Introduction: A Sweet Taste of the Past
Every country has its own way of preserving childhood memories — and nothing captures the essence of nostalgia quite like retro sweets. These Retro Sweets Around Europe classic candies, with their unique flavors and iconic packaging, have stood the test of time and continue to delight generations. From Britain’s fizzy sherbets to Italy’s chewy fruit jellies, Europe’s confectionery history is a flavorful tapestry woven with culture, tradition, and joy.
In this article, we journey across Europe, spotlighting the best retro sweets from each country — the ones that bring back schoolyard memories, holiday treats, and trips to the corner shop.
United Kingdom: Sherbet Fountains and Fruit Salads
The UK is a powerhouse of retro sweets. Think of the Sherbet Fountain, complete with a licorice straw, or Fruit Salads and Black Jacks in tiny wrappers, sold for pennies. Other staples include:
- Love Hearts – fizzy, romantic, and fun.
- Refreshers – chewy with a fizzy surprise inside.
- Liquorice Allsorts – colorful and divisive, but iconic.
These sweets remain a beloved part of British culture, found in “pick ‘n mix” bins and nostalgic sweet shops.
Ireland: Macaroon Bars and Clove Rocks
Irish retro sweets bring a rich, handmade feel. The Macaroon Bar, a coconut and chocolate delight, is a firm favorite. Other classics include:
- Clove Rocks – strong, spicy boiled sweets.
- Bullseyes – peppermint hard sweets with a toffee core.
- Cleeves Toffee – traditional, chewy and buttery.
Local sweet factories still produce many of these the old-fashioned way.
France: Carambars and Anis de Flavigny
France’s sweets have an elegant, sometimes quirky charm. The Carambar, a long, chewy caramel stick with jokes inside, is legendary. Don’t miss:
- Anis de Flavigny – aromatic aniseed balls in a sugar shell.
- Bonbons Pierrot Gourmand – fruity, wrapped in classic wax paper.
- Nougat de Montélimar – a chewy, nut-studded treat dating back centuries.
These are still common in French bakeries and cafés.
Germany: Haribo and the Magic of Gummi Bears
Germany gave the world Haribo, and their Goldbears remain a global retro staple. Beyond that, Germany boasts:
- Maoam – chewy, fruity blocks of joy.
- Wick Blau Bonbons – soothing menthol lozenges.
- Nimm2 – vitamin-infused sweets that parents loved to sneak in.
Many German sweets combine flavor and function — from fresh breath to energy boosts.
Italy: Galatine and Torrone
Italy’s sweets are steeped in tradition. Galatine tablets, made with real milk, were a favorite among children. Others include:
- Torrone – nougat with almonds, often eaten during Christmas.
- Rossana – hard candies with a creamy filling.
- Pastiglie Leone – delicate little pastilles in beautiful tins.
Italian retro sweets often feel artisanal and luxurious.
Spain: Sugus and Violetas
Spanish retro sweets blend bold flavor and color. Sugus are fruit-flavored chews, like Starburst but softer. You’ll also find:
- Caramelos de Violeta – purple, floral hard candies.
- Piruletas – heart-shaped lollipops with a hint of cherry.
- Peladillas – sugar-coated almonds, often given at weddings.
They remain part of holidays, festivals, and everyday childhood in Spain.
Netherlands: Dropjes and Hopjes
Dutch retro sweets are famously intense. Dropjes, salty licorice in many varieties, are a national obsession. More classics include:
- Hopjes – coffee-flavored hard candies, named after Baron Hendrik Hop.
- Zwart Wit – anise-flavored licorice with a salty edge.
- Kaneelstokjes – cinnamon sticks that slowly dissolve.
Dutch sweet shops are a haven for those who love bold, acquired tastes.
Belgium: Cuberdons and Napoleons
Belgium’s sweet heritage is often overshadowed by its chocolate, but retro candies shine too:
- Cuberdons (Neuzekes) – raspberry-filled purple cones.
- Napoleons – lemon or fruit-flavored hard sweets with a sour core.
- Lutti Arlequins – colorful, tangy and fizzy.
These are often found at street fairs and markets.
