A pigling’s delight
Little Knut, a sweet-toothed pig,
With a curly tail so cute and big,
He got candy every time he pranced,
And his tail would curl with every chance!

But poor pigling Knut had a weak resolve,
And never learned from his troubles at all.
He’d overeat and grow round and stout,
Then, soon enough, his tummy would shout!

"Never again!" he’d swear in pain,
"My tummy aches drive me insane!"
But when the candy bowl was filled,
His promise was forgotten, and he was thrilled.

So now we hear Knut with a sad "oink oink,"
A pig in pain from gobbling too much junk.
But despite the ache, what does he do?
He eats more candy, through and through!
Hydra, August 2024

It’s incredible how a picture can bring out thoughts and memories. An article on the internet about Gustav Klimt’s famous The Kiss set my mind spinning, reminding me of the profound power of art to evoke emotions. And desire. Pastry chefs are known for creating fantastic masterpieces as part of their craft, but some candy shop owners don’t want to be outdone. One had been inspired by Klimt’s sweet kiss and assembled candy into a picture of a couple sharing a truly sugary kiss right in the middle of the shop. That was all it took to trigger my candy craving while sitting at the computer—poor me.

Subsequently, I had a massive craving for something tasty to pop into my mouth, something to suck on while I worked on my pictures—candy, pure and simple. It happens far too often, but I like to think it contributes to my creativity. Or at least that's what I tell myself. In any case, it's a good excuse.

In my taste memory, a sweet symphony was playing, and in my thoughts, I was on a journey through the World's most beloved candies. My mouth was watering. From experience, I know that for a spoiled Swede, it's not easy to satisfy a sweet tooth on Hydra. The absence of Swedish candy is a constant frustration. Sure, there's plenty of lovely stuff on Hydra—if you're into cakes, that is. But they don't give the same concentrated kick as candy. And that kind of candy is only available in bags on the island. If the ones you like aren't sold out, which they usually are. The selection is limited to just a few types. A typical supermarket in Sweden has about a hundred different kinds of candy to choose from, and well-stocked candy shops can have more than a thousand. No wonder that on Hydra, I feel deprived and suffer from withdrawal symptoms.

Undeterred, I embarked on the winding kilometre-long Donkey Shit Lane to the harbour for a candy hunt, a quest that always feels like hunting an endangered species, like big game hunting on Hydra. The descent was manageable, but the arduous climb back uphill was a true test of my determination.

The first shop I visited had run out of marshmallow-type candies that almost tasted like the ones from home, leaving only a few sad bags of gummy sweets that lacked discernible flavour. It was a disheartening sight. I moved on to the next place, only to find every roll of Mentos sold out—some miscreant had clearly emptied the shop, which happened to be the only one on the island that carried this candy found worldwide. My last hope was further up the road, where two measly bags of something sweet and sour had to suffice for the evening and the next day. The disappointment was palpable.

Thankfully, the next day was Thursday, the day when candy supplies on Hydra were supposed to be replenished. However, the local stores' logistics were often unreliable, and the shelves were not always restocked as expected. Whether the selection was influenced by the owner's taste or just random, certain items, like the hard, sour candies I enjoyed, often disappeared without a trace.

For those of us with a sweet tooth, or as we say in Sweden, a 'Gottegris,' candy isn't just a treat—it's a way of life, a sensory experience that delights the taste buds and stirs the soul. From the bustling markets of Belgium, where the finest chocolates melt on the tongue like butter, to the colourful bins of Swedish ‘lösgodis’ that offer endless combinations of sugary bliss, candy transcends borders, speaking a universal language of pleasure. The journey of discovering candy in different countries is a feast of flavours, textures, and cultural traditions that deserve to be savoured with all the indulgence they inspire. It's a joyous adventure that never fails to excite.

It should be mentioned that the Swedish term "gotten is" is a playful expression, where "Gott" means "something tasty or sweet," and "gris" means "pig." The term likens someone who loves sweets or indulges in treats to a pig, often seen as an animal that enjoys eating greedily. It’s not meant negatively but rather in a lighthearted or affectionate sense, suggesting someone who loves indulging in tasty or sweet things—like a pig happily devouring its food.

