Joybuy Insights

Buy candy sticks: how to choose fruit sticks, liquorice sticks and sour candy straws

Candy sticks come in many varieties: from soft fruit sticks and cherry sticks to sour candy sticks, liquorice sticks and sweet sticks with a filled centre. This makes comparing them online not always straightforward. A striking packet says little about the taste, texture, allergens or the actual amount you receive.

When buying sweets online, these are the main pitfalls to watch out for:

  • A large packet that’s less of a bargain than you think: look at the weight in grams, not just the size of the bag.
  • Confusion between fruit sweets and sweets with fruit flavour: a product may contain fruit juice, but it’s still a sugar confectionery item. Always check the ingredients and nutritional information.
  • The wrong texture for the occasion: soft candy straws are great for the sweet jar, while a sour coating or hard stick might be better suited to a treat or party.

Which specifications should you check for candy sticks?

1. Weight and portion packaging

Compare the net weight per packet. Bags of 110 g are practical for a small group or a treat. Sizes from 180 to 220 g are better suited for sharing. A multipack can be handy when you want to store several portions separately.

Also pay attention to how the sweets are packaged. Individually wrapped sweets are practical for on the go, in a treat box, or when several people are eating from the same bag. Loose candy sticks are often more suitable for a sweet jar.

2. Texture and flavour profile

Product names usually give you a clue:

  • Fruit sticks and cherry sticks: often soft or chewy, with strawberry, cherry, berry or fruit flavour.
  • Sour candy sticks: typically contain food acids such as citric acid, malic acid or lactic acid. The intensity varies from product to product.
  • Liquorice sticks: have a recognisable liquorice taste and may contain wheat flour, molasses, liquorice root extract or aniseed oil.
  • Filled candy straws: combine a soft outer layer with a fruity centre.
  • Candy ribbons and laces: are longer and more flexible, and work well for sharing or decorating treats.

A fruit flavour doesn’t automatically mean the product suits everyone’s preference. If you’re after a soft texture, look for terms like “soft”, “gummy” or “chewy”. For a pronounced sour effect, the product description and ingredients list are more important than just the product photo.

3. Ingredients, allergens and nutritional information

Always check the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging for each product. According to the product information, some candy sticks contain wheat or gluten, while others list none of the 14 major EU allergens. With gelatine, beeswax or colourings, specific preferences may also come into play.

Examples from the range:

  • Fruittella Berries and Cherry Toffees contains, according to the product description, 3% fruit juice, natural flavourings and natural colours. The toffees are individually wrapped and listed as vegan.
  • Holland Foodz Cherry Sticks consist, according to the stated ingredients, mainly of sugar, glucose syrup, white cane sugar and flavouring. The nutritional value is 338 kcal per 100 g.
  • Italiano Soft Sweet Licorice Stick contains wheat flour, molasses, liquorice root extract and aniseed oil, among other ingredients. This product is therefore not suitable for anyone who needs to avoid wheat or gluten.
  • Haribo Fizz Soda Straws are sour candy straws with flavours including cola, tropical fruit, strawberry and peach iced tea. According to the product information, they contain wheat and gluten, and may contain milk.

Claims such as “vegan”, “no artificial colours” or “with fruit juice” are product features you can verify using the product information. If you have allergies, always check the label on the packaging you receive, as recipes and packaging information can change.

Our recommendations by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Holland Foodz Cherry Sticks - 110 g

Holland Foodz Cherry Sticks - 110 g

Why this fits the profile: The 110 g size is manageable for a first purchase, a small treat or a modest stock for the sweet jar.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The clear weight and simple ingredients list make it easier to compare on quantity and composition.

Key benefit & highlights

Cherry flavour, 110 g and, according to the product information, none of the 14 major EU allergens.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Fruitella Berries and Cherry Toffees - 200g

Fruitella Berries and Cherry Toffees - 200g

Why this fits the profile: The combination of berry and cherry flavours offers variety, while the individual wrappers are practical for sharing or storing.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 200 g weight and fruit variety are clearly described, so you’re not buying based on a flashy packet alone.

Key benefit & highlights

Four fruit flavours, 200 g, individually wrapped and, according to the product description, vegan.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users
Haribo Fizz Soda Straws - 180g

Haribo Fizz Soda Straws - 180g

Why this fits the profile: The sour coating and multiple soda flavours suit fans of pronounced sour candy sticks for parties or the sweet jar.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information mentions the sour coating, flavours, the 180 g weight and the allergens present.

Key benefit & highlights

Four stated flavour directions, 180 g and, according to the product information, no artificial colours.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about candy sticks

Which candy sticks are suitable for sharing?

For sweets to share, packets of around 180 to 220 g are practical. Individually wrapped toffees, such as Fruitella Berries and Cherry Toffees, limit direct contact with the rest of the contents. For a party, you could also choose a multipack, such as the Haitai Long Sour Jelly Candy with 20 packets of 24 g.

Are fruit sticks the same as fruit sweets?

No. Fruit sticks are usually elongated sweets with a fruit flavouring or fruit juice. The exact composition varies by brand. So check the percentage of fruit juice, the flavourings used, colourings and nutritional information. “With fruit juice” doesn’t mean the product is made from fresh fruit.

How should you store candy straws after purchase?

Store candy sticks according to the instructions on the packaging: generally in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and away from heat and moisture. Seal an opened bag tightly. Check the best-before information before use and don’t use any product where the packaging is damaged.