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It all started with a Swedish candy TikTok trend. In early 2024, an influencer posted a video of herself purchasing a variety of uniquely shaped, colorful gummies. Needless to say, it blew up, and since then, people have been raving about these chewy treats all across the United States.
Whether it's pink skulls, blue ovals, or green wedges, everyone wants to try Swedish candy and experience what makes these yummy delights so special. With both sweet and sour options to choose from, which gummy should you try?
At Sukar, we source some of the finest Swedish candies directly from Sweden, allowing you to experience the same authentic flavors that the Swedes enjoy.
In this blog, we will explore how taste buds work to help you understand your candy preferences. Keep reading until the end, as we will guide you on choosing your next favorite chewy treat.
Let's get started!
How Do Taste Buds Work
Some people go crazy for super-sour candy, while others are quick to grab the sweetest treats. Why is that?
Your taste choices aren't random. There are many factors that shape what you crave, some of which include biology, psychology, and childhood experiences.
The Five Basic Tastes
The human tongue detects five basic tastes, including the following:
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Sweet
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Sour
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Salty
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Bitter
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Umami
Your taste buds are great at registering different flavor profiles, which is why sweet feels safe while sour provides a mouth-puckering sensation from the food acids.
Your Genes Control Your Taste
Did you know that part of your candy preference lives in your DNA? You inherit specific taste receptors that control how you experience sweet and sour flavors.
Sweet receptors (TAS1R family) can vary from one person to another. Some are naturally sensitive to sugar and need less sweetness to feel satisfied. Others may require higher concentrations of sugary goodness to register the same level of enjoyment from each bite.
The same is true with tanginess. We have sour receptors (PKD2L1) that detect food acids. Depending on the genes, some people may barely react to extremely sour gummies while others may pucker at mild tartness.
Have you ever flinched while biting into Warheads Wedgies? If yes, you probably have genes that make you sensitive to food acids.
Flavor Training Since Childhood
Your early experiences shape your adult preferences. This is why you may crave certain candies or snacks from your childhood due to the nostalgia associated with them.
According to Statista, more than 40% of the people in Germany, Austria, and the United States regularly consume chocolate and candies. But as you move towards the Asian countries, this figure drops dramatically. For example, only 17% of South Koreans enjoy sweet treats.
The above statistics prove that flavor training since childhood can shape your taste preferences. People in the United States are more likely to choose sweet treats, while on the other hand, South Koreans prefer savory foods.
The Dopamine Connection
Thanks to the cranial nerves, your taste buds are directly connected to the brain. When you consume sweet treats, your brain releases dopamine, triggering instant pleasure signals and providing a quick boost of energy. This can be addictive, creating a dependence on sugary foods.
On the other hand, sour works a bit differently. It has unique attributes that modulate risk-taking. A 2018 study on Sour Promotes Risk-Taking reveals that while sour doesn't provoke people into doing risky things, it does encourage risk-averse people to explore new opportunities. Perhaps this is why sucking on sour candies might help ease anxiety.
Should You Try Traditional Sweet and Sour Gummies?
You might call them traditional candies, but sweet and sour gummies remain incredibly popular in the United States. How do they taste, and are they actually good for you?
Classic Sweet Gummies
Sweet gummies, such as Haribo Goldbears, often have a one-note, fruity flavor. Typically, you'll find these gummy bears in cherry, orange, and lemon flavors.
So, how do sweet gummies feel in the mouth? Depending on the brand, the texture is often firm and bouncy. When you bite into them, you get that familiar but satisfying "squish."
Classic Sour Gummies
Sour gummies deliver an acidic punch before mellowing into a sweet finish. Most Americans have grown up with classics like Sour Patch Kids and Warheads, which come in flavors such as green apple and blue raspberry.
So, how do sour gummies taste? It begins with a mouth-puckering experience that gradually transitions into an underlying fruity sweetness. There are many flavors to choose from, including tangy green apple, blue raspberry, and watermelon, each offering varying levels of intensity.
What gives sour gummies their tanginess? Manufacturers use a wide range of souring agents, including citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid, for sourness.
To learn more about the different food acids and how they taste, don't forget to check out our previous blog post on "Best Swedish Sour Candy for Summer 2025 (Top 10 List)".
Are Traditional Sweet and Sour Gummies Healthy?
Most American manufacturers use pork or beef gelatin to give the sweet and sour gummies a chewy texture. If you're a vegan or vegetarian, these treats may not be for you.
In addition to using pork or beef gelatin, candy manufacturers often use high fructose corn syrup. This is an unhealthy ingredient with many negative health effects, some of which include:
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Weight gain
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Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
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Heart diseases
Traditional sweet and sour gummies are also made from artificial colors and flavorings. The sweetness or sourness can be overwhelming due to the lack of natural ingredients. You also won't be able to taste the fruit due to its high sugar content.
