Traditional Candy of the World That Will Please Your Sweet Tooth

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However, before we satisfy our sweet tooths and look at some of the most amazing traditional candy of the world, let’s first examine at some of the kitchen essentials you’ll need to make these confectionary delights at home. This way, even if you’re not currently traveling, you can still bring the fun and excitement of international sweets into your own home.

So, grab a pair of oven mitts and get ready to create pure, culinary magic. Because to whip up some of these decadent delights in your very own home, you’ll need the following:

• Stainless Steel Double Boiler Pot – Starting at just $8.69 each, this 2-cup capacity, high-quality, stainless-steel double boiler pot is expertly designed for melting chocolate. Simply place the sturdy, rust-resistant pot atop a small saucepan or pot of boiling water and watch as chocolate quickly melts without any risk of burning. This double boiler also comes with a convenient front hook to prevent sliding, double pour spouts on both sides, a flat bottom for faster melting, and a handle that will stay cool while you’re actively using the pot. However, if you are dissatisfied in any way, you can take advantage of the Songzming 48-day money-back guarantee. Or, simply contact a customer service representative and they’ll be sure to respond within twenty-four hours.
• Polder Thermometer – Anyone who has ever made candy knows how important temperature is. You want your candy hot enough to melt but not so hot that it burns. And that’s where this Polder stainless steel thermometer comes into play. It’s expertly crafted with six unique temperature zones, in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, that are designated using easy-to-read, large letters. This way, you can quickly see if your liquid is hot enough for deep frying, threading, soft ball, hardball, soft crack, and hard crack candy. This thermometer, which costs just $9.99 each, also comes with a stay cool, heat resistant, insulated handle, is dishwasher safe, rust-resistant, and even comes with a pot clip attachment so that you can secure the thermometer to the side of a pot for more precise readings.
• Wilton Candy Decorating Set – Starting at just $19.99 each, this five-piece set from the expert candy maker’s at Wilton includes a 3-prong dipping fork, a cradling spoon, a spear, a slotted spoon, and a drizzling scoop. This way, you can quickly and easily create exquisitely decorated treats that really do look as good as they taste. Simply use the array of metal and plastic dipping tools provided to beautifully coat and drizzle both flat and round treats with melted chocolate.
• Wilton Candy Melts Pot – This candy melts pot starts at $28.19 and can melt between 2 and 2.5 cups of chocolate in less than ten minutes – making it the perfect tool for dipping, drizzling, and decorating your favorite, homemade treats. It also features two distinct temperature settings, a removable silicone insert (perfect for easy clean up), and two pour spouts on either side for better ease of use.
• Kootek Silicone Chocolate Molds – This six-piece, non-stick set of Kootek silicone chocolate molds starts at $9.98 each and come in both brown and red colors. It’s also an incredibly dynamic kitchen tool that is made of BPA free, food-grade silicone that can be used to make chocolates, candies, gumdrops, gummies, miniature desserts, butter, ice cubes, ice creams, frozen baby foods, wax candles, soaps, and more. These molds are also available in six different shapes (stars, seashells, hearts, circles, bears, and vortex) and are temperature safe between -76℉ to +500℉ (-60°C – +260°C). So, feel free to use these versatile, non-stick, dishwasher safe candy molds in the microwave, oven, freezer, and refrigerator.
• Wilton DIY-Lish Lollipop Candy-Making Kit – Candy making just got a whole lot easier with this DIY lollipop making kit for just $14.50. Included with each set you order are easy to follow, step by step directions that will enable you to quickly and easily make up to 12 lollipops with pinewood sticks. Also included with the set are decorating bags, molds for the melted candy, a project card, rainbow sprinkles, and pink, orange, and yellow candy melt candies. A perfect gift for any family who wants to bring the fun and ease of cany making home with them.
• Candy Making for Beginners Cookbook – Available in both Kindle (free) and paperback editions ($12.95), this essential, 130-page, beginner’s guide to candy-making shows you just how easy and fun it can be to make candy in your own home. Written by Karen Neugebauer, this exciting and easy to understand guide it filled with a wealth of expert tips that will show you how to make everything from fudge and honey caramels to sour gummy worms and peppermint patties.

CONTENTS: In this article, you will learn about a variety of traditional candy from around the world, in some cases including the history, unique flavors, and tips on the best places to sample it when you’re traveling.

• Cuberdons [Ghent, Belgium]
• Calisson [France]
• Georgian Churchkhela [Georgia]
• Spanish Turron [Spain]
• Las Violetas [Madrid, Spain]
• Goo Goo Clusters [Nashville,Tennessee – US] 
• Coconut Candy [Vietnam]
• Chocolate Macadamia Nuts [Hawaii – US]
• Krowka [Poland]
• Pralines [Savannah, Georgia – US]
• Kruidnoten [Netherlands]
• Sugar Cane [Caribbean]
• Cadbury Bournville [United Kingdom]
• Chocolate Truffles [Paris, France]
• Cherry Ripe [Australia]
• Caramel Corn [USA]
• Alfajores [Argentina]
• Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai [India]
• De La Rosa Marzipan [Mexico]
• Bon bon bum [Colombia]
• Brazilian Brigadeiro [Brazil]
• Turkish Delight [Turkey]
• Cadbury’s Creme Egg [United Kingdom]
• Gaz [Iran]
• Macarons [Paris, France]
• Rum Balls [Germany]
• Chocolate of Modica [Sicily, Italy]
• Mozartkugel [Austria]
• Gulab Jamun [India]
• Scottish Tablet [Scotland]
• Final Thoughts on Candy of the World

Cuberdons [Ghent, Belgium]

By Bhushavali of My Travelogue by Bhushavali | Facebook 

Ghent is a beautiful city, located in the northern region of Flanders in Belgium. While Waffles and Beer are well-known as Belgium’s delicacies, Cuberdons from the city of Ghent are lesser known. They are an equally important and delicious candy of the world from Belgium worthy of recognition.

