Availability and types
Fruit candies are sweets with fruit flavor that can be bought almost everywhere. They are found in supermarkets, drugstores, kiosks and at many petrol stations. Sometimes they are also available in small shops that sell only sweets, or at markets and fairs. Because they have a long shelf life and do not need refrigeration, they are often placed on shelves next to other sweets.
Origin
Fruit candies do not have a single place of origin – the idea of making sweets with fruit flavor exists in many countries. Large brands often come from countries like Germany, the USA, France or the United Kingdom. Many recipes for fruit candies have been developed over decades: at first they were simple candies with sugar and syrup, later flavors, natural fruit pieces or fruit juices were added. Some candies are manufactured in factories in one country and then exported to many other countries, which is why a candy can look “German” but contain ingredients or flavors from other countries.
Fruit candies do not have a single place of origin – the idea of making sweets with fruit flavor exists in many countries. Large brands often come from countries like Germany, the USA, France or the United Kingdom. Many recipes for fruit candies have been developed over decades: at first they were simple candies with sugar and syrup, later flavors, natural fruit pieces or fruit juices were added. Some candies are manufactured in factories in one country and then exported to many other countries, which is why a candy can look “German” but contain ingredients or flavors from other countries.
Growing regions of the fruits
Even though fruit candies themselves are made in factories, the fruits or fruit juices often come from certain growing regions. Here are a few examples:
Even though fruit candies themselves are made in factories, the fruits or fruit juices often come from certain growing regions. Here are a few examples:
- Citrus fruits (lemon, orange): In countries with warm climates such as Spain, Italy or the USA.
- Berries (strawberry, raspberry): Often from cooler regions or greenhouses in Europe and North America.
- Apple: Widely cultivated in Europe, North America and parts of Asia.
- Tropical fruits (mango, passion fruit): Often come from countries near the equator such as Brazil, India or Thailand.
Some manufacturers use real fruit juice or fruit pulp, others only artificial flavors that taste similar to the real fruit. If the package says “with fruit juice” there is often a portion of real juice in it; if it only says “flavor” then it may be artificial.
Available varieties and variants
Fruit candies come in many shapes and flavours. Here are the main types, simply explained:
Fruit candies come in many shapes and flavours. Here are the main types, simply explained:
- Hard candies: These are firm and crack or dissolve slowly in the mouth, for example classic fruit lollipops. They are like small colorful stones that last a long time.
- Soft or chewable candies: These are more gummy and can be chewed, similar to gummy bears but in candy form. Sometimes they contain fruit pieces or juice.
- Fruit pastilles: Flat candies, often with a mild flavor and sometimes enriched with vitamins, that can be sucked.
- Fillings: Some candies have a soft filling in the middle, for example with fruit syrup or a sour layer that gives a surprise taste.
- Sour vs. sweet: There are very sweet variants and extra sour ones that make your face pucker — like when you taste a lemon. Sour candies are very popular with many children.
- Natural vs. artificial: Some varieties advertise “natural flavours” or “with real fruit juice”, others use artificial flavours, which are often cheaper. Both taste good, but the packaging states what is inside.
- Sugar-free: For people who want to eat less sugar, there are candies with sweeteners that sweeten but are not real sugars.
In summary: Fruit candies are easy to obtain and there are many different types — from hard to soft, sweet to sour, with real fruit juices or with flavours. The fruits for them come from suitable growing regions worldwide, and the selection in the store is large, so almost everyone can find their favourite flavour.
