Popular Confectionery Brands (UK Focus).
- Tony Jones
- Oct 5
- 11 min read
The UK has a vibrant confectionery culture that captivates both young and old alike. From mouthwatering chocolate bars to chewy gummy sweets, many brands have become staples in homes across the country. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at ten of the UK's most popular confectionery brands. We will explore their histories, how they have evolved over the years, and the signature products that have made them household names.
1). Cadbury
Cadbury stands out as the most recognized chocolate brand in the UK, famous for its smooth, creamy chocolate and a vast array of snacks. Founded in 1824 by John Cadbury in Birmingham, this brand began by selling beverages like tea and coffee. It wasn't until 1847 that Cadbury introduced solid chocolate to the market. By the late 19th century, it had secured its place as a leading chocolate manufacturer.
The Cadbury Dairy Milk bar, launched in 1905, significantly changed the chocolate landscape with its rich flavor and creamy texture. Today, Cadbury offers more than 40 different products, including various chocolate bars, seasonal gifts, and even sharing boxes. Its dedication to quality and innovation ensures that Cadbury remains a beloved treat in countless households across the nation.
Here’s a sample table of Cadbury UK products (current & classic) with some basic info.
Product | Type / Format | Key Feature(s) / Notes |
Dairy Milk | Chocolate Bar / Block | Classic milk chocolate core line |
Dairy Milk Fruit & Nut | Bar | Adds fruit & nut pieces |
Dairy Milk Whole Nut | Bar | Contains whole hazelnuts |
Dairy Milk Caramel | Bar | With caramel filling |
Dairy Milk Buttons | Share bag / small bites | Small chocolate buttons |
Twirl | Bar / Fingers | Flaky, twisted fingers covered in milk chocolate |
Wispa | Bar | Aerated milk chocolate texture |
Boost | Bar | Chewy caramel + biscuit + chocolate mix (energy feel) |
Starbar | Bar | Peanut & chewy caramel centre |
Picnic | Bar | Nougat + caramel + biscuit + nuts + raisins (variety) |
Bournville | Dark Chocolate Block / Bar | Smoother dark chocolate options (including variants like Salted Caramel, Chopped Hazelnut) |
Curly Wurly | Bar | Chocolate-coated caramel in twisted shape |
Fry’s Chocolate Cream | Bar | Fondant centre under chocolate coating |
Fry’s Turkish Delight | Bar | Rose-flavoured Turkish delight under chocolate |
Mini Eggs | Candy / seasonal shell eggs | Milk chocolate centre with candy shell; very popular around Easter |
Creme Egg | Seasonal eggs / novelty | Hollow chocolate egg with fondant centre, iconic Easter item |
2). Maltesers
Maltesers provide a delightful combination of a crunchy malt center and a smooth chocolate coating. Introduced in 1936 by the Mars Company as a low-calorie chocolate option, these treats quickly became a favorite. Their light, airy texture appeals to many, making them a go-to indulgence.
Maltesers come in various formats, like sharing bags that cater to social gatherings, and even as a chocolate bar. They have hit sales of £80 million in the UK, demonstrating their popularity and versatility in the confectionery market.
These are some of the Malteaser products from the UK grouped by Product / Notes
Product | Type / Notes |
Maltesers Milk Chocolate & Honeycomb Bag | standard flavour, honeycomb centre. |
Maltesers White Chocolate Bag | white chocolate coating instead of milk chocolate. |
Maltesers Chocolate Mini Bunnies Bag | Easter seasonal (bunny shape) in milk chocolate. |
Maltesers White Chocolate Mini Bunnies Bag | Easter / limited seasonal, white chocolate version. |
Maltesers Chocolate Box 310g | larger shared-box format. |
Maltesers Truffles (various gift/box formats) | more “luxury / gifting” format. |
Maltesers Teasers Bar 35g | a bar format using Maltesers style/honeycomb pieces. |
Maltesers Ice Cream Bar 4-Pack | frozen dessert format. |
These are less permanent or special-edition versions:
White Maltesers were discontinued but have returned, now available in some stores permanently.
Maltesers Gold (white chocolate + caramel twist) was a limited edition flavour, seen in B&M.
