Updated on November 11th, 2022
There’s no better taste than that of Swedish Fish when eating candy. These two-toned candies have a sweet and salty flavor and are incredibly chewy. But what exactly does this sweet, salty snack taste like? We have two answers to that question. First of all, they aren’t really fishy at all! The flavor of Swedish Fish is described as a pale berry, just as the name suggests.
The sweets known as Swedish Fish have a pineapple flavor. They are made with white mineral oil, which can cause diarrhea and gas. Some people have an allergic reaction to the white oil that oozes from the Swedish Fish, and it can lead to hives, rashes, and swelling in rare cases. And the most bizarre of all: there are flavors for every kind of person. The tangy green variety, called the “Pirate Skimmer,” is the best-selling one.
What Is Swedish Fish?
Swedish Fish is a chewy fruit-flavored candy that comes in various colors and flavors and is one of America’s most popular brands.
These candies are best known for their grape flavor, but they also come in strawberry, apple, and other flavors.
Malaco, a Swedish company, invented it in 1958, and it is still popular today thanks to its unique flavor.
Inverted sugar is one of the ingredients in this particular treat (a blend consisting primarily of glucose). Inverted sugars are essential because they help retain moisture, which can cause you’re favorite sweet to degrade after some time on the shelf or when exposed to high heat/humidity levels.
The Swedish Fish taste different from one country to another. The original version has a fruity flavor, while the North American version has “Swedish.” The North American version has the words “Swedish” printed across them. This is not the original version, though. The word “Swedish” is printed in a large, prominent place on the candy.
What Does Swedish Fish Taste Like?
Swedish Fish candy comes in various flavors, the most popular: cherry, lemon/lime (citrus), and raspberry. The candy’s flavor is frequently described as “sour” or “lemony,” with a hint of artificial fruit flavor. Some people compare it to “sour gummy worms” or “gummy bears” in flavor and texture.
The Swedish Fish taste different depending on where they were manufactured. The lingonberry flavor is the most common, but orange and yellow versions are also. You’ll probably find orange Swedish Fish in Sweden, while the black version will likely be salty and liquors. Swedish food is eaten as a snack, and it is a part of Scandinavian culture. The taste of these candies is different.
The other Swedish Fish flavor is more unusual. This type is made with lingonberries, which are small tart fruits commonly eaten in Sweden, and they’re often used to make jam, jelly, and preserves. Many people compare lingonberry to cranberries, but they’re more complex. The taste is sweet, with notes of currants, pomegranate, and a hint of cherry. Because the candy is so sweet, people who don’t like it too much don’t want to eat it all at once.
Difference Between Swedish Fish Of Turkey, Canada, And America
Swedish Fish are different in flavor depending on where they’re made. The ones made in Turkey have a different taste from those made in Canada. Therefore, Swedish Fish may not be the same no matter where they’re manufactured. But there are some similarities between these two types of candy. The only common factor in their differences is where they’re made. For instance, the candy packaging in Sweden is slightly different from that of the same candy in other countries.
The Swedish Fish is available in many flavors. The American version is made from red Swedish Fish, while the Swedish version is orange-red. They can also be made with artificial flavorings, so they are not the same. You should try the original version to find out if it tastes different from the red ones. Aside from the color, the Swedish Fish are also available in many different flavors.
Is It Gluten-Free To Eat Swedish Fish?
Gluten-free Fish from Sweden are safe to eat on a gluten-free diet. They do not label their products gluten-free, but they are made without gluten-containing ingredients.
If you have a gluten sensitivity and even trace amounts of cross-contamination affect you, you should avoid this candy and instead look for one with a gluten-free label.
Is Swedish Fish Vegan?
Swedish Fish also contains modified corn starch, citric acid, white mineral oil, natural and artificial flavors, synthetic food dyes, carnauba wax, and sugar. The glossy finish is achieved using carnauba wax derived from a Brazilian palm tree. It’s also found in various other candies, such as Peeps (where it’s used to make their eyes).
However, some Swedish Fish packages contain beeswax instead of carnauba wax, making them inedible to vegans. Non-vegan Swedish Fish appear to only come in hole-punched peg bag packaging (the kind that hangs from metal arms at gas stations and convenience stores), but always check your labels if you’re concerned! Beeswax is also used in Malaco pastellfiskar, though the Kolsvart brand is certified vegan.
Another point worth mentioning for strict vegans who are still learning the ropes: Even if the Swedish Fish is made with carnauba wax, the sugar may not be vegan because industrially refined cane sugar is frequently processed with bone char (via Veg Knowledge).
What Other Swedish Fish Products Should You Keep An Eye Out For?
Other products have wanted in on the action because Swedish Fish has become such an iconic sweet in the United States. There are Swedish Fish Tails, which have one color and flavor on the head and a different color and flavor on the tail. Swedish Fish in red, white, and blue celebrate the confectionary’s iconic American status – though it would also work in the UK!
Topical Swedish Fish comes in various flavors, including Pina Colada, Beachy Punch, and Passion Fruit.
In the United States, the snack company Nabisco released a Swedish Fish Oreo with a fruity Swedish Fish filling in place of the cream filling. Meanwhile, Rita’s, a famous ice cream brand in the United States, released a limited-edition Swedish Fish flavor. Yum!
Is It True That Swedish Fish Is Bad For You?
Swedish Fish aren’t particularly healthy. Sugar, inverted sugar, and corn syrup are the first three ingredients, and all are sweeteners with different glucose-to-fructose ratios. They all give you empty calories and none of the minerals and nutrients you need to get through the day. They rot your teeth and can cause gum disease.
There isn’t much in Swedish Fish to slow down the rate at which glucose and fructose are absorbed by your body, so it will hit your bloodstream quickly. A sugar high will be followed by a sugar crash, and the excess sugar will then be stored as fat by your body. If you eat Swedish Fish regularly, you’ll raise your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.
They don’t provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it requires to stay healthy and happy. They don’t have enough dietary fiber to help slow down the absorption of the sugar they contain.
Another thing to look out for in the ingredients list is a red flag. “Both natural and artificial flavors” are used to make Swedish Fish. This could mean many things because the FDA isn’t clear on what constitutes a “natural flavor,” and “artificial flavors” are a similarly broad category. While these flavoring agents are a minor component of Swedish Fish, given their prominence on the ingredient list, caution should be exercised whenever “natural and artificial flavors” are mentioned.
Can You Tell Me Where I Can Get Swedish Fish Candy?
Most grocery stores, big box stores like Target or Walmart, movie theatres, and many convenience stores sell Swedish Fish candy. If you can’t find them locally, you can also look for them online through Amazon or other retailers.
It’s best to read the ingredients list on the packaging before buying any product that doesn’t claim to be gluten-free, as recipes can change. You can eat it if you like Swedish Fish as long as you aren’t allergic to gluten in trace amounts.
Enjoy these the next time you’re watching a movie, looking for a special treat for your kids, or giving a gluten-free friend a gift.
Conclusion
The red version is the most famous, but the most popular version is the classic crimson Swedish Fish. When people ask what Swedish Fish taste like, they often guess cherry, strawberry, or fruit punch. Some people simply call them “red” because of the color. The red version is reportedly lingonberry flavored, and the original version is made from lingonberry. The flavor of Swedish Fish has changed over the years.
Other colors of Swedish Fish are available too. They can be made to taste like fruit. The fruity variety is called Tropical Swedish Fish. They are made with passion fruit or pina colada and are an excellent snack for the warm weather. The other kind is called Pastellfiskar. They can be made in various flavors, including grape and orange. Depending on the flavor you’re after, they can be sweet or salty.
