Introduction
From the first tingly taste to the eye-watering fizz that followed, sherbet sweets were an unforgettable part of childhood for many growing up in the UK and beyond. Whether hidden in a paper straw, encased in a boiled sweet, or paired with a liquorice dip, sherbet treats exploded with colour, fun, and a little bit of chaos.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the nostalgic world of sherbet sweets—how they began, their peak popularity, their cultural legacy, and how they’re making a comeback today.
1. What Is Sherbet (The Sweet Kind)?
Not to be confused with the American “sherbet” (a frozen dessert), British sherbet is a fizzy, tangy powder made from a mix of:
- Sugar
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Citric or tartaric acid
- Flavouring (fruit or cola usually)
When it hits your tongue, the acid and bicarb react, creating carbon dioxide bubbles—resulting in the characteristic fizz that makes sherbet so addictive.
2. The Origins of Sherbet in Sweets
The idea of fizzy powders dates back to 19th-century apothecaries, where powders were often used for medicinal purposes. Eventually, these formulas were sweetened and flavoured, evolving into children’s treats.
By the 1930s–50s, sherbet was fully commercialised into branded sweets, and by the 1970s–90s, it became a staple in tuck shops and corner stores across Britain.
3. Iconic Sherbet Sweets of Yesteryear
Let’s explore some of the most beloved sherbet-based treats that defined entire generations:
🟡 Sherbet Fountain
A classic. A yellow paper tube filled with lemon sherbet, sealed with a liquorice stick for dipping.
- First launched by Barratt in 1925
- Known for its messy, make-it-up-as-you-go appeal
- Now available in plastic packaging, though purists still long for the paper tube
🍭 Dip Dab
A packet of tangy sherbet paired with a strawberry lollipop for dipping.
- Another Barratt invention
- Easy to share, fun to eat, and often a pocket-money favourite
🍬 Flying Saucers
Wafer discs filled with sherbet powder—simultaneously chalky, fizzy, and unforgettable.
- Made popular by Swizzels Matlow
- Still one of the top-selling retro sweets in the UK
🧪 Double Dip
Two flavours of sherbet (often orange and cherry) with a candy “swizzelstick” to dip.
- Introduced in the 1980s
- Had both a tactile and taste-based appeal—like edible chemistry for kids
🍬 Sherbet Lemons
Hard-boiled sweets with a sherbet centre—innocent on the outside, explosive on the inside.
- Loved for their intense zing
- Gained pop culture fame thanks to Dumbledore’s favourite sweet in Harry Potter
4. Sherbet and 80s/90s Pop Culture
Sherbet sweets weren’t just popular—they were social currency on school playgrounds:
- Swapping sherbet straws during break
- Daring friends to eat a whole spoonful in one go
- Comparing tongue colours after a sherbet binge
They also appeared in television adverts with catchy jingles and cartoon mascots, turning sweets into memorable brand experiences.
5. The Science of Why Kids Love Fizzy Sweets
Sherbet is a multisensory experience:
- Taste: Intense sweetness followed by sour shock
- Sound: The fizzing on your tongue
- Feel: Tingling, prickly sensation that borders on a tickle
Children have more sensitive taste receptors and often seek intensity in flavours. The novelty of sherbet—half sweet, half science experiment—made it an instant hit.
6. The Decline and Resurgence
Like many retro treats, sherbet sweets saw a dip in popularity in the 2000s, as parents and schools cracked down on sugary snacks and artificial colours.
But over the last decade, there’s been a revival:
- Nostalgia marketing has brought back many old favourites.
- Retro sweet shops and online retailers offer curated pick-n-mix packs.
- New versions of sherbet sweets are being reformulated with natural colours and flavourings.
Brands like Swizzels, Barratt, and Taveners have responded by re-releasing or modernising classics.
7. Sherbet Sweets Around the World
While sherbet in the UK is fizzy and dry, other cultures have their own versions:
- Italy: “Frizzina” powder comes in small plastic bottles.
- Japan: “Ramune candy” mimics sherbet’s fizzy fun in tablet form.
- USA: Though they have less of a sherbet culture, Pixy Stix and Fun Dip share similar concepts.
Each variation reflects local preferences for texture, packaging, and flavour intensity.
8. Modern Twists on a Classic Concept
Sherbet isn’t stuck in the past. Today’s confectioners are putting new spins on fizzy sweets:
- Sherbet-infused chocolate bars
- Sour sherbet cocktails (for grown-up fans)
- Sherbet-flavoured ice creams
- Artisanal brands creating gourmet sherbet dips with exotic flavours like passionfruit or hibiscus
TikTok and YouTube trends have also revived DIY sherbet recipes, often combining sherbet powder with popping candy or gummy textures for viral effect.
9. The Cultural Significance of Sherbet Sweets
Sherbet sweets represent more than sugar:
- They’re symbols of childhood freedom—sticky fingers and no responsibilities.
- They connect generations—parents share them with kids as edible nostalgia.
- They remind us of a time before smartphones, when fun came from a paper packet, not a screen.
Conclusion
Sherbet sweets have survived almost a century of changing tastes, health trends, and confectionery innovations. Their fizzy formula may seem simple, but their impact is lasting.
From school playgrounds to gourmet reinterpretations, sherbet remains one of the most joyful—and nostalgic—experiences in the world of sweets.
