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Do you love the taste of Swedish Fish? If so, you’re not alone! This delicious candy has been a favorite for years all over the world.
But why are they called Swedish Fish? Are they really Swedish? And what flavor is the red Swedish fish – really?
Don’t worry, in this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Swedish Fish. We will cover the history of this candy, the ingredients used to make it, and how it is made. Plus, if you’re looking for some fun facts about Swedish Fish, we’ve got you covered!
Table of Contents
Why are they called Swedish Fish?
Swedish Fish are a type of candy that has been around for many years. The candy was first created in Sweden, which is why it is called Swedish Fish in English. However, the Swedish name for this candy is “pastellfiskar“, which means “pastel fish”.
They were invented in the 1950s in Sweden by a company called Malaco. At the time, Malaco was known for making licorice candy. The company wanted to create a new type of candy that would be popular with kids and adults alike. After much trial and error, they finally created the perfect recipe for Swedish Fish.
It’s thought that they made fish-shaped candies because fish are such a staple in Swedish cuisine and Swedish culture!
Ever heard of surströmming? It’s a Swedish delicacy where fermented herring is left in a barrel for several months before being tinned. And, to put it mildly, it stinks – so much so that several airlines have actually banned it.
Fortunately, Swedish Fish smell nothing like that, but at least it shows the Swedish preference for fish spreads far and wide!
Is Swedish Fish really Swedish?
Swedish Fish is a popular candy that has been around for many years. But what many people don’t know is that Swedish Fish is not actually Swedish! The candy was originally created in Sweden, but it was later sold to a company in the United States. Today, Swedish Fish are made in Canada.
However, the version of Swedish fish sold in Sweden vs the US one is actually made in Sweden by a company called Malaco. It differs from the US version in that the Swedish version is embossed with the word “Malaco” and contains the words “original” on its packing. The US one, however, has the word “Swedish” printed across the fish.
Back to basics: What Language Do Swedish People Speak? (Not Just the Obvious One!)
What flavor are Swedish Fish?
Swedish Fish come in many different flavors, but the most popular flavor is the red one. That said, it’s not clear exactly what fruit this color aligns with, as some say cherry, raspberry or blackcurrant, while others claim it’s lingonberry, which is popular in Sweden.
Other flavors include grape, orange, and lemon which are, unsurprisingly, green, orange and yellow.
The Swedish version also has a black candy, which is licorice-flavored. This makes sense when you realize that licorice tends to be much more popular throughout Scandinavia than in other regions – let’s just say that, for the rest of us, it can be an acquired taste.
There have also been several partnerships between Swedish Fish and other food companies. For example, Swedish Fish Oreos were introduced in 2016 and were extremely popular. Swedish Fish candy canes and flavored gum (with Trident) were also released at different points to varying success. There were even several Swedish Fish-flavored beers released, such as the “Swedish Fish Ale” and “Uncommon Blonde with Swedish Fish”.
What are Swedish Fish made of?
Swedish Fish are made with a few simple ingredients, although the exact recipe isn’t public. The main ingredient is sugar, followed by corn syrup, gelatin, and citric acid. These ingredients are combined to create the chewy, fruity candy that we all know and love.
Are Swedish Fish vegan?
Swedish Fish are not vegan, as they contain gelatin. Gelatin is made from animal collagen, which is why it is not suitable for vegans. However, there are various gelatin-free Swedish Fish options available on the market today.
Why are Swedish fish so good?
Swedish Fish are so popular because they are chewy, fruity, and come in a variety of flavors. They are also relatively inexpensive, which makes them a great value for the price. Whether you’re looking for a tasty treat or a fun candy to share with friends, Swedish Fish is a great option!
Facts about Swedish fish
Want some facts about Swedish fish? Some of these you’ll have seen above but others may be new to you!
- Swedish Fish are called this because they’re Swedish although the one you buy in the US isn’t made in Sweden.
- They have a number of celebrity fans, including Justin Bieber (who requests Swedish fish backstage for all his shows), Laura Linney, Alexander Skarsgård (although, as a Swede, he may be legally required to love them) and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (who claims that his preference is chocolate-covered Swedish Fish).
- The most popular flavor is red, but no one can agree which fruit it’s meant to taste like. A popular theory is that they are made to taste like lingonberry, a popular fruit in Sweden.
- The Malaco Swedish Fish sold in Sweden also has a black version, which is licorice-flavored. After all, it’s definitely an accurate Swedish trait to say that licorice is popular there, as well as in the rest of Scandinavia.
- One survey found that the Swedish Fish is the 19th most popular Halloween candy in the US – although another from YouGov said it was only the 51st most popular. Ouch.
- There have been several partnerships between Swedish Fish and other food companies – and even some alcohol with the flavor of this candy.
Are Swedish Fish delicious?
This is a matter of opinion, but we think so! Swedish Fish are chewy and fruity, with a flavor that is hard to describe. If you’ve never had one before (which is unlikely, given they’re apparently the 10th most popular movie candy in the US), we recommend giving them a try – you might just be surprised at how much you like them!