While Italy is best known for its chocolate when it comes to sweets, Italian candies are a classic and beloved treat among locals.
Italian hard candies (also known as boiled sweets) are a traditional confection made with sugar mixed with a small amount of sweet syrup, fruit juice, and natural flavorings. The most popular varieties (like Serra) often have a flavored liquid center. A combination of the crunchy hard casing and soft sweet filling is popular among Italians. Mangini, for example, comes in a large variety of flavors ranging from fruits to honey, hazelnut to chocolate, and even liquor.
If you’re more into softer candies and unique flavors, then Italian licorice candy should be a must-have on your grocery list. Italian company Amarelli is the oldest licorice candy manufacturer in the world, with almost 300 years of experience. Its selection covers all types of licorice candy, from classic to sugar-coated to flavored. No matter which you choose to try first, it’s bound to be a unique experience.
Authentic Italian candies are a gourmet product with a long history and unique flavors all sweets-lovers should experience in life.