20 Distinctive Candies From Around The World
Tired of the same chocolate bars and predictable flavors? Let’s travel through sweets that stretch beyond ordinary, from chewy fruit bombs to salty licorice and spicy tamarind.
You’ll taste textures that snap, melt, and bounce, with flavors that feel unusual at first and then completely addictive. Ready to upgrade your snack stash with international favorites you will brag about later?
1. Japan: Hi-Chew
Hi-Chew is all about that juicy, long-lasting chew that keeps flavor popping. Imagine a texture between taffy and gum, but it dissolves cleanly so you are never stuck.
Flavors range from classic strawberry and grape to seasonal lychee and Asian pear.
You will notice the aroma first, then a juicy burst as you bite. The chew is smooth, never sticky on teeth, and the pieces feel satisfyingly thick.
Share a mixed bag and you will start friendly debates about the best flavor.
Grab a handful when you want candy that doubles as a tiny stress reliever. It’s great for travel, long study sessions, and movie nights.
Just be warned, once opened, the bag empties fast.
2. Japan: Pocky (sweet snack sticks)
Pocky is the crisp, tidy snack stick that never gets your fingers messy. Each biscuit baton is dipped in a thin layer of chocolate or flavored coating, from classic milk chocolate to matcha, strawberry, cookies and cream, even seasonal limited runs.
The snap is delicate, the sweetness balanced.
You can share them easily and still feel fancy. Try pairing flavors with tea, coffee, or ice cream for a mini dessert moment.
The portionable sticks help you pace yourself, though you might still finish the box.
Look for regional editions if you travel or shop international markets. Those limited flavors become instant conversation starters.
Keep a box in your bag and you always have a cheerful pick-me-up.
3. Japan: Kasugai gummy candies
Kasugai gummies are famous for fruit flavors that taste like the fruit itself. Open a bag and you get an aroma that feels freshly sliced.
The texture lands between bouncy and tender, with a clean chew that finishes without stickiness.
Popular picks include muscat grape, peach, lychee, and mango, all distinct and vibrant. If you love a pure fruit profile, these will absolutely hit.
The glossy finish and plump shape make each piece feel special.
They are great for road trips and desk drawers because the portion size stays reasonable. You can rotate flavors to match your mood.
When you want a gummy that respects the fruit, Kasugai delivers beautifully every time.
4. South Korea: Pepero
Pepero brings the Pocky concept with extra crunch and playful textures. Many versions load the coating with almond bits, cookie crumbs, or peanut pieces for a bigger bite.
You still get the tidy stick format, just with more excitement per nibble.
Flavors range from chocolate and white chocolate to nutty, cookie-and-cream, and seasonal specials. The mouthfeel is where Pepero shines if you love texture.
Expect a crisp base and a chunky coat that satisfies.
It is a shareable party snack, especially on Pepero Day in November. Gift a box, swap flavors, and compare favorites.
When you crave crunch plus sweetness in a clean format, Pepero is an easy win.
5. South Korea: Honey Butter chips candy-like snacks
Honey Butter chips are technically chips, but the sweet-salty butter glaze tastes like dessert. You get honey aroma, buttery richness, and a delicate crisp that keeps you reaching back.
The flavor feels gentle and comforting, not cloying.
They sparked a craze for a reason. If you enjoy kettle corn or sweet-salty granola, this scratches a similar itch.
The sweetness lifts the buttery notes so each bite feels balanced.
Pair them with tea or a creamy soda for full cozy vibes. They are also a fun bridge for friends who say they do not like candy.
When you want something snacky yet treat-like, Honey Butter chips absolutely deliver.
6. China: White Rabbit Creamy Candy
White Rabbit is beloved for its milk-forward flavor and nostalgic creaminess. Unwrap the paper, then notice the translucent rice paper that melts away on your tongue.
The chew is firm at first, then softens into a milky, almost taffy-like texture.
It tastes like sweet dairy with a clean finish, comforting without being heavy. Some seasonal varieties add flavors like matcha or chocolate.
The packaging feels retro-charming, making it a cute gift.
Take your time with each piece and enjoy the melt-in experience. It pairs nicely with tea or coffee thanks to its gentle sweetness.