Seasonal shapes or packaging (Christmas Reindeers, Easter Bunnies) in various styles. E.g. Mini Bunnies.
3). Haribo
Haribo has made a substantial mark in the UK market with its vibrant gummy sweets. Founded in 1920 by Hans Riegel in Bonn, Germany, the company's iconic Gold bears, introduced in 1960, have become a global favorite. They are now one of the top-selling gummy snacking products, with more than 1.2 billion bags sold every year in the UK alone.
Haribo's colorful and chewy sweets attract not just children but also adults looking for a nostalgic flavor. The brand remains committed to innovation, introducing new flavors, shapes, and even healthier options to appeal to modern consumers.
These are some of the Haribo products from the UK grouped by flavour / format / popularity.
Product / Variant | Description / Notes |
Gold Bears | Fruity gummy bears in assorted flavours. |
Starmix | A mix of several Haribo classics (bears, rings, cola bottles, etc.). |
Tangfastics | Sour / tangy mix, sugar-coated sweets, fizzy components. |
Supermix | Softer, creamy & fruity textures, shapes such as milk bottles, hearts, etc. |
Giant Strawbs | Large strawberry-shaped gummies. |
Happy Cola Bottles | Cola flavoured gummy bottles. |
Rhubarb & Custard | A flavour variant of Haribo sweets. |
Fried Eggs | Fruit-flavoured with the classic “egg” look (white + yolk). |
Heart Throbs | Fruit flavour jelly hearts with foam / softer texture. |
Fruit flavour Jelly Rings | Multi-colour fruit rings. |
Mini Jelly Babies | Smaller version of Jelly Babies. |
Pontefract Cakes | Liquorice-flavoured jelly discs (“cakes”) from Haribo’s UK heritage. |
Giant Dummies | Large “dummy” (pacifier) shaped sweets, fruity flavours. |
Soda Twist Z!ngs | Sour / fizzy twists combining fruit & cola flavour. |
Bubblegum Bottles Zing | Bubblegum flavoured bottles with zing / sour twist. |
Sweet Mix / Bulk / Party Bags | Various assortments and tubs for sharing. |
Jelly Beans (Haribo) | Flavoured jelly beans (raspberry, blackcurrant, orange, lemon, peach & pineapple). |
Other shapes / novelty / seasonal editions | e.g. Easter bunnies, themed packs, etc. |
4). Magnum
Magnum is the premium ice cream brand synonymous with luxury. Launched in 1989 by Unilever, Magnum caters to consumers looking for indulgence. Its signature product boasts a rich ice cream center enrobed in a thick layer of exquisite chocolate.
With sales reaching £76 million in the UK ice cream market, Magnum continues to diversify with a variety of flavors and special editions to please different palates. Its promise of high-quality ingredients guarantees that it remains a popular choice for ice cream lovers.
Here’s a table of some current / recent Magnum ice cream products in the UK, including flavour, format, and notes.
Product | Format(s) | Key Features / Notes |
Classic | Stick / Multipack / Tub | The original milk-chocolate cracking shell over vanilla ice cream. |
Almond | Stick / Multipack | Vanilla/almond flavour, coated with milk chocolate and almond pieces. |
White Chocolate | Stick / Multipack | Uses white chocolate shell instead of milk/dark. |
Double Raspberry | Stick / Tub | Includes a raspberry sauce swirl; more intense flavour. |
Double Caramel | Stick / Tub | Vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce and more indulgence. |
Double Sunlover | Tub / Stick / Mini | Tropical flavours: coconut ice cream, mango & passionfruit swirl, white chocolate shell. |
Double Starchaser | Stick / Tub | Caramel ice cream + popcorn flavour etc.; a more experimental flavour. |
Vegan Chill Blueberry Cookie | Stick / Multipack Mini | Vegan range; blueberry cookie, with dark/vegan chocolate pieces. |
Euphoria Pink Lemonade | Stick / Multipack Mini | Raspberry sorbet core, lemon-flavoured ice cream, popping candy, white chocolate shell. |
Utopia Double Cherry | Stick / Multipack | Marbled berry panna & additional sauce, thick Magnum shell, etc. Part of the Utopia line. |
Utopia Double Hazelnut | Stick / Multipack | Hazelnut & caramel almond ice cream with salted hazelnut sauce, etc. |
Remix (Classic, Almond, White & Berry) | Multipack / Minis / Tub | Remixed versions of classics with extra layers / double dipped etc. |
Double Salted Caramel (Tub) | Tub | Vanilla ice cream + salted caramel sauce, chocolate shards, etc. |
5). Galaxy
Galaxy is a chocolate brand celebrated for its smooth and silky texture. Launched in 1960, it quickly built a reputation for high-quality chocolate. The tagline, "Why have cotton when you can have silk?" expresses its luxurious appeal.
