Retro sweets aren’t another passing trend; they’re firmly rooted in UK culture. These sweets remind people of simpler times, when afternoons were spent at pick-and-mix counters or sharing bags of confectionery with friends.
In recent years, we’ve seen classic British sweets making a comeback. But which popular confectionery brands are right for your confectionery store?
Find out here as we reveal the top retro sweets available in the UK today.
1: Drumsticks
Drumsticks are instantly recognisable, with their unique milk and raspberry flavour. The traditional Drumstick Lollies are still popular today. During the 1980s and 1990s, they were a staple in children’s party bags and as treats.
Over the years, we’ve seen new takes on the traditional Drumstick lollies, including Drumstick Chew Bars and Drumstick Chews tubes, which are similar to Chewit sweets.
The Drumstick Squishies range is also incredibly popular, especially among young children.
2: Rhubarb and Custard
A classic British dessert and a favourite in the confectionery world, rhubarb and custard sweets effortlessly combine sweet and tart flavours.
If you’re looking for traditional options, then it’s all about Boiled Rhubarb & Custard sweets or Bonbons.
Or, if you’d prefer something more modern, we recommend Rhubarb and Custard Pencils.
3: Black Jacks and Fruit Salads
Despite having very different flavours, Black Jacks and Fruit Salads often go hand in hand. Both were originally produced in the 1920s; traditional Black Jack sweets have an aniseed flavour, while Fruit Salad sweets have a raspberry and pineapple flavour.
Modern creations from Barratt include Duo Drops and Fruit Salad Ropes, which are similar to Million sweets.
4: Love Hearts, Fizzers, and Parma Violets
While many sweets have a gummy, boiled, chewy, or foamy texture, these all-time classics have a chalky texture. Each offers something unique. For example, Parma Violets are one of the more polarising sweets because of their incredibly sweet taste.
Some people love them, others can’t stand them. But despite their controversy, these sweets have been around for about 80 years.
Love Hearts
Love Hearts are another popular option for adults and children alike. The traditional Mini Love Hearts were a must-have in party bags, while giant tubes are ideal for those who want to relive nostalgic moments.
Fizzers
Last but not least in the unique chalky sweets category is Fizzers. Known for their fizzy texture, each has a distinct fruity flavour. If you want traditional retro sweets, choose the Mini Fizzers tubes or Giant Fizzers.
5: Sherbet Sweets
Remember sherbet sweets? These delicious confectionery options never failed to make an impression, and they’re still popular today. Known for their intense flavours and different textures, you’ll find a massive selection of retro sherbet sweets.
Let’s take a look at the most popular options available:
- Dip Dab: Another all-time classic from Barratt, Dip Dab lollies feature a pouch full of sherbet powder and a lolly to dip it in.
- Sherbet Fountains: True sherbet fans love the taste of Sherbet Fountains. Each tub is full of sherbet and comes with a liquorice dip.
- Sherbet Lemons: Fans of boiled sweets love Sherbet Lemons. Strong in flavour with a fizz in the mouth texture, they’re always popular.
- Flying Saucers: As a must-have confectionery option from the 1980s, Flying Saucers never fail to make an impression. They melt in the mouth, and you’re left with an intense sherbet taste.
6: Haribo
Is Haribo a retro sweet brand? Well, that depends. The company was founded in 1920, and it has delighted adults and children for over 100 years.
Despite the many new creations available, some of the top-selling options are from the original line.
The company’s first global success came with Gold Bears, which are available in a range of fruity flavours. Then came Cola Bottles - another fan favourite.
Or, if your customers prefer chewy sweets, Maoam is one of the most popular solutions.
Why Retro Sweets Are Must-Haves for Confectionery Stores
Retro sweets aren’t just about offering your customers some nostalgia; they’re a smart business decision.
With unstable finances and a constantly changing society, many people are looking for affordable confectionery that reminds them of simpler times.
As a confectionery shop, you can increase your sales and keep customers happy by providing affordable sweets that they love.
While people can find delicious retro sweets at traditional confectionery stores or in supermarkets, creating a curated selection of classics means that you can capitalise on the popularity of classic confectionery.
The Bottom Line
Retro sweets are firmly rooted in British culture, and choosing the right options for your store ensures that your customers are happy.
When you shop with Appleton Sweets, you can enjoy a range of affordable wholesale confectionery options, including Drumsticks, Rhubarb and Custard sweets, Love Hearts, and many other products.
Our customers can benefit from no minimum order amounts and free UK delivery on orders over £500. If you have any questions or aren’t sure which sweets to choose, please get in touch with us for more information.