Sweden is the Kingdom of ‘Lösgodis’
When it comes to candy consumption, Swedes reign supreme. Sweden holds the record for eating more candy per capita than any other nation, a title proudly upheld thanks to the beloved tradition of ‘lösgodis’—literally “loose candy.” There isn’t a direct one-word translation for ‘lösgodis’ in English, but the closest term would be “pick and mix candy” or the more prosaic “bulk candy.” These terms describe candy sold by weight, where you can choose different types from bins or containers, just like ‘lösgodis’ in Sweden. This unique tradition is not just a way of buying candy but a cultural institution reflecting Swedish culinary tastes' diversity and individuality.

‘Lösgodis’ has been a Swedish phenomenon since the 1980s, when it became legal for customers to pick their candy themselves. This tradition of 'lösgodis' is deeply ingrained in Swedish culture, with many Swedes having fond memories of visiting candy stores and selecting their favourite treats. Today, Swedes consume about 15 kilos of candy per person each year. After a dip during the pandemic, ‘lösgodis’ sales are nearly back to their previous levels.

Swedish ‘lösgodis’ has also gained an international market thanks to the internet phenomenon "Swedish candy," which has taken off on TikTok and Instagram. It seems the whole world now wants Swedish ‘lösgodis’. Except Hydra

Every weekend, a unique Swedish tradition unfolds in the country's supermarkets. ‘Lösgodis’, a colourful, chaotic, and satisfying ritual, allows people to craft their perfect bag of sweet delights and mirrors the diversity of Swedish culinary tastes. This personalisation, unique to ‘lösgodis’, is a significant aspect of Swedish culture, setting it apart from other candy traditions.

But ‘lösgodis’ is more than just a snack—it’s a cultural institution that brings joy to children across Sweden. They eagerly await ‘lördagsgodis’, or ‘Saturday candy,’ a tradition where they can indulge in their favourite treats after a long week. The sheer variety on offer is staggering, and for Swedes, who enjoy both the pleasure of choice and the fun of indulgence, lösgodis is more than a treat—it’s an art form that brings back fond memories of childhood excitement and joy.

The Chocolate Paradise
If Sweden is the home of ‘lösgodis’, then Belgium is undoubtedly the temple of chocolate. Walk through the cobbled streets of Brussels, and the air itself seems infused with the rich aroma of cocoa. Belgian chocolates, or pralines as they are called, are revered worldwide for their craftsmanship and decadence. The variety on offer, whether filled with hazelnut cream, ganache, or caramel, is staggering, making each piece a unique masterpiece, handcrafted with care and precision.

Belgian chocolatiers treat their craft with almost religious reverence. From the velvety smoothness of fine milk chocolate to the bold intensity of a dark, 70% cacao bar, Belgian chocolates are a study in balance. But it’s the filled pralines that truly steal the show. Biting into one reveals layers of flavour that seem to unfold like a story: a crisp outer shell that gives way to a soft, creamy filling, sometimes infused with liqueur or exotic spices. For the true candy connoisseur, visiting Belgium’s chocolatiers is like a pilgrimage to the heart of indulgence and a chance to admire and respect the craftsmanship of these artisans.

The Heritage of Sweet Brands
No candy lover's journey would be complete without a stop in England, a country with a proud tradition of iconic sweets and brands that have stood the test of time. Cadbury, the hallmark of British chocolate for over a century, has been producing its famous Dairy Milk bars, beloved for their creamy texture and rich cocoa flavour. Founded in 1824, Cadbury has become synonymous with comfort and nostalgia, making it a key player in British confectionery.

