Is Irish candy better than American candy? Let me reword that question. I should ask is American candy better than Irish sweets, since sweets is what we call candy in Ireland.
As I rummaged through my kids' candy pile after they finished trick or treating one Halloween night, in search of I don't know what, I dreamed of Irish trick or treat bags filled with my favorite Irish sweets.
Table of Contents
Dreams of Irish Sweets
Don't get me wrong. I do eat American candy. In fact, I eat way too much, but my sweet tooth developed many years ago in a different land and culture.
And so my Halloween dreams don't revolve around Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, candy corn, and Peppermint Patties.
Instead I long for Cadbury's Dairy Milk Chocolate, Maltesers, Yorkies and so many more candy bars found in England and Ireland.
As children I think we all had our favorites. Mine was, and still is, a Peppermint Aero, a milk chocolate bar with a light and bubbly minty center.
An American's Guide To Irish Candy
My search for something to satisfy my Halloween cravings got me thinking about American tourists. One look at a candy stand in Ireland must be mind boggling.
When traveling, you never know when the need for a little chocolate pick-me-up might strike. I therefore believe it is my solemn duty to provide a small guide to candy picking when roaming the British Isles.
The very first lesson revolves around the term 'candy' itself. It is seldom used. Instead the term 'sweets' is preferred in Ireland, referring to everything from hard candy to jellies to chocolate bars.
Hershey's chocolate, Dove or even Cadbury's chocolate bought in America is not as creamy as Cadbury's chocolate in Ireland.
The Irish variety lacks the cocoa taste of American bars. I think the one you prefer is directly related to how your taste buds were cultivated as a child.
In Ireland you'll find milk chocolate is used far more than dark chocolate for candy bars.
Luckily, I have come up with different treats that bare the same name and, for the most part, taste relatively the same. Here they are:
Snickers
Twix
Kitkat
Rolo
M & M's
Starburst
Skittles
The main difference on the eastern side of the Atlantic is the chocolate covering. Once again, the Irish varieties are a little creamier than the American varieties.
Now if you are a peanut butter addict, you may have some real problems feeding your craving in Ireland. It's not a popular ingredient in the Emerald Isle.
As a result I could not think of anything remotely similar to the following American candy:
Baby Ruth
PayDay
Butterfinger
Reese's Pieces
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup
Clarke Bar
Oh Henry!
But never fear! All is not lost!
Comparing Irish and American Chocolate Bars
Here is my equivalency grid, based on my taste buds. All suggestions are welcome. I am quite familiar with candy, but lucky I am no American expert.
There is nothing scientific about this comparison - only the chart, makes it look far more official than it actually is.
|
American Candy |
Closest Irish Equivalent |
Comments |
| Milky Way | Mars | Layers of nougat and caramel covered in chocolate – the Irish-English version is a little sweeter. |
| 3 Musketeers | Milky Way | Whipped nougat covered in chocolate. |
| 100 Grand | Catch | Made with chocolate, crisped rice and caramel. |
| Take 5 | Lion Bar | The Lion Bar is missing the peanut butter layer of a Take 5. |
| Almond Joy | Bounty | Bounty's coconut center is a little moister and it lacks the signature Almond on the chocolate shell. Bounty bars come in dark chocolate and milk chocolate varieties. |
| Whoppers | Maltesers | Chocolate covered malt, honeycomb spheres. A Malteser's center is a little lighter and crispier than that of a whopper. |
| M & M's | Smarties | M & M's are now available in Ireland. When I was young a Smartie was the nearest equivalent. |
| Smarties | Refreshers or Fruit Fizzers | The Irish version is a little fizzier and fruitier than an American Smartie. |
| Milk Duds | Toffee Treets | Milk Duds are a little harder to chew. |
| DOTS | Wine Gums | The only comparison is that both are jellies, but their flavors differ vastly. |
And here is my list of Irish/English candy bars for which I can find no American counterpart.
Boost
Double Decker
Toffee Crisp
Fudge
Topic
Cadbury's Caramel
Peppermint Aero
Crunchie
Flake
Vintage or Retro Irish Sweets
I haven't even mentioned vintage candies from days gone by in this post. So let's take a quick look at some varieties of what I called penny sweets, when I was growing up in Dublin.