If you like milk candies, White Rabbit is a must-try classic that feels timeless.
7. China: Haw flakes
Haw flakes come as thin, rosy discs pressed from hawthorn fruit. The taste hits tart first, then softly sweet, with a lightly dusty texture that dissolves quickly.
You can stack them or let a disc melt slowly on your tongue.
They feel old-school in the best way, like a candy from a simpler time. The fruity tang is refreshing and pairs well with tea.
If you like tart candies but want something subtle, haw flakes are perfect.
They are easy to stash in bags and pockets. Share a roll and you will spark curiosity.
It is a quiet candy that grows on you with every disc.
8. Taiwan: Pineapple cakes
Taiwanese pineapple cakes are more pastry than candy, but they scratch the same sweet itch. A buttery shortbread shell holds a jammy pineapple center that tastes tangy and sunny.
The texture contrasts wonderfully, crumbly outside and chewy inside.
You will see them gifted in beautiful boxes, especially around holidays. Some versions use traditional winter melon for a milder, honeyed profile.
Either way, the filling should taste bright, never syrupy.
Enjoy with oolong or jasmine tea for a balanced afternoon treat. They are travel-friendly and feel thoughtful as souvenirs.
When you want a refined sweet with real fruit character, pineapple cakes make a delightful pick.
9. Thailand: Tamarind candy
Thai tamarind candy plays sour, sweet, and sometimes spicy all at once. The tamarind pulp brings a ripe, tangy depth that wakes your taste buds.
Some versions add chili and salt for extra kick that keeps you craving more.
Expect a sticky chew that feels rustic and satisfying. You can pick milder sugar-dusted pieces or bold chili-salt varieties.
Either way, the flavor builds and then lingers pleasantly.
It is great for road trips or after meals when you want a bright, zingy finish. If sour gummies are your thing, this feels like their grown-up cousin.
Start mild, then level up to the spicy heroes.
10. India: Hajmola candy
Hajmola is a tangy-spicy digestive candy that hits like a flavor grenade. You get black salt, cumin, and amchur twanging your palate, then a mellow sweetness.
The combination shocks first-timers, then becomes weirdly addictive.
It is meant to aid digestion, but you will love it for the zing. Pop one after a heavy meal or when you crave something savory-sour.
The tiny size makes it easy to carry everywhere.
If you enjoy adventurous flavors, Hajmola is non-negotiable. It turns snack time into a conversation.
Offer friends a piece and watch their faces light up with surprise, then curiosity, then a reach for another.
11. India: Mango bite candies
Mango bite candies taste like childhood summer locked in a wrapper. The flavor leans ripe and sunny, not artificial, with a chewy pull that lasts.
You get a gentle tartness that keeps the sweetness lively.
They are perfect for mango lovers who want that taste year-round. Keep a handful in your bag for office slumps or commute boredom.
The texture softens slowly, giving you a lingering mango glow.
Pair them with iced tea or sparkling water for a refreshing combo. They are also kid-friendly without being basic.
If you crave fruity candy that actually respects the fruit, mango bites are a joyful go-to.
12. Turkey: Lokum (Turkish delight)
Lokum, or Turkish delight, is a soft, gel-like confection that feels luxurious. Flavors like rose, lemon, pomegranate, and orange blossom bring floral and citrus notes.
Some pieces hold pistachios or hazelnuts for extra richness and texture.
The powdered sugar dusting keeps pieces from sticking and adds a delicate finish. Let each cube rest on your tongue to appreciate the perfume and chew.
It is elegant with tea or coffee after dinner.
Gift boxes look stunning and travel well. If you like subtle, aromatic sweets rather than loud candy, lokum fits perfectly.
Choose mixed assortments to discover your favorite flavor path.
13. Italy: Baci chocolates
Baci chocolates are little love notes wrapped in silver. Inside, a whole hazelnut sits over silky gianduja, then cloaked in dark chocolate.
Each piece includes a paper message, which makes sharing a charming ritual.
The flavor layers nutty, creamy, and cocoa-bitter in one bite. It is sweet enough but keeps adult depth from the dark shell.
If you enjoy Ferrero-style profiles, Baci feels more refined.
