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British Sweets vs American Candy - Who comes out on top in the battle of the treats?

February 19, 2021

Over the past few years, there has been a growing trend for American candy here in the UK. In fact, some supermarkets even have their own aisle dedicated to food from across the pond. I mean, even we're stocking an abundance of American sweets and American chocolate!

From chocolate bars to bright sweets, there's an entire world of candy to explore, and many of these treats originate in the USA.

The Sweet Business In America Vs The UK

Candy is big business in the USA. The confectionery industry in the U.S. contributes a whopping $44 billion to the country's economy every year. By comparison, the UK's chocolate and sweet industry is worth just over £1 billion.

Whether it's a bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or a handful of Skittles, sweet treats are an essential part of life in America, with 79% of Americans claiming that chocolate and candy are tied to their emotional well-being. It’s no wonder they offer such an incredible variety of flavours and treats.

US Brands with a UK Presence

Some of the UK's favourite brands of sweets actually have their origins in the USA....

M&Ms

M&Ms were inspired by British 'Smarties' back in the 1940s, and were first launched to market almost 80 years ago. Initially manufactured in the Mars bar factory in New Jersey in 1941, today these colourful chocolates have been sold in over 100 countries across the globe.

Jelly Belly (Jelly Beans)

Whilst fruity favourite Jelly Belly, first became available to American sweet lovers way back in the 1960s. These famous jelly beans are available in over 50 different flavours.

Nerds

And the 1980s saw the introduction of Nerds - the tiny candy spheres which pack a sour punch and were incredibly popular with kids

throughout the decade and beyond.

But there's an abundance of candy and chocolate which hasn't made its way to British shores and can only be purchased in the USA, or at specialist American candy retailers.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

According to a poll by USA today, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are American's favourite candy and are the number one selling confectionary in the country. These circular, chocolatey bites have been available for almost 100 years, and are named after their dairy farmer inventor, H B Reese. The chocolates come in a multitude of different sizes and varieties, but the original peanut flavour is famed for its smooth chocolate shell and classic peanut butter flavour. There's no mistaking this famous American flavour!

Twizzlers

Another favourite from across the pond are Twizzlers (and we're not talking about the Bernard Matthews type!). These long, chewy sweets are most commonly found in the popular flavour of strawberry, however they're also available in orange, lemon and caramel. Think of these as the US equivalent of strawberry flavour shoelaces, but extra juicy!

Hershey’s Kisses

These little drops of chocolate are one of America's favourite chocolatey treats. These bite sized candies are individually wrapped and have a little paper plume coming out the top which features a message. Super cute! And with 14 flavours to choose from, including classic milk chocolate, cherry cordial and even candy cane, there is a kiss for everyone.

Tootsie Rolls

These cylindrical treats have a vintage feel about them and have been manufactured in the US since 1907. These chocolate, caramel like treats have a distinct flavour and texture. A little bit like a Cadbury's Eclaire, Tootsie Rolls apparently contain a little bit of the day before's batch in every roll.

While American sweets have their charm, British sweets are just as iconic. Classics like the Fried Egg candies, sherbet fountains, and Milky Way bars hold a special place in the hearts of Britons. The UK has a unique flavour profile in its confections, often preferring caramel, fruit flavours, and richer chocolate blends like those found in Cadbury Dairy Milk or Mars Bars.

When comparing British chocolate and American candy, it all comes down to personal preference. While American chocolate brands like Hershey’s tend to be sweeter with a more sugary base, British chocolates like Cadbury are often described as smoother and creamier. On the candy side, American candy tends to be bolder and brighter, with a focus on tangy flavours, while British sweets can be more delicate, with iconic flavours like orange and strawberry taking center stage.