Candy From Around the World: Gummy Bears, Licorice, Turkish Delight

Tap a candy to see its origin and character.

Gummy Bears (Germany)

Bear-shaped gummy candies first created in Germany in the 1920s, loved worldwide for their chewy texture.

Licorice (Northern Europe)

A chewy candy made from licorice root extract β€” Nordic countries in particular are known for salty licorice.

Turkish Delight (Lokum) (Turkey)

A traditional Turkish candy made by setting starch and sugar into a jelly-like texture, often flavored with rose or studded with nuts.

Chocolate-Coated Biscuit Sticks (Japan)

Thin, long biscuit sticks coated in chocolate β€” first created in Japan and now made by many brands worldwide.

Candy Corn (United States)

A tri-colored candy shaped like a kernel of corn, a signature symbol of Halloween season in the US.

Dulce de Leche Candy (Latin America)

Candy made from caramel produced by slowly simmering milk and sugar, widely loved throughout Latin America.

Pear Drops (United Kingdom)

A tangy-sweet hard candy shaped like a pear, commonly found in traditional British sweet shops.

Every Country's Candy Has Its Own Personality

Even under the same word "candy," preferred flavors and textures vary widely by country. Just as salty licorice is beloved in Northern Europe and rich caramel candy in Latin America, each country's candy reflects its people's tastes and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is salty licorice really salty?

Yes β€” Nordic salty licorice contains a compound called ammonium chloride, which gives it a strong salty-bitter taste at the same time, and it can feel unfamiliar to those who aren't used to it.

Why did candy corn become a symbol of Halloween?

First created in the US in the early 1900s, its autumn-harvest-appropriate coloring naturally made it a candy associated with Halloween over time.