Sweets are an undeniable part of British culture. If you want to get a real taste of the UK, then delving into its traditional confectionery is a must. These ten classic sweets have been tried and tested by generations of Brits, and they’re still as popular today as they ever were.
Table Of Content
Parma Violets (1)
Parma Violets are one of those sweets that divide opinion. First made in 1946, these tiny purple discs have an incredibly floral taste – some say they’re deliciously nostalgic, while others insist they taste like perfume. Love them or loathe them, there’s no denying their popularity, with millions of rolls churned out each year by Swizzels. If nothing else, they make excellent air fresheners for your glovebox.
Cadbury Dairy Milk (2)
No list of British sweets would be complete without Dairy Milk. This beloved chocolate bar has been a firm favourite since the early 1900s, famed for its creamy texture thanks to its high milk content. Now owned by Mondelez International, Cadbury has expanded the Dairy Milk range to include everything from Fruit & Nut to Jelly Popping Candy. They even let fans dream up new flavours in occasional competitions, proving that chocolate innovation is a serious business.
Rock (3)
If you’ve ever been to a British seaside town, you’ll have seen (and probably struggled to bite into) a stick of rock. This hard, boiled sweet has been around since Victorian times and comes in a variety of flavours – though the classic peppermint version remains the most iconic. Traditionally handmade by ‘pulling’ the sugar mixture, rock is the ultimate test of dental commitment. Bonus points if yours has a cheeky message running through the middle.
Liquorice Allsorts (4)
A true British classic, Liquorice Allsorts are a mix of soft, liquorice-based sweets combined with coconut and aniseed-flavoured jellies. They were first created in Sheffield by Bassett’s, after a sales rep accidentally mixed up samples in 1899. And honestly, what a happy accident – a pick-and-mix before pick-and-mix was a thing. These days, they’re loved not just in the UK but also in places like the Netherlands and South Africa.
Dip Dab (5)
For a hit of childhood nostalgia, look no further than Dip Dabs, introduced by Barratt in the 1940s. This simple yet satisfying treat consists of a strawberry-flavoured lollipop and a sachet of tangy sherbet for dipping. The joy comes from repeatedly dunking the lolly until every last grain of sherbet has been devoured – or until you accidentally inhale the powder and experience an impromptu coughing fit.
Wine Gums (6)
Despite their boozy-sounding name, Wine Gums contain absolutely no alcohol. Created by Charles Gordon Maynard in 1909, these chewy sweets almost never saw the light of day – he had to convince his teetotal Methodist father that they weren’t actually alcoholic. Thankfully, he succeeded, and now we get to enjoy a selection of fruity chews with posh names like port and sherry, while feeling ever so sophisticated.
Terry’s Chocolate Orange (7)
A Christmas stocking staple, Terry’s Chocolate Orange has been delighting Brits since 1932. Originally introduced by Terry’s of York in 1932, though the company dates back to 1767, this sweet treat is now enjoyed all over the world. The best part? Giving it a good whack on the table to break it into its signature segments before tucking in. It’s practically a festive ritual – and a perfectly acceptable way to relieve seasonal stress.
Jelly Babies (8)
These soft, sugar-coated sweets were first introduced in 1918 as ‘Peace Babies’, but it was Bassett’s in Sheffield that made them a national favourite. Each colour has its own quirky name – think Brilliant, Bubbles and Big Heart – adding to their charm. Even The Beatles were fans, with George Harrison having a well-documented love for them. It’s said that fans used to throw them at the band during concerts, which probably seemed like a good idea at the time.
Aero (9)
Famous for its light, bubbly texture, Aero has been a hit since the 1930s when it was first created by Rowntree’s. Now made by Nestlé, it comes in a variety of flavours, with mint being the most popular. While it flopped in the US during the 1980s, Aero continues to be a bestseller in the UK, as well as in countries like Australia and Argentina. Clearly, some people just don’t appreciate the joy of aerated chocolate.
Maltesers (10)
Last but certainly not least, Maltesers. Originally created in 1937 by Forrest Mars Sr. (yes, of the Mars Bar fame), these light, crunchy malt balls coated in chocolate were originally marketed as a ‘lighter’ snack for women watching their weight. These days, they’re enjoyed by just about everyone, often by the handful. If you’ve never tried to see how many you can fit in your mouth at once, have you really lived?
My Personal Favourites
Despite all the bad press, I have a soft spot for Liquorice Allsorts – I could eat them all day. There’s just something about the mix of textures and flavours that keeps me coming back for more. But my fondest sweet-related memory has to be with Jelly Babies. A couple of years ago, while climbing one of the peaks in Snowdonia in the middle of January, they became my sugar-laden lifeline. I was cold, exhausted, and questioning my life choices, but popping a few Jelly Babies into my mouth gave me the boost I needed to push on. I even left one perched on a protruding rock, imagining it might one day save another weary climber’s life. A tiny, sugary hero waiting for its moment.
The Final Sweet Word
British sweets are more than just sugary treats – they’re part of the country’s culture and heritage. Whether it’s the divisive Parma Violets or the universally loved Dairy Milk, these sweets have stood the test of time. So, if you want a proper taste of Britain, grab a few of these and see what all the fuss is about. Just maybe keep a dentist on speed dial.