Cuberdon’s origins are debatable but the most accepted story is that it was discovered by accident. Here’s the story – a pharmacist tried to make medicinal recipes with a sugar syrup base. He gave up but, in a few days, he noticed that the ‘medicines’ had a crusty, solidified outer layer with the liquid sugar syrup within. Well, the ‘medicine’ parts of the recipe were then removed and the Gent Cuberdons were born!

This local delicacy traditionally has raspberry flavoring. But these days they are available in a variety of flavors. It is conical in shape which also gives it the name ‘Nose’ or ‘Ghent Nose’. The best place to have them is of course in the streets of Ghent, buying from little push-cart shops, and eating them along the canals of this charming city. It is so, so yummy, but yes, it is just gelatinous, gooey, sugar syrup. So it’s almost impossible to eat more than two at a time!

Calisson [France]

by Nadine Maffre of Le Long Weekend | Facebook 

First introduced into France in the 13th century, Calissons are now most closely associated with the southern city of Aix-en-Provence. They are similar to the ancient marzipan dessert kalitsounia that was commonly eaten on the Greek island of Crete, and it was brought to the South of France by the Venetians. The modern-day variation of this candy of the world is made with ground sweet almonds, candied melon and orange peel, and topped with a thin layer of icing.

They have a similar taste to marzipan, but Calissons have a more delicate flavor, where the almonds are won over by sweet fruity flavor of the melon. You’ll find Calissons for sale all over Provence, but to try the best, head straight to Maison Béchard – a pâtisserie-confiserie in Aix-en-Provence. Here they’ve been specializing in producing delicious Calissons since 1870.

If you can’t make it to Aix-en-Provence, the next best thing is to pick up a box of Roy René Calissons which are exported from Provence to the world.

Calissons are so entrenched in French culture that they even have their own day – the Bénédiction des Calissons – when the people of Aix-en-Provence come together to celebrate the iconic sweet. They’re also commonly eaten as part of the Provence Christmas tradition, the 13 desserts.

But you can enjoy them any time of the year, with a cup of coffee or tea.

Georgian Churchkhela [Georgia]

By Emily of Wander-Lush | Facebook 

Churchkhela, Georgia’s national candy, is a delicious, not-too-sweet treat that showcases two of the country’s finest local products: Grapes and nuts.

A churchkhela’s long shape and teardrop end give it the appearance of a wax candle (more so when the sugar starts to crystallize on the outside). You can see them hanging in rows in markets across the country and sold at roadside stalls, especially in eastern Georgia’s Kakheti province. Churchkhela is often made using grape must leftover from the wine harvest and thus are most abundant during the autumn months.

Traditionally, churchkhela is made from a dozen or so hazelnuts or walnuts sewn together on a piece of string using a thick needle. The nuts are then dipped in a vat of warm, gluey roux made from fruit juice and flour. Once coated in a thick layer, the churchkhela is then hung up and left to harden. It can be stored for several months, but is best eaten fresh when it’s still a little bit soft.

Nicknamed ‘Georgian Snickers’, a churchkhela is the perfect road trip snack. It’s good etiquette to nibble off the end and pull out the length of string first before breaking off bite-sized chunks. You’ll often see sliced churchkhela served as part of a wine degustation alongside dried fruit and cheese.

It’s also popular in neighboring Armenia, where it’s known as rojik, and you can find similar recipes in Iran, Azerbaijan and Greece. This is one candy of the world not to miss!

Spanish Turron [Spain] 

By Or from My Path in the World | Instagram 

A traditional Spanish Turron is a nougat confection made of egg whites, honey, sugar, toasted almonds, and nuts. It may come as a surprise, but this sweet treat dates all the way back to Al-Ándalus (the time when the Arabs ruled the Iberian Peninsula), and it was heavily influenced by the Moorish culinary heritage. Although you can buy and consume it all year round, it is especially known as an essential Christmastime treat.

Generally, the two main turron varieties are Turron de Alicante (which is hard and brittle) and Turron de Jijona (which is soft and chewy), but there are quite a few more regional versions across Spain. Today, you’ll also find turrones made with chocolate and marzipan, as well as other non-traditional ingredients.

Depending on where you’re traveling in Spain, you’ll find the turron in supermarkets, small boutique shops, and big brand stores. Probably the easiest to locate is Turrones Vicens, a family-owned company that makes artisan nougats since 1775 and has stores in Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, and other locations. They offer countless flavor combinations, so if you’re into nougats, their shops are your paradise.

Fun fact: They even have a turron and chocolate museum (located in the Catalan town of Agramunt)!

And if you’d like to enjoy some authentic, Spanish Turron in your very own home, then order some delicious, El Alemendro Turron today.

Las Violetas [Madrid, Spain] 

By Matt at The Travel Blogs | Facebook 

One of the most iconic candies in Madrid is the vibrantly colored Las Violetas. They are traditional hard candies that have a delicate flavor from the violet flower that is grown extensively across the country, and one of the most populars souvenirs from Madrid and central Spain.

Local sweet maker Mariano Gil is regarded as the creator of the little five-petaled, flower-shaped sweets when he started selling them in 1915. However, they really became famous when the King at the time, Alfonso the 13th, reportedly bought some for both his wife, and his lover.

The flowers, as you’d expect, have a sweet but delicate floral flavor from the essence of violet that is a key ingredient.

But as famous as the candies themselves is the artistic packaging. They are often sold in wildly decorated glass or porcelain cases.

Of course, the best place to buy them is where they were originally created, the store that Mariano Gil once owned and is now run by his granddaughters, La Violeta in Plaza de Canalejas. While I’d certainly recommend visiting the birthplace of the Madrillian candy and trying some of the originals, they do not come cheap. Depending on which style you choose, they can range from $30 – $75 (USD) a pound.

