Bulk confectionery facts for kids

A pick 'n' mix candy display in Hong Kong.

Bulk confectionery is supplied in a container with loose confectionery to be dispensed by weight or quantity, or containing a number of retail-size bags of confectionery, typically used in vending machines. Unbagged bulk confectionery is typically sold by confectionery retailers; the quantity required is weighed or counted out. Different types of confectionery at the same price per unit weight are sometimes dispensed mixed ("pick and mix").

In the United States, some of these confections are called penny candy and are sold by the piece in candy, soda fountain, and five and dime stores. In Britain, this type of candy is also referred to as pick 'n' mix or penny sweets.

In Sweden, bulk confectionery ("Lösgodis") can be found in many stores, picked by hand. It usually often costs the equivalent of US$7,8 – $10 per kilogram.

Loose candy is typically sold at kiosks, grocery stores and candy stores in the way that the customer picks up whatever kind, and how much, of candy they want (typically with a scoop) into a bag by themselves. The price of the candy depends on its weight, and the weighing can be either done by the customer or the seller.

History

Bulk confectionery (Swedish Lösgodis) originates back to the 1930s, when Swedish agriculture began to supply the country with refined sugar and made it possible to sell bulk confectionery in smaller shops. In 1984, the Swedish National Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket) approved selling it in ordinary larger stores, given that the candy varieties were kept in separate containers and picked with a scoop or a smaller bucket.

Since then it has started to spread all around the world, mostly in Europe and Asia. Even some IKEA stores in North America have started to sell mostly Swedish varieties but also American classics.

Examples

Swedish

Gallery

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  Peppermint and other candy sticks

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  A sucker

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  A plate of gobstoppers in various sizes

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  Bit-o-Honey

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  Gummy bears