American Sweets: Some of Your Most Common Questions Answered

The Candy Box is one of Ireland's very best providers of American sweets. Our buyers always watch the United States market for the latest confectionary innovations. What we have learned is just how different the American sweet varieties can be.

As such, our inbox is always full of questions regarding these international sweets. So to make this information that much more accessible to our clients, we have compiled the most common questions below.

What are the most popular American sweets?

America is known for its wide variety of popular sweets. Some of the most well-known include:

Hershey's Chocolate Bars: Hershey's is a famous chocolate brand in the United States, and their chocolate bars are a classic favourite.

M&M's: These colourful, bite-sized chocolates with a candy shell are popular not only in the United States but worldwide.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: This iconic candy combines chocolate and peanut butter, creating a delicious and addictive treat.

Snickers: Snickers bars contain nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate. They are widely recognised and enjoyed for their satisfying taste.

Skittles: Skittles are small, fruit-flavoured candies with a crunchy shell and a chewy interior.

Kit Kat: Kit Kat bars contain layers of crispy wafers covered in chocolate.

Twizzlers: Twizzlers are a popular liquorice candy in the United States. They have a distinct texture and come in various flavours and shapes.

Sour Patch Kids: These sour and sweet gummy candies are shaped like little people and have a tangy coating.

Jolly Rancher: Jolly Rancher candies are hard, fruit-flavoured sweets known for their intense and long-lasting flavours. They are available in watermelon, cherry, green apple, and blue raspberry.

Pop Rocks: Pop Rocks are small candies that create a fizzy sensation in your mouth when you eat them. They are a unique and fun candy experience.

Are American sweets sweeter than their European alternatives?

Generally speaking, American sweets tend to be sweeter than their European counterparts. The taste preferences for sweetness can vary between cultures, and American confectionery often leans towards a higher sweetness level than European candies.

One of the reasons for this difference is the use of different ingredients and formulations. American candies often contain more sugar and artificial sweeteners to achieve a strong and intense sweetness. This can be seen in popular American sweets like Hershey's chocolate bars, which have a distinct sweetness compared to European chocolates, which often have a higher cocoa content and a more balanced flavour profile.

In contrast, European sweets, particularly those from Belgium, Switzerland, or France, focus on the quality of ingredients, craftsmanship, and subtler flavour profiles.

Of course, it's important to note that these are generalisations, and there are exceptions within both American and European confectionery. Different brands and specific products may have their unique levels of sweetness. Additionally, individual taste preferences can vary, so what one person finds sweet, another might consider less so.

Is there more sugar in American sweets?

American sweets generally tend to have higher sugar content than their European counterparts. The United States has a long history of enjoying sweet treats, and the American palate often favours a sweeter taste profile in confectionery products.

Factors that contribute to the higher sugar content in American sweets. First, the availability and affordability of sugar in the United States have historically been more significant than in some European countries. This has allowed candy manufacturers to use more sugar in their products.

Secondly, the American food industry has seen the proliferation of processed and packaged foods, including sweets, which often contain added sugars to enhance flavour and increase palatability. This has led to the consumption of higher levels of added sugars in various food products, including candies.

If you have more questions on American candy, or if you would like to order, call us today or browse our online store for some delicious American sweets.