However, the good news is you can get cheaper versions of this candy of the world from almost any souvenir shop in the city. Las Violetas candies have become one of the most popular gifts to take home to friends, loved ones . . .  and apparently (if you’re a king) mistresses!

Goo Goo Clusters [Nashville, Tennessee – US]

By Wendy Pennell of Wendy in the Wind | Facebook 

In 1912, the Standard Candy Company in Nashville, Tennessee created a candy that went down in history as America’s very first combination candy bar. Yes, that is when the Goo Goo Cluster was born.

If you haven’t been to the southern US, then you may have not experienced the sheer joy of biting into a mouthwatering Goo Goo Cluster. The delicious blend of marshmallow nougat, roasted peanuts, caramel, and milk chocolate make this treat a classic.

Originally served freshly dipped and without wrapping, the Goo Goo Cluster soon became a family name in Nashville. They are said to have adopted the name Goo Goo because those are typically the first noises that babies will make. This means that when a baby says “goo goo,” they are asking for this delicious candy by name!

The same original recipe has been used to make Goo Goo Clusters for over one hundred years. Over time, they have adapted to create three standard offerings:

• The Original Goo Goo Cluster, which contains marshmallow nougat, roasted peanuts, caramel, and milk chocolate
• The Supreme Goo Goo Cluster, which is just like the Original Goo Goo Cluster, but contains pecans instead of roasted peanuts
• The Peanut Butter Goo Goo Cluster, which contains peanut butter, peanuts, and milk chocolate

These days, the Goo Goo Cluster Factory Store makes 20,000 candy bars every hour. Guests can try their hand at creating their very own Goo Goo Cluster creations in special Chocolatier Classes offered in the store.

In addition to the standard three flavors, the factory store in Nashville makes special, limited edition flavors that can only be found in their shop. These tasty flavors contain exciting ingredients, such as pretzels, Nutella, toffee, and even potato chips!

One thing is certain, a stop at the Goo Goo Cluster Factory Store is sure to make your next trip to Nashville a little bit sweeter.

But, if you can’t make it to the Nashville factory store right now, then you can always satisfy your Goo Goo Cluster craving by purchasing a box full of twelve Goo Goo Cluster candy bars right now!

Coconut Candy [Vietnam]

By Jackie Szeto & Justin Huynh of Life Of Doing | Facebook 

Ben Tre is one area that needs to be on your bucket list when visiting South Vietnam. The province is along the famous Mekong Delta and is known for its coconuts. Since there are a plethora of coconuts, you have to try the Coconut Candy (kẹo dừa in Vietnamese).

You get the opportunity to see the candy-making process when taking a one day trip to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City.

What is unique about this experience is that you see the candy-making process. Many of the candy factories are owned by local families. Don’t expect advanced machinery as much of the process is done by hand.

The ingredients are fresh coconut meat, coconut cream, sugar, malt, and/or other ingredients (ie: durian fruit, peanut, pandan). The concoction is mixed together and stirred manually by a large paddle for consistency. Then, the warm candy is placed into a long rectangle mold and cut into bite-size square pieces. Afterward, workers wrap an edible rice paper over the cooled candy before placing an outer wrapper.

On your tour, you can try samples of the delicious coconut candy. It’s creamy and rich from the coconut yet isn’t overly sweet. The addition of the other ingredients, such as durian, isn’t overpowering either.

Each package is around $2 USD. You save money if you purchase more than one, so stock up for gifts and support a local company.

Chocolate Macadamia Nuts [Hawaii]

By Noel Morata of This Hawaii Life | Facebook

Of all the delicious and favorite foods you can find in Hawaii, chocolate macadamia nuts are a favorite from the islands. Macadamia nut farms are located throughout the islands, and chocolate is the perfect complement to create this delicious sweet treat: Chocolate Macadamia Nuts.

You can actually tour some of the more famous macadamia farms and chocolate processes when you visit Hawaii with your family.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Tropical Farms in Oahu
• Mauna Loa and Hamakua Macadamia Nut Farm on the Big Island
• Purdy’s All-Natural Macadamia Nut Farm on Molokai

Most of these vendors and even small producers at farmers markets sell macadamia nuts in a variety of chocolate flavored goodness that you’ll love to try. They offer everything from dark chocolate and milk chocolate to herb-infused varieties. Other yummy ingredients include caramel, toffee, and others that will satisfy any sweet tooth–or those just looking for something out of the ordinary.

When you visit the islands, definitely plan to visit Hawaii’s macadamia nut farms to experience a tour. You can sample some of the many different flavorings and hopefully take some home as souvenirs.

Plus, if you love what you taste, you can always purchase a box of either milk or dark chocolate covered macadamia nuts from Hawaiian Host when you get back home.

Krowka [Poland]

By Karolina of Polish Foodies | Facebook

Krowka from Poland, also known as Krowki in its plural form, is probably one of the best traditional candies in the world. Its name, which means “little cows” is suitable due to its creamy, milky filling within a semi-soft milk toffee candy.

When in Poland, you must never miss the opportunity to taste this sweet decadence. It can easily rival England’s fudge and Spain’s dulce de leche. Although there are many brands and varieties available in the market these days, you can easily identify this Polish treat by its typical white-and-yellow wrapper with a picture of a Holstein cow.

Traditionally made up of milk, sugar, butter, cream, and vanilla flavour, the sweet has evolved since it was first made by the L. Pomorski i syn confectionery company before World War II. Now you will be able to enjoy its different flavors, like banana, cocoa, coffee, or licorice. They even have a soy milk version for people who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

When the Nazi Germans took over Poznan, they expelled the Pomorski family, but not the candy that they produced. After tasting this delicious candy, you will be tempted to take home some.

You can also order some authentic, Polish, Krowka fudge candies right now for just $10 per bag.