Fizzle sticks looked like sticks of chalk, and came in many colors. They had a fruity, fizzy flavor and seemed to melt in the mouth. Back in the 1970's they only cost a penny - perfect for purchasing on the way home from school.
Peggy's legs were another retro favorite. They were deliciously sweet caramel flavor sticks of rock candy. Oh the memories!
Boiled sweets were sold by weight. They were stored in large plastic containers and displayed in most newsagents. You could choose from acid drops, sour apples, apple drops, bulls eyes, and rhubarb and custards. Liquorice all sorts were also sold by weight.
And don't forget about those sticks of rock we bought at the seaside.
Irish Potato Candy in America
I remember one Saint Patrick's Day being asked by an American friend if I make Irish potato candy. She was so surprised when I confessed I never heard of these American treats.
These sweet and tender cinnamon flavored bites are made in oblong potato shapes.
This candy looks very like a truffle, those delicious round candies with a sweet and creamy center. The main difference is that potato candies do not have any chocolate.
They're usually made with butter, cream cheese, sweetened shredded coconut, and powdered sugar or confectioner's sugar. The outside is a coating of powdered cinnamon. The creaminess of the center lessens the impact of the spices on the palate.
These confections originated among Irish immigrants in Philadelphia sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. No sweets or candies in Ireland ever resembled them. Rumor has it that they were created using a German recipe.
A Big Decision
Last night I finally settled on eating a few packets of Whoppers, as I dreamed of my Malteser days.
O.K. I confess! It was a little more than just a few. But in my defense they were mini fun-size packets!
My motto today is:
"Move away from the whoppers!"
I better heed my own warning, before my backside turns into a whopper.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
P.S. Please feel free to add to this candy dictionary in the comment section below, or just let us know about your favorite candy or sweets on either side of the Atlantic.
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Aimee
How fun Mairead! We are just starting to dive into the world of European chocolates so I love this comparison chart! We have enjoyed the ones we have tried so far- although don't ask me what they are! 🙂 I know I've mentioned before how I love that they don't contain the same sweeteners as the American versions and as a result could maybe justify (do you need to justify eating sweets?!!) eating them a bit more. Growing up Junior Mints or york peppermint patties were my top pick- chocolate and mint, Mmm! After having each of my babies, I enjoyed eating my Snickers Bar that I had lovingly packed in my hospital bag. 🙂 After all your postings on the Peppermint Aero, I am really curious to try that one!
Irish American Mom
Aimee - I think the reason I miss Irish chocolate and sweets so much is that they just aren't quite so sweet as their American counterparts. Good to know this perceived difference may indeed be due to a lack of extra sweetners.
You must try a Peppermint Aero if you ever get a chance. I found them in my local Meijers the other day and they were on sale for only 89 cents a bar. They are €1.49 in Ireland, so Meijers was really offering a bargain. I did buy a few, but since my kids love them too, they didn't last very long in our house.
Hope you had a great Halloween,
Mairead
Aimee
We made our way to Meijer's today and stocked up on a few essential Irish items! We tried a few of the candy bars and loved them! We also got some weetabix to try! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!
Aimee
Oh, which one is similar to an American twix? We found one today that we though might be it (the Drifter I think) but we weren't sure. Thanks. 🙂
Irish American Mom
Aimee - Twix bars are available on both sides of the Atlantic. The ones you get in Ireland are a little creamier than the American versions, due to the slight difference in chocolate. I actually have never tasted a Drifter bar (unusual for this chocaholic). It may have been created after I left Ireland many years ago and have never tested it on my trips back to Ireland.
Enjoy your chocolates,
Mairead
Irish American Mom
Aimee - Meijers really does have a nice little selection of British/Irish foods. If you have a Trader Joes near you, they also stock Weetabix (only $2.99 at my Trader Joes). I love Weetabix for breakfast and even crumble them to add fiber to muffins.
Brian@irelandfavorites
Hi Mairead, great minds think alike,
cheers,
Brian.
Irish American Mom
Brian - Since you previously worked as an Irish food importer I think you really understand my feelings when it comes to all things chocolate.
Take care,
Mairead
Liam
Your table above gives a good indication about how much you love your chocolate 🙂
Even after all these years, I still make the mad dash on my last day in Cork to have plenty of the tasty stuff from back home to bring back to the US with me. I suppose like you say, it's all about the taste buds. Maybe nostalgia plays a part too.