Sweden: Polly and Saltlakrits
Scandinavia loves licorice — especially the salty kind. In Sweden, Polly chocolate-coated foam sweets were lunchbox favorites. Also:
- Saltlakrits – salty licorice lozenges.
- Zoo – chewy fruit candies shaped like animals.
- Djungelvrål – salmiak (ammonium chloride) covered licorice.
You’ll find these in every Swedish “Godis” (candy) store.
Denmark: Piratos and Matador Mix
Denmark has a similar love for licorice. Retro favourites include:
- Piratos – pirate-themed salty licorice coins.
- Matador Mix – a medley of gummies and licorice bits.
- Lakridskonfekt – layers of licorice and fondant, often homemade.
Licorice is not just candy here — it’s a lifestyle.
Finland: Salmiakki and Pihlaja
In Finland, Salmiakki reigns supreme — intense, salty licorice not for the faint-hearted. Other classics include:
- Pihlaja – soft marmalade candies with a fox on the wrapper.
- Tyrkisk Peber – fiery, peppery licorice bombs.
- Suffeli – a wafer-and-chocolate bar that’s been around for decades.
The Finnish palate skews adventurous and bold.
Poland: Krówki and Kukułka
Polish retro sweets combine homemade texture and rich flavor. Krówki (“little cows”) are creamy fudge toffees that melt in your mouth. Also popular:
- Kukułka – rum-flavored caramels.
- Baranki – sugar rings made for Easter.
- Sezamki – sesame snaps.
Often passed around at family gatherings, these evoke warmth and tradition.
Czech Republic & Slovakia: Pedro and Lentilky
In former Czechoslovakia, Pedro chewing gum was a playground must-have, with its cowboy branding. Other retro delights:
- Lentilky – tiny, colorful candy-coated chocolates.
- Hašlerky – herbal and menthol sweets.
- Kofila – coffee-flavored chocolate bar.
These sweets still inspire nostalgia across generations.
Greece: Loukoumi and Masticha
Greek retro sweets have deep roots. Loukoumi (Greek Turkish delight) comes in rose and bergamot flavors. Other sweet memories:
- Masticha candies – made from Chios mastic resin.
- Voutimata – butter biscuits dipped in sugar glaze.
- Vanilla submarine – sweet spoonfuls of vanilla served in water.
Greek sweets often blend religious tradition with unique flavors.
Portugal: Drageias and Rebuçados
Portugal’s old-school sweets are colorful and elegant. Drageias (sugar-coated almonds) are used in celebrations. Other highlights:
- Rebuçados da Régua – wrapped boiled sweets from the north.
- Pastilhas elásticas Gorila – classic bubble gum with animal illustrations.
- Amêndoas Cobertas – ornate, almond-based sweets found at Easter.
They often carry regional charm and festive connections.
Austria: Mannerschnitten and Eispalatschinken
Austria blends chocolate and biscuit in many retro delights. Manner wafers (Mannerschnitten), with hazelnut filling, are a household name. Also:
- Eispalatschinken – pancake-flavored candies, echoing Austrian desserts.
- Kracherl – a fizzy candy that pops.
- Mozartkugeln – marzipan, nougat and chocolate, wrapped in gold foil.
Viennese café culture shaped many of these treats.
Switzerland: Sugus and Ragusa
Besides chocolate, Switzerland is known for Sugus chewy candies — also popular in Spain. More delights:
- Ragusa – praline-style bars with whole hazelnuts.
- Carambar Suisse – Swiss variation of the French classic.
- Ricola – herbal sweets with Alpine ingredients.
Swiss sweets tend to be refined, high-quality, and surprisingly herbal.
Conclusion: A European Candy Carousel
Retro sweets are more than just treats — they’re cultural time capsules. They reveal how each nation’s flavor preferences, childhood rituals, and historical quirks shape the way we indulge in sugar. Whether it’s the sharp zing of a Love Heart in the UK or the soothing warmth of a Hopje in the Netherlands, Europe’s retro sweets remind us that some things never go out of style.
As you explore this delightful assortment, perhaps you’ll rediscover a forgotten favorite — or find a new one to savor, sweetening your next nostalgic moment.
