Flying saucer (confectionery) facts for kids
.jpg) |
|
| Place of origin | Belgium, United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | sherbet and rice paper |
Flying saucers are a fun and unique candy! They are small, round treats made from thin, edible rice paper. Inside, they are filled with a fizzy, powdered candy called sherbet. In Belgium, where they come from, they are sometimes called Zure ouwels.
Contents
The Sweet History of Flying Saucers
How They Began
Flying saucers first appeared in the early 1950s. They were created in Antwerp, a city in Belgium. A company called Belgica used to make communion wafers. But demand for wafers started to drop. So, they came up with a new idea: edible paper filled with sherbet!
From Belgium to the UK
Today, Astra Sweets owns the Belgica brand. They still make these popular candies. Flying saucers are even officially recognized as a traditional product of Flanders, a part of Belgium.
In the United Kingdom, flying saucers became very popular in the 1960s and 1970s. This was a time when the "Space Race" was happening. People were very interested in space travel and science fiction. The candy's name, "flying saucers," fit perfectly with this excitement!
Still a Favorite Treat
Flying saucers are still a popular candy in both Belgium and the United Kingdom. In 2009, a survey asked adults about their favorite British sweets. Flying saucers came in 12th place! They also became popular again in the 2010s, along with other classic candies.
You might even find them on lists of vegan sweets, especially around Halloween. They were also a well-loved candy in Ireland. These little treats continue to bring a fizzy, sweet surprise to many people.