Pralines [Savannah, Georgia – US]

By Erin Clarkson of the Savannah First-Timer’s Guide | Facebook 

If you’ve ever visited Savannah, GA, then you’re probably familiar with River Street Sweets. The popular candy store’s bright red awning is one of the most photographed businesses on River Street. It’s pretty difficult to walk past it without the smell of fresh Pralines beckoning you inside.

In fact, their World-Famous Pralines® are the shop’s top-seller and River Street Sweets is currently the leading supplier of pralines in the world. The candy store is an absolute MUST when you’re visiting Savannah!

The pralines are made fresh in-store daily, and guests can watch the entire process as it unfolds. Some of the machines they use are more than 100 years old (their saltwater taffy stretcher, for example). The entire store has a very nostalgic “mom and pop” feel to it.

Hand-dipped pralines go straight from the vat onto a marble slab that was originally purchased from a gravestone company. (That’s only fitting for a city known to be one of the most haunted in America!) As soon as they’re cool enough to handle, guests can sample a bite straight from the slab. There aren’t many things on earth that beat the taste of a fresh, warm praline!

If you aren’t familiar with pralines, they’re commonly made from sugar, corn syrup, butter, milk, and pecans. The ones at River Street Sweets are made from a family recipe handed down through the generations, and they use locally-sourced, fresh Georgia pecans.

However, you can also order a delicious box of 12 authentic, handmade, small-batch, pecan praline candies from Savannah’s Candy Kitchen right now!

Kruidnoten, a Dutch treat for Sinterklaas [Netherlands]

By Lotte of Gezond Weekmenu | Instagram 

Kruidnoten are a special Dutch treat that are eaten during the celebration of Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus. Kruidnoten are small round cookies that have a taste similar to spiced biscuits (only much more delicious). The main ingredients are flour, butter, cinnamon, sugar, cardamom, nutmeg, and several other spices. Kruidnoten aren’t hard to make but most Dutch families purchase them in the supermarket when they are in season. Kruidnoten usually become available in September and can be bought until mid-December.

Early December (the 5th of December to be exact) is when Dutch people celebrate Sinterklaas, a tradition where children receive presents and candy (like Kruidnoten) if they have been sweet throughout the year. If they haven’t been sweet however, they don’t get any gifts and particularly naughty kids have to come with Sinterklaas to his home country Spain. Of course, this never actually happens😉.

Sinterklaas is a fun tradition that Dutch kids celebrate with their family and often also their grandparents. There is actually a daily Sinterklaas newscast on television from mid-November until the 5th of December, the official birth date of Sinterklaas and day when the Sinterklaas festivities are celebrated.

Kruidnoten are an indispensable part of the Sinterklaas tradition in the Netherlands and a favorite treat of many Dutch people. Some people love them so much they stock up on Kruidnoten (often when they are heavily discounted after the 5th of December) so they can enjoy them throughout the year when they aren’t sold in the store.

Thankfully though, you don’t have to go all the way to the Netherlands to enjoy this rich and delicious treat. Instead, order some traditional, Kruidnoten from the comfort of your home today!

Sugar Cane [Caribbean] 

By Steph & Lewis of Book It Let’s Go!  | Instagram 

Sugar Cane is a popular treat across the Caribbean Islands and Southeast Asia. It can be bought fresh from local vendors at local markets or along the roadsides. In certain countries in Asia, like Thailand, it can be found in grocery stores where you can buy it preserved in tins.

Sugar Cane is a large fibrous grass that is used for sugar production. The plant grows between two- and six-feet tall and the large fibrous stalks are rich in sucrose. Sugar Cane is native to Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for hundreds of years.

Sugar cane was big business from the 17th through to the 19th centuries, especially in the Caribbean where it was first introduced by Christopher Columbus. After it’s introduction it was cultivated on most of the Caribbean islands by African slaves for wealthy foreigners from the UK, Europe and the USA.

It was during this time in the Caribbean that workers discovered the sweet treat that comes from Sugar Cane. The way Sugar Cane treats are eaten is once harvested, the green outer part of the stalks are peeled to reveal the fibrous inner portion. That’s the part that holds the sucrose. This is then chopped into bitesize sections and chewed to extract the juice inside.

And if you can just can’t wait for a visit to the Caribbean, then you can always order some fresh sugar can online today!

Cadbury Bournville [United Kingdom]

By Jenni Fielding of Choose Veganism | Facebook 

Bournville is a brand of dark chocolate which has been produced by Cadbury in England since 1908. The brand is widely available throughout the United Kingdom. The chocolate is named after the factory in which it was made, which still exists in the village of Bournville near Birmingham in England.

In the Edwardian period of the early 1900s, British factories mostly existed in city centres where workers lived in crowded and squalid conditions. The Cadbury brothers were revolutionary in that they built a new factory in green space. The workers’ houses each had private gardens and there were communal sports facilities like football pitches, bowling greens, and swimming pools.

Bournville chocolate is still very popular today, although the recipe for this dark chocolate bar has changed slightly over the years. Since April 2019, Bournville is suitable for vegans, since milk was removed from the ingredients.

The chocolate is similar to Cadbury’s popular Dairy Milk chocolate, although with no milk so it has a less creamy but richer taste.

Variations on the traditional Bournville chocolate bars are also available these days, including Bournville orange, Bournville Old Jamaica (which has rum and raisins in it), and Bournville chocolate buttons.

However, you’ll definitely be able to order a six-pack of traditional Bournville brand chocolates from your local, online retailer if you find yourself craving this rich and delicious, confectionary delight.

Chocolate Truffles [Paris, France]

By Pierre from French Moments | Facebook

When visiting Paris, you’ll find that the vast majority of pâtisseries-confiseries sell Chocolate Truffles. The delicious chocolatey indulgence does indeed have a French origin.To find out more, one has to travel to the French Alps, more precisely to the town of Chambéry.

Chambéry is the historic capital of Savoie, a mountain province also famous for amazing cheese such as beaufort, tomme de Savoie and reblochon.

