There are flavors that are like a time machine: you take a bite and suddenly you're back in the schoolyard, with your backpack half open and your hands sticky with sugar. Sweets that take us back to childhood are part of our most emotional memory, the one that is activated with a smell of caramel or with the crunch of a candy and reminds us of a time when the most important thing of the day could be choosing the perfect sweet at the kiosk.
Beyond the craving, Sweets, candies, chocolates, and sweet nuts are a universal language of happiness.They're present at birthdays, neighborhood parties, movie nights, and family gatherings. And although it seems like just a simple treat, behind every iconic brand, every famous candy, or every candied almond, there's history, tradition, innovation, and even interesting facts about how these sweets are consumed around the world.
Sweets that take us back to childhood: from the kiosk to the family table
Classic kiosk sweets are the quintessential symbol of childhoodThose colorful gummy candies, hard sweets, chewing gum that was impossible to chew at first, and endless licorice have accompanied entire generations during their afternoons of play. In Spain, going to the candy store after school was almost a ritual: with a few coins in their pockets and a mental list of favorites, each child designed their "perfect bag."
This tempting landscape is further enhanced by Historic brands that have spent decades creating products recognizable at first glanceAmong them, Vidal Golosinas stands out, a Spanish company that has been part of the collective imagination for over 60 years. Its jelly teeth, melon-flavored chewing gum, Dulcipicas, Rellenolas, and the iconic Dipper marked a turning point in the concept of "fun candy."
The key to these sweets is that they not only taste good, but they also tell stories.A jelly denture isn't just a sweet treat: it's that afternoon you and your friends spent laughing and showing off your fake "teeth"; a piece of wild strawberry gum isn't just about flavor, it's the walk home, the stickers on your notebook, the endless recesses. The candy becomes a symbol that unites memories, generations, and shared moments.
Over time, These companies have learned to combine tradition with innovation.They've incorporated new shapes, textures, tangy flavors, liquid fillings, and larger or smaller sizes, but always maintaining the essence of those products that shaped the lives of today's adults. It's no coincidence that many people still buy the same sweets they loved as children, now to share with their own kids or nieces and nephews.
At any family gathering or children's party, the candy table usually becomes the center of attention.Skewers of gummy bears, tubs of candy, bowls of assorted chocolates… parents and children reach out with the same excitement. In the end, certain flavors aren't just consumed: they're inherited, passed down, and end up acting as an invisible thread that connects past and present.
Vidal Sweets: 60 years making sweet memories
When we talk about traditional sweets in Spain, The name Vidal Golosinas appears almost automaticallyThis company, with over six decades of history, has become synonymous with authenticity and tradition in the world of confectionery. Its products have been a staple in kiosks, neighborhood stores, supermarkets, and children's parties for generations.
Among his greatest hits are legendary chewing gums like melon or wild strawberry.which many remember for its burst of flavor and unmistakable aroma. Also legendary are its gelatin dentures, which combine fun and sweetness, and ranges like Dulcipicas and Rellenolas, designed for those who enjoy a touch of tang or a surprising filling.
Dippers, flat candy strips that many people remember fondly.These products were another small revolution within the sector. They not only offered a different flavor, but also a new, more interactive and versatile way to eat sweets. Vidal understood that children don't just look for sweets, but also for play, surprise, and formats that appeal to them.
The brand's philosophy itself could be summarized in one idea: “Sweetness, when it touches the heart, stays forever.”And that phrase perfectly encapsulates the relationship many consumers have with their favorite sweets. What we enjoyed as children is so deeply ingrained that, years later, when we rediscover it, it brings back a part of our personal history.
Nowadays, Vidal Sweets has a presence in more than 90 countriesThis demonstrates that their commitment to constant innovation has allowed them to break down barriers. The company has successfully adapted to new regulations, tastes, and trends, offering products with diverse shapes, textures, and aromas to appeal to both long-standing and new consumers.
At home, at parties, at the movies, or at any celebration, These treats remain a perfect excuse to gather the family around a bowl full of sweets.It doesn't matter if they're classic gummy bears, filled chewing gum, sour candies, or sugar cloudsThe effect is always the same: a knowing smile and that feeling of becoming children again, for a moment.
The nostalgic return of Count Dracula candies to Mercadona
If there's a sweet treat capable of igniting the collective nostalgia of an entire generation, It's the legendary Count Dracula candyThis small cherry-flavored candy was an icon of the 80s and 90s, found in countless kiosks and neighborhood shops. For a while, it seemed to have vanished, but its return, thanks to Mercadona, has caused a real sensation among those who enjoyed it in their childhood.
In the corridors of the Valencian chain, The presence of these candies has sparked particular enthusiasm among millennials.Those who are now in their thirties or forties can share it with their children. It's not just another Halloween treat; it's a piece of the past packaged in a 125-gram format at an affordable price of €1,35.
