Whatâs So Special About American Candy?
If youâve ever found yourself hunting for a Reeseâs Peanut Butter Cup or craving the mouth-puckering goodness of a Jolly Rancher, youâre not alone. The UK has been bitten by the American candy bug, and weâre 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 itâs just the sheer novelty of trying something new?
Letâs unwrap the delicious mystery behind the UKâs obsession with US candy.
British Sweets vs. American Candy: Whatâs the Difference?
When it comes to sweets, Brits like subtlety, Americans like excessâand thatâs not necessarily a bad thing. Hereâs how they stack up:
Feature | British Sweets đŹ | American Candy đ |
---|---|---|
Flavour | Subtle, often fruity | Bold, tangy, or peanut buttery |
Chocolate | Creamy, less sweet (Cadbury reigns supreme) | Rich, sugary, often with peanut butter (Hersheyâs, anyone?) |
Variety | More traditional and nostalgic | Crazy flavours, wild textures, and endless choices |
Sweetness | Balanced | Sugar levels at maximum capacity |
The verdict? Itâs not about which is betterâitâs about what mood youâre 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 youâre a first-time US candy explorer or a seasoned snacker, these are the must-try classics:
1. Reeseâs Peanut Butter Cups đ„đ«
- Peanut butter and chocolate: the power couple of sweets.
- The UK has peanut butter cups, but nothing hits like Reeseâs.
2. Jolly Ranchers đđđ
- These fruity hard candies are like a flavour explosion in your mouth.
- Warning: Donât bite them. Seriously.
3. Twizzlers vs. Red Vines: The Great Debate đ
- Twizzlers = Chewy, fruity, slightly waxy.
- Red Vines = Softer, slightly more vanilla-like.
- Youâre either Team Twizzlers or Team Red Vinesâthereâs no in-between.
4. Hersheyâs Chocolate Bars đ«
- Controversial, because British chocolate fans donât always love Hersheyâs.
- It has a slightly tangy aftertaste, thanks to the way itâs processed.
- Still, Hersheyâs Cookies ânâ Creme is a game-changer.
5. Sour Patch Kids đđđ
- First theyâre sour, then theyâre sweet.
- The perfect balance of tangy and sugary, plus they donât stick to your teeth.
Where to Buy American Candy in the UK
Craving American sweets? You donât have to fly across the Atlantic. Hereâs where to find the best selection:
â€ïž Online Shops â American Food Mart (thatâs us!), plus a few specialist retailers.
â€ïž Supermarkets â Some big chains like Tesco and Asda stock the basics.
â€ïž Local Sweet Shops â 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?
Hersheyâs chocolate contains a compound called butyric acid, which gives it a slightly tangy tasteâthis is why some Brits think it tastes âoff.â
3. Whatâs the Most Popular American Candy in the UK?
Reeseâs Peanut Butter Cups, Hersheyâs Cookies ânâ 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. Whatâs 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 youâre all about Reeseâs, 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. đ