The Sweetest Obsession: Why the UK Loves American Candy 🍭

What’s So Special About American Candy?

DALLE 2025 01 30 003419 A close up of a person holding a variety of American sweets including Jolly Ranchers Reeses Peanut Butter Cups and Sour Patch Kids The background

If you’ve ever found yourself hunting for a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or craving the mouth-puckering goodness of a Jolly Rancher, you’re not alone. The UK has been bitten by the American candy bug, and we’re not letting go anytime soon.

But what makes American sweets so different from their British counterparts? Is it the bolder flavours? The unapologetic sugar rush? Or maybe it’s just the sheer novelty of trying something new?

Let’s unwrap the delicious mystery behind the UK’s obsession with US candy.


British Sweets vs. American Candy: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to sweets, Brits like subtlety, Americans like excess—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Here’s how they stack up:

Feature British Sweets 🍬 American Candy 🍭
Flavour Subtle, often fruity Bold, tangy, or peanut buttery
Chocolate Creamy, less sweet (Cadbury reigns supreme) Rich, sugary, often with peanut butter (Hershey’s, anyone?)
Variety More traditional and nostalgic Crazy flavours, wild textures, and endless choices
Sweetness Balanced Sugar levels at maximum capacity

The verdict? It’s not about which is better—it’s about what mood you’re in. Sometimes you want a classic British Fruit Pastille, and sometimes only a sour Warhead will do.


The Top 5 American Candies You Need to Try in the UK

Whether you’re a first-time US candy explorer or a seasoned snacker, these are the must-try classics:

1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups đŸ„œđŸ«

  • Peanut butter and chocolate: the power couple of sweets.
  • The UK has peanut butter cups, but nothing hits like Reese’s.

2. Jolly Ranchers 🍏🍉🍒

  • These fruity hard candies are like a flavour explosion in your mouth.
  • Warning: Don’t bite them. Seriously.

3. Twizzlers vs. Red Vines: The Great Debate 🍓

  • Twizzlers = Chewy, fruity, slightly waxy.
  • Red Vines = Softer, slightly more vanilla-like.
  • You’re either Team Twizzlers or Team Red Vines—there’s no in-between.

4. Hershey’s Chocolate Bars đŸ«

  • Controversial, because British chocolate fans don’t always love Hershey’s.
  • It has a slightly tangy aftertaste, thanks to the way it’s processed.
  • Still, Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme is a game-changer.

5. Sour Patch Kids 🍋🍓🍊

  • First they’re sour, then they’re sweet.
  • The perfect balance of tangy and sugary, plus they don’t stick to your teeth.

Where to Buy American Candy in the UK

Craving American sweets? You don’t have to fly across the Atlantic. Here’s where to find the best selection:

❀ Online Shops – American Food Mart (that’s us!), plus a few specialist retailers.
❀ Supermarkets – Some big chains like Tesco and Asda stock the basics.
❀ Local Sweet Shops – Independent shops sometimes have hidden gems!


FAQs About American Candy in the UK

1. Where Can I Buy American Sweets in the UK?

You can buy American sweets online at American Food Mart, or check larger supermarkets for select products.

2. Why Does American Chocolate Taste Different?

Hershey’s chocolate contains a compound called butyric acid, which gives it a slightly tangy taste—this is why some Brits think it tastes “off.”

3. What’s the Most Popular American Candy in the UK?

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme, and Jolly Ranchers are among the biggest fan-favourites.

4. Are American Sweets Sweeter Than British Sweets?

Yes. The sugar content in US candy is often higher than British sweets, plus American chocolate has a different formulation.

5. What’s the Weirdest American Candy?

Some of the wildest ones include:

  • Big League Chew (chewing gum designed to look like shredded tobacco)
  • Atomic Fireballs (literally just spicy cinnamon sweets)
  • Laffy Taffy (stretchy, chewy, and full of terrible jokes)

Final Thoughts: Are American Sweets Worth the Hype?

If you love bold flavours, quirky snacks, and an unapologetic sugar rush, American candy is for you. Whether you’re all about Reese’s, addicted to Jolly Ranchers, or just looking to try something new, the world of US sweets is yours to explore.

Looking to stock up? Check out our full range of American candy and snacks at American Food Mart. 🚀

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We are American Food Mart. Providing some of the best American Groceries, Snacks, Sweets, Drinks and more from across the pond.
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