If you’ve ever visited a sweet shop in the UK or Ireland, chances are you’ve encountered the delightful tradition of the Pick n Mix. These diverse selections of sweets allow you to create a customised bag of your favourite treats. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this beloved confectionery tradition? Let’s delve into the sweet history of the Pick n Mix.

The Birth of Pick n Mix

The concept of Pick n Mix originated in the United States in the early 20th century with the Woolworths department store chain. They introduced a self-service candy department where customers could choose a variety of sweets and pay by weight. This innovative idea soon spread across the globe and became particularly popular in the UK and Ireland, where it became a staple of sweet shops, supermarkets, and cinemas.

Popular Pick n Mix Sweets and Their Origins

Pick n Mix selections typically feature a wide range of sweets, including gummies, hard candies, chocolates, and more. Many of these sweets have fascinating histories of their own.

• Jelly Babies: These soft, jelly-like sweets, often dusted with starch, are a classic in the UK. They were first introduced by Fryers of Lancashire in 1864 and were originally marketed as ‘Unclaimed Babies.’ Over the years, they’ve become a Pick n Mix favourite.
• Fizzy Cola Bottles: These tangy, cola-flavoured gummies were first produced in the 1960s and quickly became a popular Pick n Mix choice. They’re a perfect example of how sweets can imitate real-life objects, adding a fun twist to your candy bag.

The Evolution of Pick n Mix

Pick n Mix has adapted to changing consumer tastes over the years. Along with traditional favourites, you can now find a variety of modern sweets, including vegan and sugar-free options, reflecting the evolving dietary preferences of consumers.

At Love Sweets Online, we’re proud to carry on this cherished tradition with our own Pick n Mix offerings. With our convenient online ordering and delivery, you can enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane without even leaving your home.

A Sweet Future

The Pick n Mix tradition continues to thrive, thanks to its ability to cater to individual tastes and its enduring appeal to the child in all of us. We can’t wait to see what new sweets will be added to the Pick n Mix selections in the future!