In 1895, pastry chef Louis Dufour created the recipes for chocolate truffles by accident. Too busy preparing his delicious treats for Christmas, he somehow forgot to order some ingredients.

In order to avoid humiliation and having to buy from his competitors, Dufour had a brilliant idea of combining crème fraîche, vanilla, and cocoa together and dipping the mixture into melted chocolate before coating with bitter chocolate powder.

The Chambéry confectionner’s misfortune led to the creation of the delicious truffle.

Since then it has become tradition to offer or prepare chocolate truffles at Christmas.

In French, chocolate truffles are called truffes au chocolat for the shape of these delicious treats looks similar to the famous black and white truffles sparingly grated onto special dishes.

Today confectioners display ever increasing creativity with a great variety of flavoured truffles: coffee, chestnut, Grand Marnier, mandarin, coconut… However the original truffle is by far the most sought after with its chocolate ganache ball coated with cocoa powder. In order to provide the best truffle, French confectioners will make sure they use their finest chocolate, making it arguably the most delicious candy of the world.

No wonder chocolate truffles are synonymous with refinement and luxury! They are also readily available online today, in elegant gift boxes like this one from Chocmod Truffettes in France.

Cherry Ripe [Australia]

By Sally of Our3kidsvtheworld | Facebook

Cherry Ripe is a chocolate bar created in Australia in 1924, now one of the oldest brands and remains one of the most popular sold in Australia today. Created by confectioner MacRobertson, the brand was purchased by Cadbury Australia in 1967. The chocolate bar consists of cherries and coconut covered in a thick coating of dark chocolate.

Like all things once bought out commercially, they slightly change the recipe. Die-hard Cherry Ripe fans say they are no longer the same, having less cherries and more coconut and slimmed down a little. They might have been a much better version of themselves in 1924, however the current version is still pretty delicious. It’s not too sweet and the mix of cherries and dark chocolate is decadent.

Cherry Ripes are generally favored by the older generation. It’s an acquired taste and not one usually enjoyed by kids.

They are used as a base for many other sweets, such as the Cherry Ripe slice, a cherry cake topped with Cherry Ripe pieces; in rocky roads for an extra fruity burst. They’re a versatile confectionary loved by many and can easily be found online if you’re in desperate need of some Cherry Ripe today. Originally created as a 52g chocolate bar, Cadbury has now diversified the brand to include family sized blocks, snack size mini bars, double coated dark chocolate bars. and even a Cherry Ripe ice cream for when it’s too warm to eat chocolate during the Australia summers.

Caramel Corn [USA]

By Lindsay Hindman from the Siouxland Families | Blog

A quintessential American confection is Caramel Corn, and nowhere does it better than the Midwest!

Popcorn is thought to have been eaten in the Americas from ancient times, and was introduced to European settlers in North America by the Native American tribes they encountered. Popcorn became more widespread as a snack throughout the 19th century, and even more so after technological advances in the late 1800’s.

Caramel Corn was first introduced to the global stage at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, and one of the best places to get it today is Jolly Time Koated Kernels in Sioux City, Iowa. American Popcorn Company, Jolly Time’s parent company, opened in 1914, and is accordingly America’s oldest popcorn company.

It’s now owned by younger generations of the same family who opened it more than a century ago, including the energetic B.J. Rohlena, who runs the Koated Kernels line of dozens of flavors of drizzled and seasoned popcorns. Koated Kernels says their Caramel Corn is “baked the old-fashioned way,” but the exact recipe is a secret that has been in their family for more than a half century!

Most Caramel Corn starts with fluffy popcorn, drizzled with a mixture of caramelized sugar, butter, a sprinkle of salt, a tiny bit of baking soda, and then baked. For many American families, Caramel Corn is a must-have fall treat, often enjoyed at farmer’s markets, pumpkin patches, or fall festivals. It’s also a popular Christmas gift! But whatever the occasion, Caramel Corn is a classic American treat sure to delight your taste buds, especially if you order Fisher’s iconic brand of classic caramel corn right now.

Alfajores [Argentina]

By Deborah at Passport The World | Instagram

Argentina is famous for its melt-in-the-mouth Alfajores, filled with dulce the leche. The country is the world’s largest consumer of this delicious treat nowadays. But there is a story behind it, as the Alfajor dates back to the Middle Ages and can be found in many countries in different incarnations.

An Alfajor consists of two round cookies with different sweet fillings in between. The sweet treats are traditionally made of wheat flour or corn starch. But more modern style Alfajores are coated with dark or white chocolate. Both are delicious! But is it a candy or a cookie? You decide.

The filling is most often dulce de leche, prepared by slowly heating sweetened milk. There are other variations, with chocolate, marmalade, or vanilla. Sometimes, the filling is covered with grated coconut, too.

It’s an incredibly sweet snack, and you’ll be satisfied after having one, no matter what. Combined with a cup of coffee, tea, or traditional Mate (or Maté), which is a special Argentine herb tea served with a metal straw, it’s the perfect sweet for a merienda. This is the third meal of the day in Argentina, and includes salty toasts and sweets. Most of the times the merienda is held at the end of the afternoon and before a late dinner.

There are different beliefs about the origin of the Alfajor:

• According to most stories, they came from the Arabic world, introduced to Spain by the Moor during the Middle Ages.
• In some regions in Spain, it is also known as Alajú, but it looks and tastes completely different than the Argentine version due to the different ingredients.
• Some say that Alfajores were introduced by the Europeans in South America in the mid-19th century. And afterwards each country developed its own recipe for this sweet. (Alfajores are also very popular in Peru, Uruguay and Chile.)

Most artisanal Alfajores are individually wrapped and presented in lovely boxes. Those are the best! But in supermarkets you will find them in all shapes and sizes. In Argentina, you may find an entire market section devoted to this delicious treat because there are so many different brands and varieties to choose from!

