Lakrids by Bülow Salty Licorice
Johan Bülow is on a mission to share with the world Scandinavia's most popular and polarizing treat: licorice. Lakrids by Bülow uses traditional black licorice—prepared using centuries-old methods—to make this small-batch candy. The bold, earthy flavor and naturally sweet aroma of licorice are juxtaposed by the sharp, tangy salt ammonium chloride for this Scandinavian classic, or salmiak licorice. The candies have a fudgy, toothsome quality that is much more satisfying than the gritty or grainy texture you'll find with other brands.
Haci Bekir Turkish Delight - Assorted Fruit Flavors
From the company that made Turkish delight famous, Haci Bekir, this Turkish delight (lokum) comes in an assortment of fruity flavors. We found these in Istanbul, and they’re the most authentic version of traditional Turkish lokum we’ve been able to get in the States. The jellies are tangy with mellow fruit flavors—the sour cherry, strawberry, apricot and orange reminded us of high-end gummy bears or jelly beans. But their pleasant sweetness isn’t overpowering, unlike American fruit candies or sugary-sweet mass-produced versions of this Turkish classic. You’ll love sinking your teeth into their chewy, supple texture.
Kolsvart Sour Raspberry Swedish Fish
The movie theater Swedish fish most Americans know get a flavorful update in these punchy Swedish fish from Kolsvart. With a satisfying chew and bright color, the raspberry flavor is reminiscent of the iconic American candy but tastes distinctly of pure raspberry, with a wonderful sweetness and a subtle tart note on the finish.
Kolsvart Sour Blueberry Swedish Fish
Think of these punchy, flavorful sour Swedish fish from Kolsvart as a cross between familiar movie theater Swedish fish and Sour Patch kids. With a satisfying chew and bright color, a vibrant blueberry flavor is paired with a sour coating that makes your mouth pucker just the right amount. We love this perfect sweet and sour combo, especially when it tastes like fresh blueberries.
Haci Bekir Turkish Delight—Assorted Date and Nut
From the company that made Turkish delight famous, Haci Bekir, these Turkish delights (lokum) come in an assortment of date and nut flavors. We found these in Istanbul, and they’re the most authentic version of traditional Turkish lokum we’ve been able to get in the States. The confection has a pleasant sweetness from dates and sugar that doesn’t overpower—unlike some sugary-sweet, mass-produced versions of this classic Turkish treat. Sink your teeth into its chewy, supple texture—hazelnuts and pistachios add a light crunchiness and clean, simple flavor.
Lakrids by Bülow Salt and Caramel Chocolate Coated Licorice
Johan Bülow is on a mission to share with the world Scandinavia's most popular and polarizing treat: black licorice. Lakrids by Bülow uses traditional black licorice—prepared using centuries-old methods—to make small-batch candies with flavors that are more familiar to international consumers. These chocolate-covered licorice balls have a fudgy, toothsome quality that is much more satisfying than the gritty or grainy texture you'll find with other brands. The creamy sweetness of the milk chocolate coating and buttery caramel flavor soften licorice's potency, for a balanced and aromatic candy. You don't have to be a licorice aficionado to fall for these treats: Even Milk Street staff members who claim to hate licorice were surprised by how much they loved Lakrids by Bülow.
Haci Bekir Turkish Coriander Sweets
Wally and Whiz Advent Calendar
Wally and Whiz's Nordic Winegums are a Milk Street bestseller, so we were thrilled to find 25 days worth of the gumdrop-like candies made with real fruit. Featuring 13 flavor combinations hidden in pull-out drawers, plus a bonus treat, this Danish advent calendar hides candies that are chewy, but not sticky thanks to the granulated coating. These are made for adults, with flavors like lime with elderflower, hibiscus with raspberry, cherry with vanilla and pomegranate with dragonfruit—just to name a few. And when you've finished, keep the reusable calendar for next year, and simply refill it with a new combination of winegums when December comes around again.