Swedish candy has become one of America's favourite treats but with the hype comes a lot of ‘Swedish-style’ candy that isn't the real thing. If you want the authentic stuff, here's what to look for when you buy Swedish candy online, and how to get it fresh to your door.
The best way to buy authentic Swedish candy online in the US is from a specialist that imports genuine Swedish brands (like BUBS), lets you build your own pick-and-mix, and ships it fresh. At Nantasket Sweets you can do exactly that, with free shipping to Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut, and nationwide delivery across the US.
What makes Swedish candy ‘authentic’?
Authentic Swedish candy means sweets actually made in Sweden not generic gummies rebranded with a blue-and-yellow flag. The hallmarks: genuine Swedish brands like BUBS; the classic textures (foamy skum, chewy wine gums, sharp sour); and the pick-and-mix tradition Swedes call lösgodis. If a store can't tell you where its candy comes from, that's your answer.
Freshness is everything
Candy is only as good as it is fresh. The best online sellers bring their stock in from Sweden in small, regular batches, so it reaches you soft, chewy and full of flavour not stale from months in a warehouse. Before you buy, it's worth checking how a store sources and ships.
Check the label (it's better than you think)
One of the nicest surprises about Swedish candy is that a lot of it is cleaner than American candy. Look for gluten-free and gelatin-free options, real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, and plant-based colours rather than artificial dyes. Many Swedish sweets are vegan, too. And if you're feeling brave, try salty licorice (salmiak) a Nordic classic that licorice-lovers adore.
Build your own, the Swedish way
Half the fun of Swedish candy is pick-and-mix choosing your own sweet, sour, foamy and fruity favourites and mixing them into one bag. The best online stores let you do this from your sofa, recreating the lördagsgodis ritual at home. It beats a fixed pre-packed bag every time.
Mind the shipping
Two things matter when candy ships: that it arrives fresh, and that it doesn't cost a fortune to get to you. Check whether a seller packs for freshness and where they offer free or fast delivery. If you're in the Northeast, look for sellers close to home. Nantasket Sweets, for example, ships free to Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut on orders over $99, and nationwide everywhere else.
A real candy maker makes chocolate, too
Here's an insider tip: the best Swedish candy shops aren't just resellers.They make things by hand. Handmade chocolate, made from scratch with real ingredients and no preservatives, is the mark of a shop that genuinely cares about quality (and it makes a lovely gift). At Nantasket, the candy is flown in fresh and the chocolate is made by hand in small batches.
Where to buy authentic Swedish candy online
If you want the real thing, fresh, and build-your-own. Nantasket Sweets lets you create your own Swedish pick-and-mix online, choosing from genuine Swedish favourites and famous salty licorice, shipped fresh across the US. We're a real Swedish family business, running since 2020, long before Swedish candy went viral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I buy authentic Swedish candy online in the US?
A: You can buy authentic Swedish candy online from Nantasket Sweets, which imports genuine Swedish brands, lets you build your own pick-and-mix, and ships fresh across the US. Free to Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut on orders over $99.
Q: What is the most authentic Swedish candy?
A: The most authentic Swedish candy comes from genuine Swedish makers such as BUBS, and includes classics like foam sweets (skum), sour gummies and salty licorice (salmiak), traditionally bought as pick-and-mix.
Q: Is Swedish candy vegan or gluten-free?
A: Much of it is. Many Swedish candies are gluten-free, gelatin-free and vegan, and made with real sugar rather than high-fructose corn syrup. Always check the individual product for its dietary details.
Q: What is salty licorice?
A: Salty licorice, or salmiak, is a Nordic favourite: licorice flavoured with salmiak salt for a bold, salty-sweet taste. It's a staple of any Swedish pick-and-mix.
Q: How is Swedish candy shipped fresh?
A: Good sellers import in small, regular batches and pack orders fresh before shipping, so the candy arrives soft and full of flavour rather than stal