And while it might not be the same as the Alfajores in Argentina, you can definitely can a taste for this confectionary delight by ordering a twelve pack of Havana Alfajores today.

Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai [India]

By Meenakshi of PolkaJunction | Facebook

If there is one organic candy that you are looking to buy on a trip to the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, then, let it be the Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai. It’s definitely a mouthful to pronounce, but not when you decipher its meaning.

Kadalai mittai means peanut candy in Tamizh, an ancient south-Indian language. Since the candy manufactured at a place deep down-south called Kovilpatti is quite popular and tastes the best, this peanut brittle is known as Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai.

So, what sets apart the Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai from the other peanut candies manufactured across India?

Well, for one, its preparation involves the usage of organic jaggery and groundnut grown only in the black soil of the nearby villages of Kovilpatti.

Secondly, it’s believed that the waters from the river Thamarabarani used in its preparation is what gives the candy its unmissable taste and flavor.

The Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai doesn’t make use of oil or clarified butter in its preparation, unlike the many traditional Indian sweets and desserts. Groundnuts (peanuts) are dry-roasted, rolled slightly to remove the skin, and broken in half. The nuts are then mixed in a jaggery syrup (boiled to one-string consistency) and given a nice stir. This is then either rolled into balls or spread in a tray to set, ready to be cut into squares and eaten.

Often, in the commercial kitchens of Kovilpatti, thin dried strands of coconut are sprinkled over slabs of the Kadalai Mittai, before packaging it, to appease the customers. And luckily for you, you can easily satisfy all of your cravings for Kovilpatti Kadelalai Mittai by ordering some online today!

De La Rosa Marzipan [Mexico]

By Daniel of Layer Culture | Pinterest 

When on the lookout for some of the world’s most traditional candies, De La Rosa Marzipan should spring to mind.

Not only is this sweet candy a winner in Mexico, but it also gets exported all over the USA, Canada, Europe, and as far as the Middle East. De La Rosa is a brand well-renown in Mexico and seen as one of the famous brands amongst its competitors.

Mexican candy is known by many for its authentic fusion of flavors, most of which are a combination of sweet and spicy. Anyone who knows about Mexican food and culture understands that Marzipan, along with other powerful candies, is popular amongst all demographics.

This Mexican classic is made from only the finest selection of roasted peanuts and you’ll notice the way the candy crumbles when you open it. This allows you to dip in your finger and scoop a pile of the peanut-flavored candy right into your mouth. To eat it more effectively, though, you can compress the contents of the packet and form a bite-size lump of sweet Marzipan.

However, remember to eat with caution as these candies do contain a ton of sugar. They are exceptionally sweet! And if you have an exceptionally large sweet tooth you are desperate to satisfy, then feel free to order a twelve-pack of De La Rosa Marzipan online for just $6.90.

Bon Bon Bum [Colombia]

By Deb from The Visa Project | Facebook 

For anyone from Colombia, Bon Bon Bums are as central to your experience of growing up, as much as a quineñera to celebrate a girl turning 15 or your first lesson in dance. It’s a lollipop candy so loved by everyone that they refer to other lollipops as Bon Bon Bum too.

For nearly 50 years, Bon Bon Bums have been produced in the family-owned Colombina factory in La Paila, north of Cali. One interesting thing is that many of the hard candies at Colombina are still mixed and prepared by hand, to employ more people.

So, if you are a tourist in Colombia, you will come across many interesting candies but none of them has the addictive effect of this one. Even if you are a grownup and find the idea of sucking on a lollipop a little childish, you should give it a try.

While the classic or original Bon Bon Bum comes with the strawberry flavor, they also come with flavors of different tropical fruits like maracuyá, watermelon, lulo, pineapple, mango. All of them are lollipops with a gum center, and usually have a sweet as well as tart taste.

Now Bon Bon Bums are not just limited to Colombia. They are exported to many countries, including all of South America, the Caribbean, and even China. In fact, you can now order two 14-ounce packs from Amazon today for just $10.94!

Brazilian Brigadeiro [Brazil]

By Tanya from Global Bakes | Instagram 

If you’ve got a chocolate craving, Brazilian Brigadeiro is the cure!

Brigadeiro is the most commonly eaten confection in Brazil. It is a fudge-like ball of chewy, chocolatey goodness that is traditionally rolled in chocolate sprinkles. You’ll find Brigadeiro at every birthday party, wedding, and celebration in Brazil.

Pronounced BRIG-AH-DAY-RO, this sweet treat is named after Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes. This Brazilian Air Force Brigadier General was famous for stopping a communist coup attempt in Rio de Janeiro in the 1920s. He ran for Brazilian president in 1946. Although he lost the election, he did win the hearts of the Brazilian people, as well as a lot of women along the way!

You only need five simple ingredients to make your own Brigadeiro at home, even though gourmet Brigadeiro shops are becoming popular in Brazil as well as the US. The trick to making it traditionally is cooking it low and slow, while stirring constantly. This creates the chewy pull that is the trademark texture of real Brigadeiro!

Brigadeiro lovers are embracing the variety of toppings that are replacing the usual chocolate sprinkles. Coat them in coconut, pistachios, almonds, mini chocolate chips, or brightly colored sprinkles to update the old-school brown-on-brown candy décor.

However you coat this delicious candy of the world, don’t miss out on this chocolate lovers dream – which you can easily order online by sampling a box of Maya’s premium Brazilian Brigadeiro sweets.

Turkish Delight [Turkey]

By Kristin of Snorkel and Hike | Facebook 

Turkish Delight, or as it’s known in Turkey, Lokum, is a traditional soft, sugary, gel-like candy, coated with powdered sugar and cut into delicious little cubes.  With a huge variety of flavors like rose, mint, and even nut stuffed versions like pistachio or hazelnut, you’re sure to find one that you love.