Galaxy's product lineup includes a range of chocolate bars and sharing bags. Recently, it has ventured into ice cream with popular products such as the Galaxy Caramel Ice Cream Sundae. Its focus on indulgence resonates with consumers, establishing Galaxy as a favorite among chocolate connoisseurs.
Here’s a table showing a number of Galaxy (UK) chocolate products, with their format & category.
Product | Format / Variant | Product Category / Notes |
Galaxy Counters Milk Chocolate Buttons Treat Bag (78g) | Sharing Treat Bag | Counters line – chocolate buttons. |
Galaxy Counters Single Bag (35g) | Small Bag / Single-serve | Counters – small pack. |
Galaxy Counters Pouch (112g) | Larger Sharing Pouch | Counters – more for sharing. |
Galaxy Ripple Milk Chocolate Bar 7×30g Multipack | Multipack Bars | Ripple line – chocolate bars with rippled centre. |
Galaxy Milk Chocolate Counters 112g Pouch | Sharing Bag / Pouch | Counters – larger pack variant. |
Galaxy Ripple Chocolate Bars Multipack 4×33g | Multipack Bars | Ripple ‐ smaller multipack. |
6). Smarties
Smarties have delighted both children and adults since 1937. Produced by Nestlé, these colorful sugar-coated chocolate candies are known for their playful and vibrant appearance. The brand has a rich history, stretching back to the early 20th century.
Over the years, Smarties have expanded to include flavors like Creamy Chocolate and the popular Smarties Buttons. Their recent commitment to sustainability, which includes using recyclable packaging, has also captured the attention of eco-conscious consumers.
Here’s a table of several Smarties products in the UK, showing format and notes.
Product | Format / Variant | Notes |
Smarties Milk Chocolate Tube 38g | Tube (resealable) | Classic size. |
Smarties Multipack – 4 × 38g Tubes | Multipack Tubes | Good for sharing; includes 4 tubes. |
Smarties Multipack – 3 Milk Chocolate Tubes | Multipack Tubes | Three-tube format. |
Smarties Buttons Milk Chocolate Sharing Bag | Bag / Sharing format | Buttons filled with mini Smarties. |
Smarties Sharing Bag of Milk Chocolate Sweets 118g | Sharing Bag | Larger bag (118g). |
Smarties Giant Tube 120g | Giant Tube | Larger version of tube format. |
Smarties Orange Giant Tube 120g | Giant Tube, Orange Shell flavour emphasis | Orange-flavoured shell version. |
Smarties White Chocolate Giant Tube 120g | Giant Tube, White Chocolate variant | White chocolate coating. |
Smarties Mini Mix-In 500g | Bulk / Mix-In pack | For baking / mixing into desserts etc. |
Smarties Milk Chocolate Tube 3-Pack 102g | Multipack (3 tubes) | Another sharing-multipack size. |
7). Kit Kat
Kit Kat is instantly recognizable for its unique wafer layers covered in chocolate. Launched in 1935 by Rowntree's, Kit Kat quickly became a favorite snack, encouraging people with its catchy slogan, "Have a break, have a Kit Kat."
The brand has become a trendsetter by introducing various flavor combinations like Matcha and Raspberry, targeting adventurous palates. Kit Kat’s four-finger design remains iconic, and its engaging marketing has made it a respected player in the confectionery market.
Here’s a table of many of the KitKat products currently (or recently) available in the UK, with flavour/variant, format, and some notes.
