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There’s nothing that compares to holding that paper bag, filled with a selection of delicious sweets, each chosen by you. Whether your mix has two different treats or twenty, a pick n mix is always your pick n mix. In the UK, it is particularly close to our hearts – and it’s been that way for some time! Ever since it was introduced, British people adored the concept and dutifully indulged their sweet tooths.
Today, the magic of pick n mix sweets is as strong as it ever has been. With a sea of retro favourites alongside the latest wave of new treats and trends, there’s something for everyone. In our Ultimate Guide to Pick n Mix, we’ll cover all things pick n mix. From a little on the history of pick n mix as well as shining a light on a few retro favourites, to current trends, how to build the ultimate pick n mix and how you can have pick n mix at home.
A staple of British childhoods for as long as we can remember, nothing compares to a pick n mix. It’s been a fixture on these shores since 1908, after Frank Woolworth brought the model over from New York. In the beginning you could find boiled sweets, mints, toffee and chocolates being sold by the quarter pound at sweets counters. British people loved the trend and began calling it ‘pick n mix’ before the term was officially adopted by any retailers.
As pick n mix continued to grow in popularity and spread across the country, it started to become more ingrained in British culture. You’d begin to find your favourite sweets at the seaside, the funfair and the cinema, not just at the sweetshop. The Space Race even played a part in the ‘60s and ‘70s, boosting the popularity of Flying Saucers!
Since then, there have been too many new pick n mix sweets to count. Some have stuck around, whilst others didn’t catch on. But the variety that pick n mix offers is still unrivalled. With classic sweets just as popular as the latest trends, the magic of pick n mix is very much alive and kicking.
If you want to enjoy some British pick n mix heritage, there are so many retro choices to choose from! Nougat, slabs of Cadbury chocolate and Everton Mints were among the first sweets to feature on the brand new serve-yourself sweet counters.
As the decades passed, many sweets came and went, but the most popular ones stood the test of time. Bon Bons are a fine example of an early favourite that hasn’t gone away. Popular with sweet lovers of all ages, these retro favourites combine a chewy centre with a sweet, powdery coating and come in a wide range of flavours.
There have been sweets from every decade that have caught the imagination of sweet lovers. From the Jazzies to Flying Saucers and Cola Bottles to Jelly Beans, some of the most popular pick and mix sweets today are nothing new!
Given that sweets have been mainstream in the UK for more than 100 years, you’d be forgiven for thinking that there was no more room for new inventions. But you’d be wrong. The world of pick n mix sweets doesn’t stand still, and new treats are coming out all the time!
One of the most exciting pick n mix additions in recent times, without a doubt, is a sweet that really leaves its mark! The Kingsway Tongue Painters are delicious fruity sweets that paint your tongue blue. A welcome touch of madness in any pick n mix, if you ask us!
Sweet makers have become more adventurous with the flavours that they’re offering, too. There’s a growing trend with jelly sweets that taste like your favourite grown-up drinks! From Pina Colada to Mojito, Rhubarb Gin and even beer-flavoured Pint Pots, these tasty treats are great alongside a tipple. They’re all free from alcohol and are a fun sweet that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Fans of pick n mix sweets will be able to attest that the delicious treats so often tie in with current trends. For example, the Minions Original Jelly Sweets came along just in time for the release of Minions: The Rise of Gru. These fruit-flavoured jellies are just one delicious example of an on-trend pick n mix sweet!
Not too long ago, options for anyone on a strict diet were limited when it came to sweets. But that is no longer the case. In recent years, vegan sweets, in particular, have taken off! Many new pick n mix releases are suitable for vegans, whilst BUBS specialises in mouth-watering, vegan pick n mix. And it’s the same for other requirements, too. Sweetzone’s hugely popular pick and mix sweets are all halal certified and some of the most popular treats out there.
The magic of a pick n mix is that you can have so many different sweets at the same time. There are so many choices at any pick n mix stand that no two people will make the same mix. There are no rules when it comes to which sweets you choose, but we definitely feel that picking a variety is the way to get the best out of any pick n mix.
All sweets bring something different to the party. So, including a wide range means that you’re not going to miss out! You never know exactly what your sweet tooth will crave next, so being prepared is only a good thing. Old and new, gummy sweets or chocolate, we’d always give ourselves plenty of options!
Whilst variety is a must, you also want to make sure that plenty of your favourite sweets are in there! For example, if you’re a huge fan of gummy treats, you have a bias towards them. If you’re a chocoholic, then include plenty of chocolates.
When we think of pick n mix, we think of the big displays that you see in sweetshops and countless other locations all over the country. However, we rarely imagine having it where it would be best of all – at home! Making this dream come true is probably a lot easier than you’d think. To have your own pick n mix station, you don’t need to find space for a massive commercial display unit. There are plenty of ways you can do it – you just need to find the way that is best for you!
Sweet jars are a brilliant way to store a collection of your favourites. Not only are they a way of keeping your treats fresh, but they also look amazing. If you want your collection of pick and mix sweets to be a standout feature in your house, this is definitely the way to go. Something like these tall Victorian Plastic Sweet Jars is an elegant way to display your sweets, whereas a Cookie Sweet Jar would make serving your favourites easier.
If you aren’t planning on displaying your sweet stash, then you can’t beat the simplicity of sweet tubs. They’re really convenient, keep sweets fresh and are really easy to store! If there’s a celebration coming up, they make brilliant party sweets, too. Simply choose your favourite tubs, arrange them on a sweet table, and you’re good to go!
However you choose to store and display your selection of sweets, there are a few simple accessories that will really bring the sweetshop experience to life! Either a scoop or some tongs will make serving more fun whenever you treat yourself! If you’ve put your pick n mix display together for a party, you need to think about what guests will put their mixes into. Paper bags, like the Pink Candy Stripe Paper Bags, make cute and nostalgic goody bags. If you ask us, this adds to the whole pick and mix experience.
Here at Wholesale Sweets, our range of bulk sweets has everything you’ll need to make your pick n mix dreams come true. Our range includes the biggest brands and the most popular sweets – all at great wholesale value and with home delivery. Whether you’re planning a party or building the ultimate sweet collection, we’ll deliver the best of the wholesale shopping experience to your door.