Whether you choose traditional sweet or sour gummies, both of these can also lead to oral health issues. Sweet gummies stick to the teeth, providing food for bacteria to live and breed. On the other hand, sour gummies attack the tooth enamel due to their acidic properties.
Why Swedish Sour Candy Is Better for You!
There are several healthy alternatives to traditional gummies that you can explore, including sweet and sour Swedish candy. They are on a different level than American sweets, and when it comes to quality, the Swedes have perfected the recipe.
Unlike traditional American gummies, Swedish candies are made from premium quality ingredients that deliver a burst of flavor, regardless of whether you choose the sweet or sour variants.
Most Swedish candy makers use plant-based ingredients, which makes these gummies vegan-friendly. Instead of beef or pork gelatin, manufacturers prefer corn starch, giving these treats a chewy texture. Some Swedish candies also don't stick to your teeth, making each bite more enjoyable.
Another reason why Swedish gummies are healthier than traditional ones is that the Swedes don't use artificial flavors. They use real plants and fruit extracts to create vibrant colors without the use of any chemicals.
Speaking of natural ingredients, Swedish candies may also contain natural flavorings. Each gummy feels like you're biting into a fruit that's turned into a delicious treat.
Whether you choose sweet or sour Swedish candies, these yummy gummies are a healthier alternative to traditional sweets. Manufacturers use real sugar and glucose syrup instead of high fructose corn syrup. This choice of ingredient doesn't overwhelm the flavor or leave a cloying aftertaste.
Which Swedish Candy Should You Try for Your First Order?
Is this your first time trying Swedish candy? The wild variety of flavors on the market can seem overwhelming, but the secret lies in understanding your taste preferences.
There are two main types of Swedish candies and they are sweet and sour. Here are the steps to choosing the right Swedish candy for you:
Step 1: Know Your Taste Preferences
Start by identifying which type of candy eater you are based on your preferences.
Are you a cautious person? If so, you probably enjoy flavors that you're familiar with, such as strawberry, orange, and apple. You may want to try Swedish candy, but you need a gentle introduction to new textures (foamy and chewy) and a mild tang.
Do you prefer adventure over comfort? If you're an adventurous eater, you probably love trying new foods and appreciate unique flavors. A little pucker factor shouldn't scare you away.
Are you a thrill seeker? If so, you're definitely looking for an intense experience and extreme flavors.
Step 2: Find Your Perfect Sweet or Sour Mix
Now that you've identified your taste preferences, it's time to choose between sweet and sour gummies.
Cautious candy lovers should always start with sweet Swedish candies. Banana Caramel BUBS, Goody Banana Toffee BUBS, and BUBS Strawberry Pomegranate are great sweet treats that offer a nice little twist on classic flavors.
Need a bit more adventure in your life? Try BUBS Sour Tutti Frutti, Dizzy Skulls, or Cool Raspberry Skulls. They have the right intensity of acidity, which is quickly followed by a fruity sweetness, making the first bite an interesting one.
If you're brave enough to venture into the unknown (not literally!), you're ready to take your candy addiction to the next level. The Raspberry Licorice Skulls offer bold flavors that are not only addictive but will also make your mouth water with anticipation.
For a fun experience, we highly recommend exploring the Swedish Sweet and Sour Mix and the Swedish Sour Candy Mix, depending on your preference. Each candy bag is specially crafted with an assortment of gummies, delivering a chewy, flavor-packed explosion.
Step 3: Order Sweet and Sour Gummies From Sukar
At Sukar, we import a wide range of carefully selected authentic Swedish treats directly from Sweden. Our candy experts package them into different-sized bags and deliver them all across the United States.
While our regular price beats most competitors, we often run specials that bring costs down even further. The highest price you'll pay is still less than premium candy stores, and the quality difference makes every penny worth it.
When you're ready to add items to your cart, use the filters on our page to find exactly what you want. You can sort by availability and price to narrow down your options. Choose a candy you'd like to try today and place your order by checking out.
Due to the popularity of Swedish candies, the stock runs out pretty fast. But don't worry, as we constantly replenish our inventory so that you don't have to wait long.
Simply sign up for our notifications with your email address and stay informed when we update the quantity of products in our online shop.
Enter the World of Premium Sweet and Sour Swedish Candy with Sukar!
Sukar brings you the same candy that Swedish families enjoy every Saturday. These treats are made with care and decades of tradition. No corn syrup. No fake colors. Just pure, authentic flavors in every product we stock.
Whether you want the intense pucker of our Sour Mix or the gentle sweetness of Swedish BUBS candies, we have the perfect items to satisfy your taste buds.
Ready to find your next favorite treat? Browse our collection of Swedish candies and place an order today!
