Popular Candies from Around the World and South African Chocolate Crunchies Recipe

Halloween in America means loads of Snickers, Dum Dums, Kit Kats and other popular sweet treats. Ever wonder what candies kids in other countries eat?

Little Passports, an educational subscription company that teaches kids about world culture and U.S. history has compiled a list of the most popular candies from around the world. Check out these delicious treats!

Australia: One of the most popular candies in Australia is Violet Crumble. The name (as well as the wrapper color) was inspired by the chocolatier’s wife whose favorite flower was the violet. This tasty treat is a chocolate bar with honeycomb toffee inside.

Brazil: Brigadeiros, or chocolate bon bons, were created in Brazil in the 1940s to support a candidate’s campaign who was running for President. This no-bake gooey, chocolate-y, caramel-y treat is super delicious!

Hungary:Hungary’s version of the popular M&Ms candy is called Francia drazsé. These are small chocolates coated in colorful shells, and are believed by many to be “the original M&Ms.”

Japan: ハイチュウ, also known as Hi-Chew, is a very popular type of chewy candy. Hi-Chew was invented by a man trying to make a chewing gum that could be swallowed.  Why? In Japan, taking food out of your mouth is considered rude! What he ended up creating was this famous chewy candy. Today there are more than 40 flavors of Hi-Chew, such as banana, cola, strawberry, watermelon, and even cheesecake. Hi-Chews can be found in the United States, especially on the East and West coasts.

Mexico: Pulparindo is a popular, spicy candy in Mexico and is made from the pulp of tamarind fruit, as well as sugar, spices and chili peppers.

Sweden: People in Sweden, as well as other Nordic countries, enjoy a type of candy known as “Saltlakritsis.” It is a black licorice candy that many say tastes salty and delicious.

Ukraine:One of the most common candy companies in the Ukraine is Roshen, which produces many delicious varieties of candies— there are the jelly-filled Crazy Bee candies; chocolate bars filled with hazelnuts, raisins, and almonds; and many varieties of truffles. In fact, assorted truffles, like those shown here, are very popular to give as a gift.

South Africa: Africa produces around 70% of all cocoa beans so no wonder chocolate is popular here. Try this authentic South African Chocolate Crunchies recipe to bring a bit of culture and sweet yumminess to your home!

1 cup flour

1 cup oats

1 cup coconut

1/2 cup sugar

2 tbsp cocoa

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup margarine

2 tbsp syrup

1 tsp baking soda

Ingredients for Icing:

1 cup icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 tsp milk

1.      Preheat oven to 350 F.

2.      Mix all the dry ingredients for the crunchies, except for the baking soda.

3.      Melt the butter and syrup together. Mix in the baking soda.

4.      Combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix well.

5.      Press into a medium sized greased baking pan, about 10 by 8 inches. Use the back of a spoon to press the mixture together and smooth the top.

6.      Bake for 20 minutes at 350 F.

7.      In a bowl, mix together the icing ingredients.

8.      Put in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth.

9.      Pour the hot icing over the hot crunchies to cover their entire surface.

10.  Cut into squares when cool.