Serve after dinner with espresso for a classic Italian moment. The texture contrast between crisp nut and smooth filling is delightful.
When you want romance in candy form, Baci absolutely delivers.
14. France: Carambar
Carambar is a French chewy caramel that stretches playfully without turning sticky. The flavor runs deep caramel with hints of browned butter.
Unwrap one and you often find a joke inside, adding a little moment of joy.
The texture softens slowly so you can savor. Flavored editions exist, but the classic caramel stays the star.
It is perfect with a coffee break or as a pocket treat during errands.
Expect a nostalgic vibe that feels grown-up. If caramel is your weakness, Carambar hits the sweet spot.
Share the jokes and you will turn a candy into a conversation.
15. United Kingdom: Wine gums
Wine gums are chewy fruit candies with a uniquely firm bite. Despite the name, there is no alcohol, just a dignified flavor profile.
The chew is slow and satisfying, somewhere between gummy and fruit pastille.
Colors come in jewel tones with embossed lettering for old-school charm. Flavors vary by brand, but citrus and berry notes are common.
If you enjoy a candy that makes you work a little, these are perfect.
They shine on long drives and office afternoons. Pair with tea for a very British pause.
Once you get hooked on that resilient chew, other gummies feel too easy.
16. United Kingdom: British toffee (various styles)
British toffee spans soft buttery chews to hard crackle shards. The flavor leans caramelized and nutty, with cream and butter shining through.
You choose your texture adventure based on mood and patience.
There are toffees with nuts, chocolate coatings, and treacle notes. The good ones break cleanly or melt smoothly, never gritty.
It is perfect with a strong cup of tea to balance the sweetness.
Keep a tin on the shelf and you are always visitor-ready. Offer a mix so everyone finds a favorite.
When you want classic confectionery comfort, British toffee never disappoints.
17. Mexico: Tamarindo candies (like Pulparindo)
Mexican tamarindo candies bring a thrilling sweet-sour-spicy combo. Pulparindo bars are the icon, packing tamarind pulp, chili, and salt into a punchy slab.
The first bite wakes you up, then the heat glows warmly.
Expect chewy, fibrous texture that feels rustic and real. Lime notes pop through the sweetness to keep everything sharp.
If you love bold snacks, this is a gateway to obsession.
They pair beautifully with sparkling water or a tart soda. Share with spice-curious friends and watch them convert.
When you crave intensity that still reads as candy, tamarindo is your champion.
18. Australia: Tim Tam (sweet biscuit treat)
Tim Tams are chocolate-covered biscuits with a creamy filling that feel decadent. Do the Tim Tam Slam: bite opposite corners, sip hot coffee through it, then pop the biscuit.
It collapses into a warm, chocolatey cloud in your mouth.
Even without the ritual, the texture contrast hits beautifully. The shell snaps, the filling smooths, and the biscuit provides structure.
Flavors range from classic to caramel, dark, and seasonal experiments.
They make a fun dessert replacement when you want something easy. Keep a pack for guests and you become everyone’s favorite host.
Once you slam, you will always want to slam again.
19. Sweden: Salmiakki licorice candy
Salmiakki is the salty licorice that splits the room. Ammonium chloride delivers a saline, mineral kick that licorice lovers crave.
The flavor is bold, slightly medicinal, and very Nordic.
Textures vary from soft pastilles to firm chews, even hard lozenges. Pairing with coffee amplifies the herbal notes and balances the salt.
If you enjoy olives, anchovies, or bitters, this might be your candy soulmate.
Start with milder versions before jumping to extra salty. Share with friends and turn tasting into a challenge.
When you crave brave flavors, salmiakki rewards you with depth and character.
20. Spain: Turrón de Jijona
Turrón de Jijona is a soft almond nougat that eats like a creamy, nutty dream. Ground almonds, honey, and egg white become a tender block with delicate chew.
The flavor is pure almond warmth with floral honey notes.
Unlike hard nougat, this version melts almost instantly. It is a holiday staple but deserves year-round love.
Slice thin to appreciate the texture and balanced sweetness.
Serve with espresso or sherry for a grown-up pairing. If marzipan is too dense for you, Jijona feels lighter and silkier.
It is refined, comforting, and incredibly snackable.