Candy makers in Turkey began producing a similar treat with sugar and flour all the way back in the 16th century. Although the origins aren’t known for sure, according to the Haci Bekir Company, in 1777 they opened a small candy shop in Istanbul that began producing a new version of lokum using starch in place of flour. This shop is still in operation today, and is widely considered the birthplace of the Turkish Delight we all know and love today.

Made by mixing sugar, water, cornstarch, and flavorings, the most difficult part of making Turkish Delight is getting the consistency to that perfect gooey but soft texture. If you’re not an experienced candy maker, it’s probably best to leave this one to the professionals.

Although it can be found in abundance at many shops in Turkey, it’s still considered a special occasion food or something to be given as a gift. Often served with coffee, at parties, or on holidays, Turkish Delight remains a popular sweet treat throughout the region and can now be found all across the globe. It can even be ordered online from premium confectioners like Cerez Pazari.

Cadbury’s Creme Egg [United Kingdom]

by Anisa from Two Traveling Texans | Instagram

You know Easter is around the corner when the shops in the UK start carrying Cadbury Creme Eggs. While this traditional British treat is only available in the run up to Easter, they still sell over 200 million eggs a year.

A Cadbury Creme Egg is an egg-shaped chocolate candy filled with a fondant-like creme that is made to look like the inside of a soft-boiled egg. It’s one of the sweetest candies you will ever have.

When you bite into the chocolate egg, the creme spills out. It can be messy to eat, so not the best choice when you are on the go–at least not without a napkin. Just like a real egg, the creme inside these candy eggs are both white and yellow.

The Creme Egg was introduced in its current form as Fry’s Creme Egg in 1963 and then renamed Cadbury’s Creme Eggs in 1971. Over the years, several variants of the eggs have been introduced including:

• Chocolate Creme Eggs,
• Mint Creme Eggs,
• Oreo Creme Eggs, and others.

While you will see a version of the Cadbury Creme Eggs in the United States, it is not the same as the ones that are sold in the UK.  The wrappers are different, but that is only the beginning. The American version is made by Hershey’s. It’s first listed ingredient is sugar while the British version lists its first ingredient as milk.

Gaz [Iran]

By Ellis from Backpack Adventures | Instagram

When traveling in Iran, you’ll find Iranians have a sweet tooth. Candies are an essential part of Persian cuisine. Candy stores in Iran offer an overwhelming choice and variety of candies. Every city also has its own specialities that Iranians buy to bring home as souvenirs.

Gaz is one of the most popular sweets in Iran. It is a kind of nougat filled with pistachios and scented with rosewater. It’s sweet, chewy, sticky, and absolutely delicious. Gaz originates from Isfahan, where an insect was found that produced a sweet liquid. Nowadays, that sweet liquid is rare and expensive, so sugar and glucose syrup are used instead.

Making gaz is a long and difficult process and there are special factories where it is made the traditional way. Sugar and glucose syrup are melted into a thick paste and then mixed with egg whites. Pistachios or almonds as well as rose water are added for extra flavor and then it is shaped into bite-sized cubes ready to eat.

Iranians eat Gaz with a cup of tea or as a dessert. It is also served on festive occasions like the Persian New Year. When you visit Isfahan, trying Gaz is a must. Plus, there are plenty of candy stores selling beautiful decorated boxes with Gaz that make a great souvenir.

Macarons [Paris]

by Elisa from World in Paris | Facebook

If you manage to spend 4 days in Paris or more, go beyond the main sights and explore other aspects of the city. Paris is well known for its desserts and sweet bites which are not only beautiful but also yummy! Amongst these sweet treats, the Macarons are the most popular, probably because they are cute, colorful, and they come with a huge variety of flavors. Also, they are easy to transport, usually in pretty boxes, so they are the ideal gift from Paris to bring home to your friends, family, and colleagues.

The Macarons’ origin seems to be Italian and they appeared sometime in the Middle Ages. Macarons arrived to France in the 15th century. It was Queen Catherine of Medicis, future King Henri IV’s wife, who in brought the recipe from her hometown of Florence.

Macarons became very popular in the Kings’ court and soon nobles and other important people started eating macarons in their homes. Today, macarons are iconic sweet bites in Paris; Everyone associates macarons with Paris! You can buy macarons almost everywhere in the city, at the airports, or train stations.

Today Parisian-style macarons are made with egg white, icing sugar, granulated sugar, almond meal, and food coloring. You can eat them anytime, anywhere, but they are especially good after lunch with the coffee or a bit later with a second coffee or tea.

To try some today, order a box of exquisite, Leilalove Macarons! Each individually packed box of handmade, authentic, French macarons features an assortment of 15 unique flavors that everyone in your family is sure to love.

Chocolate of Modica [Sicily, Italy]

By Annabel Kirk of Smudged Postcard | Instagram 

In the Val di Noto region of South Eastern Sicily, you’ll find the delightful town of Modica. The town is famous for two things; it shares the magnificent Baroque architecture for which the towns of this region are famous; and it also has a rather unusual type of chocolate. Cocoa was brought to Sicily from Central America in the 16th century when the Spanish ruled the island.

The best place to sample the Chocolate of Modica is at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto in the centre of the town on Corso Umberto I. This little shop has been selling chocolate for over one hundred years. What makes Modica’s chocolate unique is its grainy texture. The chocolate is processed at a lower temperature than other chocolates so the sugar crystals do not melt in this delicious candy of the world.

The chocolate at Bonajuto comes in a wide range of flavors from nutmeg to white pepper, and there are varying levels of cocoa mass to choose from, too. You can take a tour of the kitchen at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto to learn about their traditional practice of chocolate production. The confectionary is still made in much the same way as it was a hundred years ago.

This is a great activity if you’re visiting Sicily with kids: there are plenty of goodies to sample including the rather unusual (but surprisingly delicious) mpanatigghi, which is meat mixed with chocolate wrapped in pastry.

