees. Use the nutrition table to compare products with one another, rather than relying solely on the marketing text on the front.

For sugar-free products, also check the polyols, such as maltitol, sorbitol or isomalt. These substances are processed differently from sugar and are therefore listed separately. Follow the instructions on the packaging.

Our product choices for different buying profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Holland Foodz Cherry Sticks - 110 g

Why it suits this profile: A clearly sized 110-gram pack with a familiar cherry flavour, ideal for discovering traditional Dutch sweets.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states the net quantity and ingredients. According to the stated specification, the product does not contain any of the 14 major EU allergens.

Key benefit & advantages

110 grams, cherry flavour and a recipe with sugar and glucose syrup. Suitable for a sweet jar or sharing.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

Klepper & Klepper Licorice Laurel - 200 g

Why it suits this profile: For liquorice lovers looking for a larger pack and who mainly focus on product weight and allergen information.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack contains 200 grams, and the product information states that it does not contain any of the 14 major EU allergens. Check the full ingredients list on the label.

Key benefit & advantages

200 grams net weight and a clear choice within the Dutch sweets and liquorice category.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent consumers

Oldtimers Sugar-Free Liquorice Rocks - 100 g

Why it suits this profile: Designed for buyers specifically looking for sugar-free liquorice who enjoy a firm texture and a sweet, spicy liquorice flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product name and ingredients list make the sweetener used clear. The product information states that it does not contain any of the 14 major EU allergens.

Key benefit & advantages

100 grams, maltitol as a sweetener and gum arabic as a thickening agent. Read the warnings on the packaging before use.

More variety for sharing and parties

For a mixed sweet assortment, you can combine different textures. Fruitella Berries and Cherry Toffees contains individually wrapped toffees in flavours including raspberry, blackberry, strawberry and cherry. Red Band Winegums Originals offers a combination of fruit and liquorice flavours in a 245-gram bag. For a smaller treat, Red Band Juicy Bites Strawberry Flavor and Nerds Gummy Clusters Fruits are options with a softer, filled or combined texture.

If you prefer trying international flavours, consider Gingerbon with ginger and mint, Falım sugar-free chewing gum with fruit flavours or Colombian lollipops. For imported products, take extra care to check the allergens, the language on the packaging and the storage instructions.

Frequently asked questions about buying sweets online

Is buying sweets online cheaper than buying them in a shop?

That depends on the pack size, delivery costs and any bundle offers. Always compare the price per 100 grams, rather than just the total price. A larger bag of sweets may appear better value, but it is not automatically the right choice if you want to try different flavours.

How should I store sweets after online delivery?

Store sweets according to the packaging instructions: usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal an opened bag properly to help prevent moisture and loss of flavour. Check the packaging when it arrives and do not use a damaged pack.

Which sweets are suitable for a vegan or halal diet?

Check the specific product listing and ingredients list. Vegan sweets contain no animal-derived ingredients, while halal status may depend on the ingredients and any certification. Gelatine, milk, beeswax and certain flavourings require particular attention. If in doubt, the label on the packaging is decisive.