Introduction
For many adults, old-fashioned sweets bring back memories of childhood playgrounds, corner shops, and school tuck shops. From the chewy Fruit Salads of the 70s to the fizzy Dip Dabs of the 80s, nostalgic candies have a timeless charm.
In this guide, we’ll explore classic retro sweets, popular brands, and the best places to buy old-fashioned and nostalgic sweets online and in the UK.
1. What Are Old-Fashioned Sweets?
Old-fashioned sweets, also called nostalgic or retro candies, are typically:
- Classic flavours like fruit, sherbet, and licorice
- Unique textures such as fizzy, chewy, or chalky
- Packaged in iconic wrappers, jars, or boxes
These sweets are loved not only for their taste but also for the memories and nostalgia they evoke.
2. Popular Nostalgic Sweets
2.1 Fruit Salads & Black Jacks
- Chewy sweets with bold flavours.
- Produced by Taveners and Barratt, often sold in pick n mix selections.
2.2 Sherbet Fountains
- Lemon sherbet with a licorice stick (Barratt).
- Iconic 80s sweet, still widely available today.
2.3 Flying Saucers
- Small chalky wafers filled with fizzy sherbet (Swizzels Matlow).
- Popular across decades for children and adults alike.
2.4 Dip Dabs
- Strawberry-flavoured stick paired with a packet of sherbet.
- Fun, interactive, and perfect for nostalgic gift hampers.
2.5 Parma Violets & Refreshers
- Divisive floral-flavoured sweets and tangy chewy sweets.
- Classics that are frequently requested in retro sweet shops and online orders.
3. Popular Brands for Old-Fashioned Sweets
- Swizzels Matlow: Sherbet Fountains, Flying Saucers, Parma Violets
- Barratt: Fruit Salads, Black Jacks, Dip Dabs
- Taveners: Classic chews and pick n mix favourites
- Cadbury Retro Editions: Nostalgic chocolate bars and novelty items
These brands are synonymous with authentic retro sweets and continue to produce them for sale today.
4. Where to Buy Old-Fashioned Sweets
4.1 Online Stores
- Amazon & eBay: Wide selection of old-fashioned sweets, pick n mix bags, and retro gift boxes
- The Retro Sweet Shop UK: Curated nostalgic sweets for personal purchase or gifts
- My Retro Sweets: Gift hampers, jars, and personalised retro sweet selections
4.2 Physical Stores
- Cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, and Darlington have traditional sweet shops offering old-fashioned sweets.
- Many shops feature pick n mix sections for custom selections.
5. Nostalgic Sweets by Decade
1970s
- Fruit Salads, Black Jacks, Fizzy Cola Bottles
1980s
- Sherbet Fountains, Dip Dabs, Flying Saucers
1990s
- Retro gift boxes, novelty chocolate bars, pre-packaged pick n mix
Knowing the decade helps collectors, gift givers, and enthusiasts target specific favourites.
6. Tips for Buying Nostalgic Sweets
- Check Authentic Brands: Ensure products come from Swizzels, Barratt, Taveners, or other trusted producers.
- Consider Hampers or Jars: Perfect for gifting or home display.
- Compare Online vs Local Shops: Local sweet shops often carry rare sweets not found online.
- Mix Flavours and Textures: Include chewy, fizzy, and chocolate options for a complete nostalgic experience.
7. FAQ
Q1: What are old-fashioned sweets?
A1: Old-fashioned sweets are classic candies from past decades, loved for their taste, texture, and nostalgic appeal.
Q2: Where can I buy nostalgic sweets in the UK?
A2: You can buy them online via Amazon, eBay, The Retro Sweet Shop UK, My Retro Sweets, or at physical retro sweet shops in cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow.
Q3: Which brands make authentic old-fashioned sweets?
A3: Swizzels Matlow, Barratt, Taveners, and Cadbury Retro Editions are among the most trusted brands.
Q4: Are retro sweets suitable for gifts?
A4: Absolutely. Hampers, jars, and gift boxes of nostalgic sweets are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or nostalgic treats.
Q5: Can I find decade-specific sweets?
A5: Yes. Some shops and online stores specialise in sweets from the 70s, 80s, or 90s to help collectors or nostalgic gift-givers.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned and nostalgic sweets are timeless indulgences that combine flavour, history, and memories. From Fruit Salads to Flying Saucers, these classic treats continue to delight both adults and children. Whether you buy them online or in-store, create a gift hamper, or simply enjoy a few favourites for yourself, nostalgic sweets are a sweet way to relive childhood memories.