Rumkugeln [Germany]

By Cate from International Desserts Blog | Instagram 

German Rum Balls (Rumkugeln in German) are an easy and delicious no-bake Christmas holiday treat! Like so many of the best sweets, German Rum Balls use simple ingredients:

• chocolate
• butter
• powdered sugar
• rum (or rum extract)
• and ground toasted hazelnuts (though some people prefer to leave out the nuts).

After combining those ingredients, the rum-spiked chocolate is formed into balls and rolled in cocoa powder or chocolate sprinkles.

Germany is a country that appreciates and produces excellent chocolate, so it’s no surprise that it’s the main feature of this delicious Christmas candy! The combination of chocolate and rum create a delightful one-bite treat bursting with flavor, and the hazelnuts add a nice crunch.

While these rum balls are popular at Christmastime, they’re actually delicious anytime of year. And even though they’re common in Germany, you’re likely to find them elsewhere in Europe, although with some variation. You might find them made with crushed cookies, wafers or leftover cake, with dried fruit or almonds in the middle, or rolled in sugar or coconut flakes.

If you want to make these tasty treats yourself this holiday season – and perhaps give them away as yummy gifts — try this easy German Rum Balls recipe.

Mozartkugel [Austria]

By Anca from Dream, Book and Travel 

Austria’s most famous souvenir candy is the Mozartkugel (Mozart Ball), a small chocolate ball with marzipan, nougat, and pistachio filling that you can easily order online today. Whether you are visiting Vienna’s famous Christmas markets or are coming for an Austria summer holiday, you will find versions of the Mozartkugel at all souvenir shops, in supermarkets, and in designated confectionary shops. The variety of shapes and packaging stems from the tumultuous history of this favorite Austrian candy.

It was originally created in 1890 in Salzburg by Paul Fürst, who apprenticed in Vienna, Budapest, Paris, and Nice before taking over his uncle’s shop at Brodgasse 13. The traditional confectionary is still sold by his descendants under the name “Original Salzburg Mozartkugeln.”

As Fürst did not originally patent his product, imitations have been produced by many competitors, both artisanal and industrial, with ongoing patent and name disputes across Austria and Germany. The most common Mozartkugel nowadays is the one mass produced by Mirabell, as it is the only one allowed to be of round shape.

As expected, variations in shape also brought variations of the recipe, but the original stipulates that a ball of green pistachio marzipan covered in nougat shall be produced, which will be subsequently covered in dark chocolate. To allow for the chocolate to cool off and to maintain the shape, the coating is done on a stick that is then removed before the wrapping in tinfoil.

Related: Why Visit Budapest? Best Reasons You Should Add it to Your Bucket List

Gulab Jamun [India]

By Ellie & Ravi from Soul Travel India | Facebook

Attend any gathering, function or pretty much any dinner in India, and you’ll find yourself offered Gulab Jamuns. Present all throughout the Indian sub-continent, these tasty sweets are thought to have been brought to India from the middle east – although other stories instead claim that these sweets were accidentally prepared by Moghal Emporer Shah Jahan’s chef.. and the rest as they say is history.

The Gulab Jamuns taste like sugary spongey balls, but in fact are made from milk or cheese solids, which are prepared by slowly heating milk until the water evaporates, leaving only solids. The milk solids are then mixed with white flour and deep fried in ghee or oil. Once fried, the balls are soaked in sugar syrup commonly laced with saffron, cardamom or rose water. The name Gulab actually comes from the Persian words gol and ab which mean “flower water.”

As far as Indian sweets go, Gulab Jamuns are classic and perfect for those who suffer from nut allergies or want to sample some of the most classic sweets found in India. For best results, I recommend eating Gulab Jamun’s while they’re still warm and feel them melt softly in your mouth. If you’re concerned about the amount of sugar, you can squeeze some of the syrup out before eating them–but it’s best not to think too much about that!

Gulab Jamuns are eaten at Diwali and many other festivals around India, or you can find them served in most hotels and restaurants. They can even be found in many Indian grocery stores around the world, and easily ordered online, if you find yourself longing for Gulab Jamuns at home.

Scottish Tablet

By Larch of The Silver Nomad | Facebook

For those with a sweet tooth, nothing can be more satisfying than biting into a square of creamy pale Scottish Tablet.

One of the better known Scottish foods to try, it is very different to its softer, chewier counterparts, fudge or toffee. Tablet also tends to have a crumblier texture and a crisper top.

That first bite reveals a slightly gritty, granular texture and an oh, so sweet, melt in the mouth soft centre.

The first recorded recipe was found in The Household Book of Lady Grisell Baillie from the early 1700s when it was made with just sugar and cream. Nowadays the recipe includes caster sugar, milk, butter and indulgent condensed milk.

With only four basic ingredients, tablet is quite simple to make.

The caster sugar is first dissolved in the milk over a gentle heat. Once fully dissolved the butter is added and melted into the mix. Then it is time to add the condensed milk, mixing well and increasing the heat while stirring all the time.

When it is all dissolved it is taken off the heat and the beating begins. You keep beating until almost set then pour into a well-buttered tin to set. Marking it into squares before it sets completely will help you break it into pieces.

And once it has set? Then just sit back and enjoy the delicious sweet Scottish Tablet. And if you can’t go all the way to Scotland, you can always order a delicious box of Scottish Tablets here for just $8.10 each.

Final Thoughts on Candy of the World

It would be hard to resist any one of these decadent bonbons…just thinking about them may give you a sugar high! There’s no question each one of these delectable treats deserves a place of honor among the best candy of the world.

Which of these candies would be your favorite? Is there a delicious candy of the world we’ve forgotten that should be on this list? Let us know about it in the comments, below.

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Cadbury Egg: Image by WikimediaImages from Pixabay

Scottish Tablet: Image by Seraphim Whipp at English Wikipedia / Public domain