What are Italian candies?

If you are looking for Italian candy in Italy, you would find them your local Tabaccio, where tobacco, bus tickets, and everything in between are sold.  However, if you're in any other country, you will have to search your local grocery stores, specialty food shops, and online Italian stores to find the best in Italian candy.

The types of candies sold at the Tabaccio in Italy varies from place to place, but some of the common candies you will find are Frutella, which are similar to Starburst, the gummy Goleador, which comes in licorice or cola flavors, and Alpenliebe, a sugar-free version of caramel Werther’s.

Italian candies come in many different varieties; the most popular are the licorice or anise flavored candies and herbal candies.These flavors are strong, so people tend to either love or hate them. Possibly the most popular of these flavored candies is Golia, which also comes in mint, fruit and balsamic varieties. Golia are a gummy type of candy.

Mint (or “menta”) is another popular flavor for candies in Italy, specifically a candy called Fernet Menta that is made with mint liquor called Branca Menta. Honey hard candies are also quite popular with Italians. Honey candies are often paired with other flavors like lemon, alpine herbs, and even licorice. These honey candies are called Ambrosoli and are sometimes eaten when a person has a sore throat. Many Italians believe that honey is a natural cure.

With the multiple flavors and varieties of Italian candies, almost anyone can find one that he or she loves.  Check out your local store or online shop for authentic Italian candies, and enjoy the unique flavors enjoyed for generations.