Article: Is Swedish Candy Healthier Than American Candy? The Surprising Truth
Is Swedish Candy Healthier Than American Candy? The Surprising Truth
Once you’ve tried Swedish candy, you’ll spot the difference. The flavors feel cleaner, the sweetness more balanced, and you don’t feel that sugar crash afterward.
But is Swedish candy actually healthier than American candy? Or is it just another sweet myth? Goodis breaks it down.
Key Takeaways:
4. More Vegan & Gelatin-Free Options
6. Chocolate? More Cocoa, Less Sugar
Final Verdict: Is Swedish Candy Healthier?
1. Less Processed Sugar (No High-Fructose Corn Syrup)
One of the biggest differences between Swedish and American candy is the type of sweeteners used.
In American candy
Many brands use high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a cheap and extremely sweet sugar substitute.
Studies from Healthline have linked HFCS to higher obesity rates and insulin resistance.
Popular candies like Hershey’s and Baby Ruth frequently contain HFCS.
In Swedish candy
Most brands avoid HFCS, using traditional sugar (sucrose) instead.
Sure, it’s still sugar, but its sucrose is absorbed more slowly by the body, reducing extreme blood sugar spikes.
Key takeaway: Swedish candy generally contains less processed sugar and avoids HFCS, making it a better choice if you want to limit artificial sweeteners.
2. No Artificial Colors (like Red 40)
Many American candies rely on synthetic food dyes. Did you know that some of these are banned in Europe due to potential health risks?
In American candy
Popular artificial dyes include:
• Red 40 – Linked to hyperactivity in children
• Yellow 5 & 6 – Suspected to cause allergic reactions
• Blue 1 – Controversial due to possible links to cancer
In Swedish candy:
Brands use natural alternatives like:
• Beetroot & blackcurrant (for red and purple)
• Turmeric & carrot (for yellow and orange)
• Spirulina & spinach (for green)
Key takeaway: Swedish candy avoids synthetic food dyes and relies on natural fruit- and plant-based colorants.
3. More Natural Flavors
Ever had an American candy that tasted too intense? That’s likely due to artificial flavorings that try to mimic real fruits.
In American candy
Many brands use lab-made "strawberry" or "watermelon" flavors that taste exaggerated and extremely sweet.
In Swedish candy:
The focus is on real fruit extracts—blackcurrant, lingonberry, raspberry—so the flavors are more natural. A great example is Fizzy Strawberries.
Key takeaway: Swedish candy flavors tend to be more authentic compared to the hyper-sweet artificial flavors in American candy.
4. More Vegan & Gelatin-Free Options
In American candy
Many gummy candies use gelatin (from pork or beef byproducts) as a thickener, making them unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.
In Swedish candy
Many brands use plant-based alternatives like:
• Pectin (fruit-based thickener)
• Agar-agar (seaweed-based gelatin substitute)
Key takeaway: Swedish candy offers more vegan-friendly choices compared to American candy, where gelatin is more common.
5. Different Candy Culture
Swedish candy culture is different,
In America
• Candy is often super-sized.
• It’s eaten frequently (Halloween, movie snacks, gas station treats).
• Many options are sugar-heavy (chocolate, caramel, nougat).
In Sweden
• Pick-and-mix (Lösviktsgodis) is the norm—people grab a mix of different flavors and textures.
• Saturday Candy (Lördagsgodis) is a tradition, encouraging moderation.
• A wider variety of sweet, sour, and salty flavors means people get satisfied faster.
Key takeaway: The selection and cultural approach to candy in Sweden makes it easier to enjoy treats in moderation.
6. Chocolate? More Cocoa, Less Sugar
Even chocolate is less sugary in Sweden compared to the U.S.
Chocolate Comparison
Cocoa Content
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate: 11%
Marabou Milk Chocolate: 30%
Sugar Content
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate: 56%
Marabou Milk Chocolate: 44%
Key takeaway: Swedish chocolate contains more cocoa and less sugar. That gives it a richer, smoother taste.
Final Verdict: Is Swedish Candy Healthier?
While candy is still candy (it’s a treat, not a health food!), Swedish sweets generally have:
• Less processed sugar (no HFCS)
• No artificial colors like Red 40 or Yellow 5
• More natural flavors (real fruit extracts)
• More vegan-friendly options (plant-based alternatives to gelatin)
• More balanced sweetness (not overwhelmingly sugary)
If you’re looking for a cleaner, more natural way to satisfy your sweet tooth, Swedish candy is the way to go.
Want to try Swedish Candy for yourself?
At Goodis, we bring the best Swedish sweets straight to your doorstep. Explore our bestsellers here!
