If you’re scrolling down your FYP on Tiktok, then it shouldn’t take long to come across the latest foodie sensation on the internet: Swedish candy. However, we’re not talking about just any ordinary candy from the country. Let me introduce BUBS, a candy company based in Jonkoping, Sweden, that’s best known for its uniquely textured treats. After seeing countless influencers eating the viral candy on their livestreams, I decided it was time to try it myself. They can’t have all the fun, right? So, I figured it was officially time to find the best BUBS Swedish candy items.
The candy first became popular after hitting the shelves of BonBon’s candy store in New York, coming in those iconic light pink bags. But like all viral things, its popularity quickly led to it being sold out. It left far too few options for people’s desperate sweet teeth, and so the candy has been on backorder ever since. That was until a new Swedish candy shop opened in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Sweetish Candy is a small, but adorable corner store in the heart of the rural city and is best recognized by its sea of yellow Swedish fish swimming through the windows. TikTok foodie @brookieeeeee5 does a short tour of the candy location and even gives her own review at the end of the video.
What does BUBS Swedish candy taste like?
I took a drive to Lancaster recently to review the viral candy and the results are in. I ranked the flavors and textures I liked from best to least.
1. BUBS Raspberry And Blueberry Ovals:
This flavor was overall my favorite. Not only was it the first flavor I tried, but also the one that I reordered. As someone who doesn’t typically like “blue”-flavored things, this was a surprise to even myself. But it’s not about the flavor, it’s the texture. It’s as if marshmallows and gummies got married and had their own sweet treat of a child. The outside of the candy has a decent chew, but the inside is lightweight and even has little pockets of air to give it that perfect softness. These candies are even good when they are chilled, giving them a taffy-like bite.
2. BUBS Big Banana Ovals:
Imagine that same marshmallow and gummy texture mentioned above, but flavored with caramel and banana. If you love banana-flavored Laffy Taffy like me, then this might be your new favorite candy. It’s soft and not overly sweet, and offers the perfect ratio of caramel to banana flavoring.
3. BUBS Cool Cola Skulls:
If you like gummy cola bottles, then this skull-shaped candy is for you. Imagine that same flavor, but with the marshmallow texture, and a coating of sour sugar on top. While I did like these, I preferred the sweeter, fruitier flavors.
4. BUBS Sour Octopuses:
These tiny, yet thick gummies were more marshmallow-like than anything else. If you ever grew up wanting to eat packing peanuts, then this might just satisfy that craving. They are soft and pillowy, but almost too marshmallow-forward for my liking. They come in three different colors, yellow, green, and pink, yet I didn’t notice any difference in the flavor of the various colors. I liked them, but I wouldn’t reach for them again.
5. BUBS Giant Fizzy Skulls:
Back again with the skull-shaped candy, this is a fruity and tangy spin on the cola skulls. This candy is a bright red and yellow, though neither color has any recognizable flavor. Like the cool skulls, it is coated in that same sugary topping. The texture of the candy is quite nice, but the flavor isn’t memorable. I would not repurchase it
6. BUBS Fruity Licorice Squids:
These adorable candies are not only shaped like tiny little squids, but one side is yellow and pink and the other is black to resemble the ink! Now, I normally like licorice, no matter the flavor. But this black licorice was strong and tart and lacked any sort of sweetness. The other fruity side of the gummy candy did not make up enough of that sweetness for me to be willing to buy it again. But if you want a cute candy, the squids are where it’s at.
7. BUBS Salted Oval Micro:
I will preface this by admitting my mistake…I thought it was covered in sugar. So when I went to take a bite, my face automatically soured and my tongue rejected it before even giving it a chance. Like the licorice squids, the black licorice was too powerful and the addition of the salt made it an unimaginable flavor. However, if you like salty, earthy flavors, this might be perfect for you, but it left a terrible taste in my mouth. (An excuse to eat more banana ovals.)
Overall, I love the texture and natural, fruity flavors of Swedish candy. While some flavors weren’t necessarily my favorite, I will be revisiting the beloved candy store again!