Buying sweets seems simple, but online you’re often presented mainly with appealing packaging and flavour names. That can mean paying less attention to the contents, allergens or the difference between a small bag and a multipack. If you’re planning to order sweets online, it’s worth checking three things first: exactly what’s in them, how much you get and what the pack is suitable for.
A 525 g bag of sweets might look like a good-value choice at first glance. But comparing the price per 100 g is the best way to work it out. Check the best-before date and think about how you plan to use them, too. A large bag can be handy for a family or party, but a smaller pack may help prevent waste if you only fancy sweets now and then.
Gummies, fruit sweets and wine gums may contain fruit juice or fruit concentrate, but that doesn’t tell you how much fruit they contain. Check the ingredients list. For example, the product description for Cokoc Peeling Soft Candy Grape Flavor says it is made with 50% fruit juice ingredients. The ingredients list includes grape and apple juice concentrate, among other things. That’s more specific than simply showing fruit on the packaging.
These labels don’t mean the same thing. Gummies, wine gums and soft fruit sweets may contain gelatine. Wheat, milk, nuts or sulphites may also be present. Always check the current packaging, especially when buying sweets for children or if someone in your household has an allergy.
The product information for Fruitella Strawberry Vegan 4 Sticks says “vegan”, but the same product page also says that allergen information isn’t available and that you should check the packaging. In this situation, don’t rely on the product name alone.
Don’t just compare the number of bags; check the total weight, too. Here are a few practical examples:
Check whether the sweets are loose in a bag or individually wrapped. Individually wrapped sweets are easier to hand out, while a resealable pack can be handy if you plan to enjoy them over several occasions.
Read the ingredients list alongside the allergen information. According to the product information, Haribo Rotella 250 g contains wheat flour and may contain milk. Red Band Fun Mix lists sulphites from molasses. Look-O-Look Dynamite Sticks Forest Fruits contains cereals containing gluten and wheat, according to the product details.
A product that doesn’t contain any of the 14 main EU allergens isn’t automatically suitable for every individual’s needs. If in doubt, always check the label on the pack you receive. Product information and recipes may change.
Not all sweets have the same bite. Choose according to the occasion:
According to the product information, Cokoc Peeling Soft Candy Grape Flavor is recommended for children aged 3 and over, with adult supervision while they eat. This kind of guidance should carry more weight than the appearance of the sweets alone.
Why it suits this profile: This mix combines wine gums, fruit flavours, cola flavour and liquorice in one 345 g bag. It makes it easy to compare different types in a single purchase.
The variety reduces the chance of ending up with a large bag containing just one flavour. The product information also describes it as gluten-free; check the current packaging if you have an allergy.
345 g; a mix of liquorice and wine gums; according to the product description, made with natural colours and flavourings.
Why it suits this profile: This soft liquorice comes in a recognisable shape and a 250 g pack. The product description says it’s suitable for vegetarians.
The product page clearly lists wheat as an allergen and says the product may contain milk. This means you can check the ingredients in advance rather than relying on the brand name alone.
250 g; soft liquorice; according to the information provided, contains no artificial colours.
Why it suits this profile: This large sharing pack is ideal for households, guests and occasions when several people will be helping themselves to sweets.
The contents and intended use are clear: a 525 g mix of wine gums and liquorice. So you know in advance that you’re not buying a single fruit flavour.
525 g; a combination of liquorice and wine gums; according to the product details, contains 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 the applicable European safety regulations.
Use this quick checklist before you check out:
If you’re looking for vegan sweets, take extra care to check for gelatine, milk, beeswax and up-to-date allergen information. Ingredients can also vary between Haribo sweets, Red Band sweets and Look-O-Look sweets.
A larger mix with different flavours and textures is usually a practical choice for families and guests. According to the product information, Red Band Smullers at 525 g combines wine gums and liquorice. A 235–345 g bag may be enough for a smaller group.
Store the bag in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Seal the pack tightly after each use. This helps prevent the sweets from drying out and becoming contaminated. Always follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Check the recommended age, shape and texture. Some soft sweets come with advice that children aged 3 and over should eat them under adult supervision. Also check the ingredients list and allergen information before ordering.