Joybuy Insights

Buying sweets: how to choose fruit gums, liquorice and international treats without making the wrong choice

Buying sweets online seems simple: choose a flavour, add a bag to your basket and you’re done. Yet there are a few things that can mean a product is less suitable for you than expected. Think of packaging that is smaller than it appears in the photo, gelatine or milk ingredients in a seemingly vegetarian product, or a sweet mix that mainly consists of one flavour.

With these practical checks, you can compare fruit gums, wine gums, liquorice, gummies and international confectionery based on the information shown on the product label or in the product description.

Three common pitfalls when buying sweets

1. Large packaging does not always tell you enough

Don’t just look at the size of the bag or jar; check the net weight too. A 400-gram bag of sweets is suitable for sharing, while a bag weighing 45 to 80 grams is more likely to be intended as a small snack or for trying different flavours.

When comparing several products, also compare the price per 100 grams. This prevents attractively designed packaging from automatically appearing better value.

2. “Fruit” does not automatically mean low-sugar fruit sweets

Fruit gums, cherry sweets and other gummies often contain sugar, glucose syrup or both. So check the nutritional information per 100 grams. The products in this selection contain around 43 to 70 grams of sugar per 100 grams, depending on the type.

A fruit flavour or image of berries also says nothing about the amount of fruit juice. Check the ingredients list if fruit ingredients are important to you.

3. Dietary preferences cannot be inferred from the name

Wine gums and gummies may contain gelatine. Liquorice may contain ingredients that are unsuitable for a halal or vegan diet. So always check:

  • Gelatine: often derived from pork or beef;
  • Milk and lactose: relevant if you have an allergy or intolerance;
  • Wheat, gluten or flour: important if you want to avoid gluten;
  • Beeswax: not suitable for every vegan consumer;
  • An explicit statement such as vegan, vegetarian or halal on the product label.

A product without any of the 14 main EU allergens is not automatically vegan or halal. These designations have a different meaning.

Which features should you check before ordering?

Net weight and occasion

Larger packs are practical for a film night, birthday or visit. Based on the stated weight, Haribo Peaches 400 grams and Haribo Happy Cherries 250 grams are logical options for sweets to share. Smaller packs are more convenient for a trial order or gift hamper.

Individually wrapped products, such as Fruitella Berries and Cherry Toffees, are easy to share and remain individually wrapped until you use them.

Ingredients and allergens

Read the full ingredients list, especially if you have specific dietary preferences. According to the product information, Red Band Winegums Originals 245 grams contains gelatine and beeswax, among other ingredients, but none of the 14 main EU allergens. This means the product is not suitable for vegan consumers.

Fruitella Berries and Cherry Toffees is labelled vegan and, according to the information provided, contains none of the 14 main EU allergens. However, always check the current packaging with each order, as recipes may change.

If you are specifically looking for halal sweets, look for a clear halal statement. Neutral Holland Hopjes 160 grams is listed as halal, but it does contain milk and lactose. This is important information if you are taking allergens into account alongside your religious beliefs.

Flavour, texture and portion size

Not every sweet has the same texture. Look out for the difference between:

  • Soft gummies and fruit gums for a chewy texture;
  • Wine gums with a combination of fruity and sometimes liquorice-like flavours;
  • Liquorice with liquorice root or salmiak;
  • Sour sweets containing ingredients such as malic acid or citric acid;
  • Hard sweets, such as coffee-flavoured hopjes;
  • Dried or preserved fruit with a sweet-and-sour flavour.

For cherry sweet lovers, options include Holland Foodz Cherry Sticks and Bebeto J Cherry. If you would rather try an international flavour, you can choose Tongxiang ShareLover Plum or Xue Ji Mulberry Hawthorn Strips. According to the product descriptions, these Chinese snacks have a sweet-and-sour flavour and a chewy texture.

Recommended choices for different types of shoppers

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Red Band Winegums Originals - 245 g

Red Band Winegums Originals - 245 g

Why it suits this profile: A familiar 245-gram pack with fruity and liquorice-like flavours is suitable if you want to try a mixed selection of sweets without spending too much time searching.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The net weight and ingredients are clearly stated. According to the product information, the product contains gelatine and beeswax, so check this before ordering.

Key benefit & advantages

245 grams, gluten-free according to the product label, with a combination of fruity and liquorice-like flavours.

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

Fruitella Berries and Cherry Toffees - 200g

Why it suits this profile: Ideal for anyone who wants to combine different berry flavours and values a vegan option that is also easy to share.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly states that it is vegan and contains none of the 14 main EU allergens. This means you don’t have to rely solely on the fruit flavour or packaging.

Key benefit & advantages

200 grams, individually wrapped, with blackberry, strawberry, raspberry and cherry flavours.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent shoppers
Bebeto Sour Blast Happy Raspberry 180g Turkish

Bebeto Sour Blast Happy Raspberry 180g Turkish

Why it suits this profile: A focused choice for lovers of sour sweets and Turkish confectionery who are looking for a distinctive raspberry flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description states that the product is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. However, the ingredients list includes wheat flour, so it is not suitable for anyone avoiding gluten or wheat.

Key benefit & advantages

180 grams, a sour raspberry flavour and a chewy texture; from the Turkish range.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying sweets

Which sweets are suitable for sharing?

Look at the net weight, the number of individually wrapped pieces and the variety of flavours. A larger bag, such as Haribo Peaches 400 grams, is practical for a group. Individually wrapped toffees are more convenient when everyone wants to take their own portion.

What should I look for when buying halal or vegan sweets?

Always check the explicit statement on the product label and then read the ingredients. Gelatine, milk, lactose and beeswax may make a product unsuitable for your preferences. Neutral Holland Hopjes is listed as halal, but contains milk and lactose. Fruitella Berries and Cherry Toffees is listed as vegan according to the product information.

How should I store sweets after opening?

As a general rule, store sweets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, unless the packaging gives different instructions. Seal an opened bag properly to limit moisture and loss of quality. Before use, also check the best-before information and do not use any product whose packaging is damaged.