Britain has a rich history of creating delicious candies that have delighted sweet-tooths for generations. From the tangy to the sweet, the chewy to the hard, British confectionery offers a unique taste experience unlike any other. Whether you're planning a trip to the UK or just want to expand your candy horizons, these classic treats should be on your must-try list.
This article is for general information and nostalgic interest only. Availability, taste, and packaging of the sweets mentioned may vary over time and by location.
1. Jelly Babies
Jelly Babies have been part of British sweet history since the 19th century, with versions advertised as far back as the 1880s. Bassett’s made them famous in 1918 when they relaunched them as “Peace Babies” to celebrate the end of the First World War.
Each sweet is shaped like a little baby and comes in fruity flavours such as blackcurrant, strawberry, lime, and lemon. Their soft, chewy texture and dusting of sugar have made them a nostalgic favourite for generations.
2. Liquorice Allsorts
A charming jumble of different shapes, colors, and textures, Liquorice Allsorts combine liquorice with coconut, aniseed jelly, and fondant in playful layers and patterns.
Created accidentally in 1899 when a salesman dropped his samples, creating a mixed display that impressed a potential buyer. The distinctive black and pastel combinations remain largely unchanged over a century later.
3. Sherbet Lemons
Hard, bright yellow lemon-flavored candies with a fizzy sherbet center that creates a delightful surprise. The contrasting textures - crunchy exterior and powdery interior - make for an exciting eating experience.
Popular since Victorian times, these zingy treats remain a staple in traditional sweet shops across Britain. Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter famously used "Sherbet Lemon" as his office password!
4. Pear Drops
Half yellow, half pink, these distinctive teardrop-shaped hard candies pack a fruity punch that doesn't actually taste much like pears! Their strong, almost synthetic flavor is uniquely nostalgic for many Brits.
Dating back to the Victorian era, these sweets have a reputation for their powerful aroma - you can smell them from across the room when someone opens a bag!
5. Rhubarb & Custard Sweets
These striped boiled sweets perfectly balance tangy rhubarb and creamy custard flavors in one candy. The red and yellow stripes aren't just for show - they actually represent the two distinct flavors melding together.
A quintessentially British flavor combination inspired by the classic hot dessert. The sweet-and-sour contrast makes them addictively moreish, with the sharp rhubarb cutting through the sweet custard notes.
6. Humbugs
These striped black-and-white twisted hard candies deliver a powerful punch of mint and molasses. The bold flavor combination creates an interesting balance between sweet and slightly medicinal.
Often associated with old-fashioned sweet shops and Victorian England, humbugs were reportedly named after their deceptive nature - they look plain but pack a surprising flavor. Traditionally sold by weight from large glass jars in sweet shops.
7. Dolly Mixtures
Dolly Mixtures are a colourful assortment of tiny fondant sweets and sugar-coated jellies. The mix includes small cubes, cylinders, and rounded shapes in bright pastel colours, creating a cheerful selection that has long appealed to children.
Their name is thought to refer to their miniature, “doll-sized” appearance. Still popular today, they remain one of the most recognisable old-fashioned British sweet shop treats.
8. Love Hearts
Pastel-colored chalky candy tablets stamped with romantic messages like "KISS ME" and "LOVE YOU." The sweet-tart flavor is reminiscent of American Sweethearts but with a distinctly British twist.
Created in the 1950s, these conversation candies have evolved with the times - modern packs include phrases like "TEXT ME" and "EMAIL ME." The fizzy texture dissolves pleasantly on the tongue.
9. Parma Violets
Parma Violets are small purple tablets with a distinctive violet flavour that sets them apart from most other sweets. Introduced by Swizzels in 1946, they have hardly changed in recipe or appearance since. Their perfumed, floral taste is famously divisive, with some people loving them and others less keen.
Despite that, they continue to hold a special place in British confectionery as one of its most iconic floral sweets.
10. Fruit Pastilles
One of Rowntree’s most enduring creations, Fruit Pastilles have been enjoyed since the late 19th century. These chewy sweets are coated in sugar and come in classic flavours such as blackcurrant, lemon, lime, orange, and strawberry. Blackcurrant is often singled out as the favourite, giving the mix a distinctly British touch.
Their combination of tangy fruit flavour and chewy texture has kept them popular for generations, especially at the cinema.
11. Chocolate Limes
Hard boiled lime-flavored candies with a chocolate center - an unexpected but delicious combination! The zesty citrus shell gives way to a rich chocolate surprise as you suck on the sweet.
A Victorian-era creation that has stood the test of time. The contrasting flavors shouldn't work together but somehow create a harmonious taste experience that's kept sweet lovers coming back for generations.
12. Kendal Mint Cake
Not actually cake but a glucose-based mint-flavored candy bar that packs a serious energy punch. The pure white block has fueled mountaineers and hikers for generations with its intense peppermint kick.
Famous for accompanying Sir Edmund Hillary on the first successful Mount Everest expedition in 1953. Originated in Kendal, Cumbria, in 1869, this robust sweet breaks with a satisfying snap and dissolves slowly in hot drinks.
13. Pontefract Cakes
These small, round liquorice sweets carry the stamp of Pontefract, the Yorkshire town that made them famous. Their deep, distinctive flavour has kept them popular among liquorice enthusiasts for centuries. Often sold in traditional sweet shops, they are closely tied to Britain’s long history with liquorice.
Today, they are still enjoyed by those who prefer a bold, old-style sweet.
14. Barley Sugar
Translucent amber-colored twists that taste of caramelized sugar with subtle citrus notes. The hard candy has a glassy appearance and dissolves slowly, releasing its delicate flavor gradually.
Originally made with barley water in the 17th century as a medicinal sweet. The traditional recipe includes real lemon or orange oil, giving it a sophisticated flavor profile that's less intense than modern candies.