Product | Format / Variant | Notes / Features |
KitKat 4 Finger Milk Chocolate Bar | Standard 4-finger bar (≈41.5g) | Classic KitKat in milk chocolate. |
KitKat 2 Finger Caramel Chocolate | 2-finger bar | Enhanced with caramel flavour. |
KitKat 2 Finger Dark Chocolate | 2-finger bar | Dark chocolate coating. |
KitKat 2 Finger White Chocolate | 2-finger bar | White chocolate flavour. |
KitKat 2 Finger Cookies & Cream | 2-finger bar | Cookies & cream flavour variant. |
KitKat Vegan Chocolate | Standard / fingers | Vegan friendly version. |
KitKat Chunky Milk Chocolate | Chunky bar (single thick bar) | Larger single bar, thicker with more chocolate. |
KitKat Chunky Peanut Butter Chocolate | Chunky bar | Peanut butter flavour inside. |
KitKat Chunky Salted Caramel Duo | Chunky bar / “Duo” format | Mix / layer of salted caramel. |
KitKat Chunky Funky | Chunky bar | More indulgent / flavourful twist. |
KitKat 4 Finger Dark Chocolate | 4-finger bar | Dark chocolate coating on the classic wafer. |
KitKat 4 Finger Caramel Chocolate | 4-finger bar | Caramel flavour variant in 4-finger format. |
KitKat Lotus Biscoff White Chocolate (Chunky) | Chunky bar | White chocolate + Lotus Biscoff flavour. |
KitKat Sauce with wafer pieces | Dessert / Bulk / 1 kg bottle | For dessert topping / culinary use. |
KitKat ‘MORE’ – Chunky Raspberry & Hazelnut | Chunky bar (reduced sugar “MORE” range) | Part of KitKat’s “MORE” healthier range; real fruit & nuts; less sugar. |
8). Flake
Flake is a distinctive chocolate product famed for its delicate, crumbly texture. Introduced in 1920 by Cadbury, it was marketed as the "crumbliest, flakiest milk chocolate."
Flake's texture is not just unique; it's also a popular choice for toppings on desserts, particularly ice cream. The "99 Flake" ice cream cone, adorned with a Flake, has become synonymous with summer treats. The brand remains a classic pick for those who appreciate quality chocolate.
Here’s a table of Flake-brand UK products / variants, with format and notes.
Product / Variant | Format / Pack Size | Notes / Features |
Cadbury Flake Bar | 32 g bar | Classic milk chocolate flake bar. |
Cadbury Flake 4-Pack Multipack | 4 × 20 g | Multipack for sharing or smaller treats. |
Cadbury Flake Bar (Bulk Case) | 48 × 32 g | Wholesale / bulk pack variant. |
Cadbury Flake Chocolate Bar 102 g | ~4 × 25.5 g (or large bar) | Larger pack / sharing size. |
Cadbury Flake 99 Bar | ~8.25 g | “99 Flake” is the smaller flake bar used in ice cream cones / dessert topping. |
Cadbury Flake 99 Ice Cream Cone (“Flake 99 125ml”) | Ice cream cone ~125 ml | Ice cream product with Flake bar and chocolate curls. |
9). Jaffa Cakes
Jaffa Cakes combine a biscuit base with orange-flavored jelly and a chocolate coating. Launched in 1927 by McVitie's, these treats have become a beloved snack in the UK, displaying their unique ability to straddle the line between biscuit and cake.
Despite ongoing debates over their classification, Jaffa Cakes remain popular. The brand has broadened its range, offering various flavors, such as Lemon and Strawberry, appealing to curious consumers who enjoy trying new sweet combinations.
Here’s a table of various Jaffa Cakes products / variants available (UK) along with format / notes. Some are permanent, some limited-edition.