The really thin dairy milk is probably my own fav. Or buttons! Both very creamy Cadburys milk choc! Yum!
Irish American Mom
Liam - I probably am a bit of a chocaholic. But I only eat milk chocolate. I have never liked dark chocolate, so I'm right there with you on how wonderful thin dairy milk chocolate bars are. Now the big challenge is to stop munching all through the holiday season.
Take care,
Mairead
Grammy
When my Daughter lived in Sicily she would send us Italian candies. I became addicted to Bueno's and Hippos! I think I brought back 5 lbs of these yummy candy bars in my suitcase when I came back from visiting her there....You are absolutely right about the difference in chocolate, we have an Aussie friend who sends us Cadbury Milk bars from time to time and it's so much better than what we get here!! It's so nice to have International Candy connections to keep us supplied!
Irish American Mom
Grammy - I am so lucky to have a Meijers grocery store here in Louisville. Their international section has a small selection of English candy, and they do carry my favorite, Peppermint Aero. I buy a little treat every time I shop. I wonder if Meijers realize what a great marketing tool this is, because those few candy bars keep me coming back each week.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mairead
Vince
Curly-whorly is back. And you forgot Cream Eggs and Twirls
Irish American Mom
Vince - Loved all three of these. Cream Eggs are available over here at Easter, but they don't taste like the Irish ones at all.
Have a great weekend,
Mairead
Vince
Yeah, darn hard to come up with something so blended with the flavours of food dye and sugar. I just remembered the Walnut Whip. That had the Roundtree flavour of chocolate, like the Yorkey. And if you liked the Aero, the Fry's Chocolate Cream was like a big After 8.
Irish American Mom
Loved them all, Vince. Maybe it's a good thing I live on this side of the Atlantic, or I might be munching my way through the days.
Spencer
You need to make a trip to Canada! We have many of your favorites here.
Irish American Mom
Hi Spencer - I've heard that before - the selection of English/Irish food and chocolates is far greater in Canada. I haven't been to Canada in over fifteen years, so hopefully someday soon I'll make it.
All the best,
Mairead
Brian@irelandfavorites
Hi, Mairead, you need to be a little careful in the States and Canada as the former cadbury chocolate bars may not be coming from the UK, instead from Indonesia, different sourced ingredients. Slightly different.
Cheers,
Brian.
Irish American Mom
Thanks Brian for your expert advice. I will definitely continue to load up my suitcase with chocolate whenever I get back to Ireland for a break.
All the best,
Mairead
Brian@irelandfavorites
Expert, you made me laugh,
Brian.
Irish American Mom
Well, Brian. You have tasted and enjoyed candy on both sides of the Atlantic, so in my book that makes you an expert. I am afraid I have been working on refining my own expertise a little too much this past week. I can't stop raiding the Halloween candy!!! Alack and alas, I am growing a second sweet tooth for American chocolate.
karen
I am off to Ireland in three weeks. We will be visiting our second cousins in Bodyke and want to bring some gift items with us. I have bought the four year old girl a build a bear small fry with some accessories. They also have an 8 year old girl. It seems like everything we have is available in Irealnd and UK. A toys R us in Belfast...Any suggestions for food or gifts would be appreciated. I am thinking along the lines of Monster high drawing kits for the older girl. I am getting baseball caps from a local skateboard company for the guys. HELP.
Irish American Mom
Karen - I'll think this over for a few hours and add some suggestions later this evening. I'll be able to think clearer once my kids are in bed.
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Karen - So true that nearly everything sold here in America is now available in Ireland. I think crafts are definitely a great idea for the older 8 year old girl. Michael's and Hobby Lobby sell some very unique craft kits that probably would not be available in Ireland. My little six year old loves crafts such as picture frame decorating kits, or beading projects. I think the boys will really appreciate any kind of sport paraphernalia. A few years ago I got a lot of requests for Abercrombie and Fitch gear, but I think they may have since opened a store in Ireland.
I hope you have a wonderful trip to Ireland and enjoy every moment with your family, cousins and friends.
