Buying sweets and snacks might seem straightforward, but an attractive packet doesn't always tell the full story. A large bag can contain surprisingly few portions, a product labelled "fruit" can still be high in sugar, and a vegetarian snack isn't automatically free from gelatine, milk or gluten.
With a few simple checks, you can make a more suitable choice online. Pay particular attention to ingredients, allergens, nutritional values, portion size and shelf life. Below you'll find practical points to consider, along with some popular options for home, on the go or for a party.
A 400g bag may look appealing, but always compare the price per 100g. Also think about how you'll use it. A large pack is handy for sharing, whereas several smaller portions can work better for treats, lunchboxes or parties.
Individually wrapped sweets also have a practical advantage: you can hand them out without leaving the whole pack open each time. This helps keep the contents fresher for longer.
Marketing terms can draw attention to a flavour, colour or ingredient, but they don't automatically reveal the full composition. Always check the nutritional information table. For example, Haribo Frogs contains 53g of sugar per 100g according to the product information. With Haribo Happy Cherry Soda Flavor Gummies, it's 60g of sugar per 100g.
Dried fruit, such as raisins, also naturally contains concentrated sugars. It's a different snack choice from sweets, but it's not without energy or carbohydrates.
If you're looking for vegetarian snacks, it's worth reading the full ingredients list. Some gummies contain gelatine. Other products may contain milk, egg or traces of nuts. A product made with soya protein can also contain gluten if wheat is used as an ingredient.
When in doubt, always check the current packaging. Product information and composition can change.
In the European Union, allergens are clearly listed in the ingredients list, often in bold. When it comes to sweets and snacks, look out for:
A product free from the 14 main EU allergens doesn't mean it's suitable for every food intolerance. Always use the label as your guide.
Compare products on the same basis. At a minimum, check:
Nutritional values are usually given per 100g. A bag containing multiple portions can therefore contain much more in total than the table suggests at first glance.
For a party, small portion packs or individually wrapped sweets are practical. For home, a resealable pack can be more convenient. Store dry snacks in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. After opening, storage advice varies by product.
Also note the difference between "best before" and a use-by date. Check the date on the packaging for each product. For snacks with a crispy texture, a good seal is important to prevent loss of crunchiness.
Why this fits the profile: The 400g bag is suitable when you're looking for a larger quantity of sweets for several people. The product information mentions an assortment of soft foam and fruit-layer frogs.
The net weight and nutritional values are clearly stated. However, check the current allergen information before buying: the product description mentions milk, wheat and gelatine among others.
400g content; suitable for sharing; store in a cool, dry place.
Why this fits the profile: This mochi combines glutinous rice with sweet red bean paste. That makes it ideal for fans of a soft, chewy texture and Asian snacks to enjoy with tea or coffee.
The composition and net quantity of 210g are stated. Be aware of the possible presence of traces of gluten-containing cereals.
210g pack; ready-to-eat; clear red bean filling and glutinous rice base.
Why this fits the profile: For a drinks party, birthday or gathering, this mix offers different shapes: crackers, sticks and pretzels. That means you don't need to open several bags of crisps and crackers.
The packaging states the variety and nutritional values, including 2.5g of salt per 100g. Allergens such as milk, sesame and gluten are indicated.
250g mix; multiple snack shapes; according to the product description, baked rather than fried.
Why this fits the profile: This soya-protein-based snack is aimed at fans of a savoury, spicy flavour with chilli and cumin. The seven small packs are handy for sharing.
The pack contains seven small portions. Do check the allergens: the product information mentions soya and wheat. Vegetarian here does not mean gluten-free.
105g total; seven small packs; 20g of protein per 100g according to the product information.
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.
Choose a combination of sweet and savoury. Think about sweets for parties, such as individually wrapped miniatures or portion bags, complemented by crisps and crackers. Check allergens in advance and count your guests. Several smaller packs often offer more variety and are easy to share.
Store dry products in a well-sealed pack in a cool, dry place. Soft gummies can become sticky in heat or humidity. Crackers and biscuits lose their crunchiness if the pack is left open. Always follow the storage advice on the label.
No. Asian snacks can contain gelatine, milk, fish, meat or animal flavourings. Even snacks that look like meat can contain soya and wheat. So always read the ingredients list and allergen information before ordering.