Its intense cherry flavor, combined with a hard texture that compels you to savor it slowly.This makes the experience last longer and be better etched in memory. That blend of sweetness and persistence is part of the reason why these candies have become a timeless classic, able to withstand fleeting trends in the world of sweets.
Mercadona has been very good at reading this nostalgic trend and has turned the relaunch of Count Dracula into something more than just a simple product replenishmentFor many adults, rediscovering that candy means traveling back to afternoon snacks, exchanges during recess, or impromptu purchases at the neighborhood kiosk.
The product is backed by the company Cerdán. responsible for keeping the original recipe intact so that the flavor remains the same than in those years. This fidelity to the formula is key to making the sensory experience as similar as possible to what we experienced as children: same aroma, same color, same sensation in the mouth.
Halloween at Mercadona: candies, sweets and a terrifyingly sweet touch
Every fall, stores fill up with pumpkins, costumes, and spooky decorations, but They also become a paradise for sweet loversMercadona has taken advantage of the Halloween festivities to offer a special assortment of sweets designed to satisfy both children and adults, always with the idea of enjoying them in moderation.
Although Count Dracula candies have become the undisputed star of the season, The chain's Halloween catalog is much more extensiveAmong their offerings are classic candy skewers, ideal for decorating festive tables, and the famous jelly dentures, which fit perfectly with the terrifying atmosphere of Halloween night.
Besides gummy candies, Mercadona includes options for chocolate and lollipop fansThis way, practically all tastes are covered and it's easy to prepare bags of assorted sweets for the traditional "trick or treat", candy tables for parties at home or simply a special snack to enjoy while watching a scary movie with the family.
Among the specific products of the campaign, Proposals like the Boo! Mix, themed lollipops, and sweet mini pizzas are particularly eye-catching.These treats add a fun and original touch to any celebration. The carefully designed packaging and eye-catching shapes make them especially appealing to children.
Even so, the offer itself sends a clear message: Sweets are enjoyed more when consumed in moderation.Halloween can be the perfect excuse to treat yourself, but it's worth remembering that it's just an extra within a varied diet. Even with that caveat, the reality is that few can resist preparing a good basket of sweets to celebrate the most "terrifyingly sweet" night of the year.
Sweets and candies around the world: a map of cravings
The passion for sweets knows no borders, and Every country has its own sugary weaknessesAlthough chocolate usually occupies a prominent place almost everywhere, the truth is that there is a huge variety of sweets, candies and desserts that reflect the culture, local ingredients and tastes of each region.
In Spain, for example, According to a 2020 Statista global survey, 49% of the adult population claims to frequently consume sweets and chocolate.In other words, almost half of Spaniards between 18 and 64 years old openly declare themselves to have a sweet tooth. And we're talking about adults, not children, which shows that the love of sweets doesn't end in childhood.
Still, Spain is not the country that leads the world in sweets consumptionGermany holds that position, with 61% of the adult population regularly consuming these types of products. It is followed by the United Kingdom, with 59%, and Brazil, with 56%. It is noteworthy that, in general, several Latin American countries show slightly lower percentages than Spain, despite having a rich confectionery tradition and a strong sweets culture.
If we look at the type of products, Chocolate appears to be the dominant force in many markets.In Germany, Milka is a hit; in the UK, Cadbury's Dairy Milk is a smash, also very popular in Australia. In Brazil, Lacta Bubbly, a milk chocolate bar with an airy texture, is a standout. And in the United States, M&M's, Snickers, and Twix are essential to everyday sweet tooths.
On the other hand, There are countries where spicy sweets, chewy textures, or more exotic flavors make all the difference.Mexico, Japan, and some Asian countries have created highly recognizable sweets that have gained international fame and, for many visitors, become a must-try on every trip.
The most popular sweets by region: from alfajores to mochi
If we step away for a moment from the big brands and look at the products themselves, Typical sweets appear that speak directly to the gastronomic culture of each regionSome have become international, others remain small local gems, but they all share something: they awaken cherished memories in those who have grown up with them.
In Latin America, for example, alfajores occupy an almost mythical placeThese are a type of filled cookie, usually with dulce de leche, which can be covered in chocolate and sprinkled with shredded coconut. In countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Peru, alfajores are much more than just a sweet treat: they are part of the region's gastronomic and emotional identity.
In Asia, the main focus is often on the Mochi, a glutinous rice cake with various fillingsThey come in strawberry, red bean (anko), green tea, and other more modern flavors. It's especially typical of Japan, although it can also be found in Korea and China. Its elastic texture and delicate appearance make it a very unique treat for those trying it for the first time.
If we go to the African continent, We find sweets like katashaMade from shredded coconut and sugar, it's very popular in countries like Uganda and Tanzania. Also noteworthy is sweet biltong, a type of dried meat with a sugary touch that breaks with the classic idea of "dessert" and is more associated with a snack somewhere between savory and sweet.
In United States, The market is clearly dominated by the big chocolate and candy brands.Products like M&M's, Snickers, Twix, and Reese's are part of everyday life, filling supermarket aisles and starring in celebrations like Halloween and Easter. One curious detail is the widespread presence of peanut butter in many of these candies, a combination that isn't as common in other countries.