Product / Variant | Format / Pack Size | Notes / Feature(s) |
Jaffa Cakes Original (Orange) | 10 cakes carton / Twin / Mini Pods / Pocket Packs / Cake Bar / Mini Roll | Classic flavour: dark chocolate, orange jelly, light sponge. Permanent core line. |
Jaffa Cakes Snack Pack 44g | Snack pack (≈ 4 cakes) | Smaller portion for lunchboxes / on-the-go. |
Jaffa Cakes Hot Honey Flavour | 110g box (10 cakes) | New spicy-sweet (“hot honey”) variant. |
Jaffa Cakes Cola Bottle Flavour | 110g box (10 cakes) | First non-fruit flavour; jelly centre is cola-bottle style. |
Rockin’ Raspberry | 10 cakes (110g) | Raspberry flavoured centre; part of newer flavours line. |
Cherry Flavour | 10 cakes (122g) | Cherry jelly centre variant; one of the fruit-twist flavours. |
Passion Fruit Flavour | 10 cakes | Tropical fruity twist; in sharing box. |
Lemon & Lime Flavour | (Pack size similar) | One of past fruit flavour variants. |
Pineapple Flavour | 10 cakes box (past/newer) | Another fruit flavour introduced in recent years. |
Berry Cool (Blackcurrant) | 10 cakes box | Blackcurrant flavour; introduced recently at Tesco. |
10). Aero
Aero is well-known for its signature bubbly chocolate texture, created through a specialized aeration process. Launched in 1935, Aero captured the attention of chocolate lovers with its light and airy feel.
The brand has broadened its product selection to include Aero Bubbles and Aero Mint. Its consistent focus on innovation keeps Aero fresh and appealing, making it a go-to treat for those seeking something unique.
Here’s a table of many of the Aero products / variants currently (or recently) available in the UK, with flavour, format, and notes.
Product / Variant | Size / Format | Flavour / Key Feature |
Aero Bubbly Milk Chocolate Bar | 36 g (single bar) | Classic milk chocolate Aero with its bubbly interior. |
Aero Bubbly Peppermint Chocolate Bar | 36 g | Peppermint centre under milk chocolate shell. |
Aero Milk Chocolate Sharing Bar | 90 g | Larger block to share; classic milk flavour. |
Aero Peppermint Sharing Bar | 90 g | Sharing block, peppermint variant. |
Aero Peppermint Chocolate Sharing Bar (145 g) | 145 g | Bigger sharing size, peppermint flavour. |
Aero Orange Chocolate Sharing Bar | 90 g | Orange-flavoured bubbles inside milk chocolate. |
Aero Strawberry Chocolate Sharing Bar | 90 g | Strawberry version; newer flavour. |
Aero Choco-Hazelnut Sharing Bar | 90 g | Hazelnut flavour added to Aero. |
Aero “Giant Bubbly Peppermint” Sharing Bar | 295 g | Large sharing bar; peppermint. |
Aero Milk Chocolate Bar Multipack (4 × 36 g) | Multipack 4-bars | Milk chocolate version in multipack. |
Aero Peppermint Bar Multipack (4-pack) | Multipack | Peppermint bars in a multipack. |
Aero Orange & Chocolate Bubbly Mousse | 4×58 g pots | Orange mousse version of Aero, bubbly texture. |
Aero Milk Chocolate Mousse | 4×59 g pots | Chocolate mousse pots for a chilled Aero-style treat. |
Aero Melts Milk Chocolate Sharing Bag | ~92 g | Small button-style Aero “melts” / bite-size pieces. |
Aero Melts Orange Chocolate Sharing Bag | ~86 g | “Orange” flavoured melts. |
Aero Melts Neapolitan Ice Cream Flavour Sharing Bag | ~86 g | Neapolitan-style melts (combining strawberry / vanilla / chocolate). |
Aero Bubbles Peppermint Sharing Bag | ~92 g | Bubbly spheres (bubbles) in peppermint flavour. |
Aero Bubbles Milk Chocolate Sharing Bag | ~181 g | Large bag of milk chocolate “bubbles” (bite-size spheres). |
Aero Hot Chocolate (drinking chocolate) | 288 g tin | Aero flavour transformed into a hot chocolate powder. |
Final Thoughts
The UK confectionery landscape is rich with history, creativity, and delicious treats. Brands like Cadbury, Maltesers, and Haribo continue to shine as shining examples of what makes the confectionery industry special. Each brand has carved out its niche, delighting consumers with their exceptional products and clever marketing strategies. As we enjoy these delightful sweets, it's clear they are not just treats, but part of the cherished fabric of British culture. Whether you are enjoying a classic chocolate bar or digging into gummy sweets with friends, the happiness that confectionery brings is timeless.
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