But Cadbury is just one part of England’s sweet story. The country is home to a treasure trove of old-fashioned sweets sold in quaint corner shops and traditional sweet stores. Think boiled sweets like rhubarb and custard, sherbet lemons, and pear drops—candies that evoke a sense of history and tradition with every bite and a deep sense of nostalgia and cultural connection. Licorice, too, holds a special place in British hearts, with brands like Bassett's Allsorts delivering a kaleidoscope of colours and flavours, from aniseed to fruity notes.

Of course, no trip through England’s candy world would be complete without the childhood favourite, Rowntree’s. Known for classics like Fruit Pastilles and Jelly Tots, these chewy candies have been enjoyed for generations, offering a bright, fruity contrast to the chocolate-dominated shelves. The British love for sweets runs deep, blending a sense of heritage with modern-day cravings.

A Box of Sweet Delights
In Greece, candy may take a backseat to the decadent, syrupy sweets adored nationwide. Greeks, known for their love of food and hospitality, often favour baked treats bursting with honey, nuts, and spices. Families go to the local Zacharoplasteío (pastry shops) each weekend to select an assortment of sweets to take home, presented in elegant boxes tied with ribbons. These bakeries offer a compelling display of confections such as baklava, galaktoboureko, and kataifi, dripping with honey syrup and packed with layers of phyllo dough, almonds, and walnuts. It’s delicious but disastrous for the waistline if you eat that while working.

While Swedes might bring a bottle of champagne when visiting friends, Greeks arrive with a box of these sweet pastries, a gesture of warmth and tradition. These treats are shared around the table, accompanied by lively conversation and often a strong cup of coffee. With their intense flavours and indulgent textures, Greek sweets provide a rich, comforting contrast to the candies of other nations, steeped in centuries-old traditions of baking and hospitality.

The Art of Innovation
Travel east and find yourself in Japan, where candy isn’t just food—it’s an art form. Known for its creativity and attention to detail, the Japanese candy scene is as innovative as beautiful. From intricately shaped wagashi, traditional sweets often served with tea, to modern-day marvels like Pocky Sticks and mochi-filled candies, Japan’s candy culture is a testament to the joy of experimentation.

Japanese candies often come in seasonal varieties, with flavours that reflect the time of year—sakura (cherry blossom) in spring, matcha (green tea) in summer, and chestnut in fall. Kit Kats, one of the most iconic sweets, come in an astonishing array of flavours, including wasabi, sake, and sweet potato, offering a playful take on what a simple candy bar can be. Every bite feels like an adventure, a glimpse into a world where candy-making combines tradition, innovation, and sheer fun.

Where Everything is Bigger and Sweeter
Cross the ocean to the United States, and candy takes on a new level of extravagance. American candy culture is loud, bold, and unapologetically sweet, from towering candy stores like Dylan’s Candy Bar in New York to the nostalgic favourites found in old-fashioned corner shops. Think oversized peanut butter cups, rainbow-coloured lollipops, and sour gummies that make your eyes water. In the U.S., candy is all about indulgence—often larger-than-life proportions.

American favourites like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, M&M’s, and Hershey’s Bars are known worldwide, but there’s also a treasure trove of regional specialities. Saltwater taffy from the East Coast, sweet pralines from the South, and artisanal caramels from small, family-owned shops highlight the diversity of the American candy landscape. Each bite brings a sense of nostalgia, reminding you of simpler times, childhood adventures, and the joy of a sugar rush.

A Sweet Celebration Across Cultures
Whether it’s the colourful chaos of Swedish ‘lösgodis’, the refined elegance of Belgian chocolates, the nostalgic charm of British sweets, or the syrupy indulgence of Greek pastries, candy and confections connect us across cultures and continents. Each country has its way of crafting these sugary treasures, shaped by history, tradition, and a love for indulgence. Candy and sweets are more than just snacks—they reflect a culture’s personality, a shared experience that brings people together in moments of joy and celebration.

So for the actual ‘gottegris’, the world is a treasure trove of sugary delights waiting to be explored, tasted, and savoured. In every sweet bite, we are reminded that candy, in all its forms, is a universal language of happiness—a little piece of pleasure that transcends borders and speaks directly to the heart.