All the best,
Mairéad
karen fratantaro
We just returned from our visit to Ireland. The Reese's peanut butter cups were a big hit with everyone. I took the girls build a bear small frys and monster high art books. The little guy I just bought themed tshirts from Disney. We have always loved the clotted cream but this time got an extra treat from the Park House hotel in Galway. We ordered baked potatoes and could not get enough of the homemade sour cream and it was delicious. We were discussing chocolate syrup mostly Hershey's and the waiter told us they made their own. I asked politely if I could taste it. He brought me a child portion of ice cream with an adult portion of homemade chocolate syrup. If I could have licked the bowl, I would have.We had a great time and everyone could not have been nicer. My sister had made bigheads of our two granddaughters who are both 5 and we took pictures of them along the way and also used them to shield us from the rain. You can check out our pics at Facebook.
Thanks again.
Karen
Irish American Mom
Karen - It sounds like you had a wonderful trip. I hope the weather wasn't too bad. But as I always say: "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes."
Sounds like all your Texas gifts and treats were much appreciated in Ireland. I would love to see your photos, but I wasn't too sure how to find them on Facebook.
Take care, and it is so nice to hear such lovely feedback about a successful trip to Ireland.
Mairéad
Paula
My husband and I are visiting Ireland for the first time later this month. We will be staying in several B&Bs. Traveling in another US state I would bring the hosts a small taste of Texas gift. Is that appropriate? Any suggestions?
Irish American Mom
Paula - I hope you have a wonderful time in Ireland, and that you feel the warm welcome of my homeland during your visit. What a lovely tradition you have of bringing your hosts a small gift from Texas. When traveling from the US to Ireland there are some restrictions on bringing food items through customs. I know any dairy or meat products are definitely prohibited, but I am not familiar with all the details. I personally avoid bringing food to Ireland just to be on the safe side. Instead you may want to bring small trinkets. I remember when I lived in Dallas there were many unique little Texas gifts available. Cowboy boot bottle openers, or fridge magnets come to mind. Your hosts will definitely not expect anything - they will simply be delighted to share their home with you and enjoy your company.
Have a wonderful trip,
Mairéad
Kerry Jo
Hello, Mairéad!
I'm in Ireland visiting for the second time in my life, and my boyfriend and I (snack connoisseurs, as it were) are looking to sample some Irish sweets! Now, he's back home in the states, so I (of course) had to sample a bit of everything before I pick something to take back - and I am with you on the Peppermint Aero. There is simply nothing else like it.
I love your blog, and thanks for all the tips!
Kerry Jo
Irish American Mom
Hi Kerry Jo - I hope you enjoy the remainder of your time in Ireland, and get a chance to sample a few more Peppermint Aeros before you head back stateside. They are my absolute favorite Irish candy. You can also buy peppermint Aero Bubbles which I love to use to decorate a sponge cake with cream frosting - one of my boys always request that combination for his birthday cake so I need to have a supply of Aero bubbles from Ireland before his birthday comes around.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your kind words about my blog.
All the best, and happy travels,
Mairéad
KIM flynn
I am hoping you might be able to help me. I am working on a story and I'd like to know what kind of sweets would have been available at a sweets shoppe in 1860's in Ireland. Any help is appreciated.
Kim
Irish American Mom
Hi Kim - I am not an expert historian but I believe there would have been boiled sweets available in Ireland in the middle of the 19th century. Barley sugar sweets were popular. In Walter Macken's book "The Silent People" which is set at the time of the Famine in 1845 he refers to boiled sweets. I also know that marzipan was available in England in the 19th century. I hope this helps.
All the best,
Mairéad
Tracy Dean
I live in Canada and it's interesting that almost all of what you have listed on the Ireland chart can be found here. Even Smartie, which are way better than M&M's in my opinion. I'm travelling to Ireland next year.
Irish American Mom
Hi Tracy - Smarties are so much better than M&M's in my book too. Their chocolate is not as dark and just melts in your mouth. Good to learn Canada has a similar sweet selection to Ireland. I know you have far more Cadbury products than in America.
Best wishes, and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Jenny
Thanks for this! Sending a Canadian Christmas Care Package to Ireland and I wanted to send a few items that they would have never tried! Including some Ketchup Chips (yes, these exist in Canada) and All Dressed.
Would love to know if you have any other North American treats that you think I should include!?
Irish American Mom
Hi Jenny - I never heard of Ketchup Chips - sounds like a uniquely Canadian flavor. My kids love Swedish fish and Swedish fish chewing gum which is not available in Ireland. Have a lovely Christmas and thanks for checking out my blog.
Best wishes,
Mairéad