France, for its part, Show off your elegance with the macaronA macaron is a small almond pastry with a creamy filling that can be chocolate, vanilla, raspberry, pistachio, and countless other flavors. Colorful, delicate, and with a unique texture, macarons have become a symbol of the finest French pastry.
In Mexico, The sweet and spicy mix has also reached the world of candy.A well-known example is Pelón Pelo Rico, a tamarind candy with a tangy and spicy flavor that's squeezed through a container that "combs" the candy as it comes out. It's fun, different, and very representative of Mexican tastes.
Brazil contributes the brigadeiro, A typical homemade sweet made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butterIt's cooked and then molded into small balls coated in chocolate sprinkles. It's a must-have at children's birthday parties and family gatherings, and many Brazilians directly associate their childhood with this treat.
And if we go back to Japan, besides mochi, It highlights the phenomenon of Kit Kats with unusual flavorsThere you can find versions of green tea, wasabi, ginger and many other limited editions that make this chocolate bar an almost collector's item for fans.
What sweets are consumed in Spain? Brands, facts and customs
In the specific case of Spain, The international map places the Valor brand as one of the leading names in confectionery.especially when it comes to chocolate. However, if we look at confectionery sales figures, it is the Ferrero Ibérica group that leads the market, with brands that are extremely well-known to the Spanish public.
Within this group, Not only can you find products like Ferrero Rocher, but also the entire Kinder range.which has a huge impact on sales. Chocolate eggs with surprises, filled bars, products designed for children… Little by little they have carved out a place in the pantries of many families and are directly linked to moments of reward, special snacks or celebrations.
After Ferrero, Other important brands in the Spanish confectionery market are Fini, Haribo, and Mondelez.Among others, Fini and Haribo have been undisputed leaders in the world of gummy candies and sweets, with bags full of different shapes, colors, and flavors that have been enjoyed by several generations. Mondelez, for its part, is behind numerous very popular cookies and chocolates.
This scenario confirms something many of us suspected: In Spain we have a clear weakness for chocolate and sweets.From classic chocolate bars and chocolates to marshmallows and sour strips, the range of products that are regularly consumed is very wide.
And yet, It's not all about industrial brandsIn many homes, the tradition of preparing simple sweet treats to satisfy a craving for something delicious remains alive. Quick milkshakes (like an Oreo cookie shake) or microwave chocolate cakes that can be prepared in just a few minutes are common options for those who want a treat without leaving home, or even for making traditional fried sweet buns homemade.
Hazelnut and almond brittle: the classic that never goes out of style
If there's a sweet treat that smells like a fair, winter, and family outings, They are candied almondsThose hazelnuts or almonds coated in a crunchy layer of caramelized sugar are part of the collective memory of many people. Besides being sold at street stalls, they are also made in a more artisanal way and, like other sweetsThey come in jars or containers ready to share.
A good example of this is the L'Avellanera cooperative, in La Selva del Camp (Tarragona), which markets its candied nuts under the Infrusec brandWithin its category of processed products, caramelized hazelnuts and almonds are the star product, thanks to their classic flavor and the quality of the raw materials used.
These candied nuts come in 135-gram glass jars, designed for both domestic consumption and the Horeca channel (hospitality and catering). Their quality-price ratio makes them a very attractive option to accompany coffees, decorate desserts or simply offer a small sweet touch at meetings and celebrations.
In the case of L'Avellanera's candied hazelnuts, Hazelnuts of the Negreta variety with skin are used, in a proportion close to 50%.combined with sugar. This nut is especially valued for its health properties: it provides oleic acid, helps reduce cholesterol, protects the heart, is a source of energy and antioxidants (vitamins A and E), and contributes to the proper functioning of bones, muscles and other tissues.
Candied almonds, for their part, They are made with Largueta variety almonds with skin, also in percentages higher than 50%.along with the remaining sugar. Almonds are notable for their content of beneficial monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and minerals such as calcium. They are rich in protein, have a low glycemic index, and can be considered suitable for people with diabetes or pregnant women, provided they are consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Thus, These candied nuts not only evoke childhood memories with their flavor and crunchy texture, but they also provide interesting nutrients.It is true that sugar makes them a treat, but they combine sensory pleasure with the virtues of nuts, placing them halfway between a sweet indulgence and a snack with health benefits.
Looking back at iconic candies like Count Dracula, classic sweets from brands like Vidal, traditional sweets from around the world, and artisanal caramelized nuts that continue to liven up family gatherings, It's clear that sweetness is much more than just sugar.It's culture, memory, and emotion. Every bite can reconnect us with who we were, with the places we frequented as children, and with the people with whom we shared that time. Perhaps that's why we continue to seek out those flavors, to remember that, deep down, we still carry a sweet-toothed child who rejoices every time he sees a handful of sweets on the table.
