Halloween is here, and what better way to thrill (or terrify) your taste buds than with some of Sweden’s spookiest candies? We’re not talking about ghost-shaped gummies or pumpkin spice chocolates – these treats are genuinely daring. Many of them feature salty licorice, a Nordic specialty that is infamous worldwide. In fact, salty licorice is loved by only about 1% of the world’s population (mainly Scandinavians), and for everyone else, it can be an “unpleasant, even borderline painful” experience. Sounds like the perfect trick and treat for Halloween, right? 😉

With a bit of light sarcasm and a professional nod to candy craftsmanship, let’s dive into this spine-chilling candy guide. Would you dare taste a skull? Read on… if you have the nerve.

💀 Bubs Hallon & Lakrits Skalle (Raspberry & Licorice Skulls)

Let’s start with the candy that inspired our title – yes, it’s literally a skull you can eat. These half-pink, half-black gummy skulls combine sweet raspberry flavor with salty licorice in one creepy-cute package. They’re a deceptively fun mix of fruity and briny – a Swedish favorite that’s far from your average jelly candy. It’s the perfect “starter skull” to test if you’re brave enough to handle the weirder stuff to come!

Often dubbed “Turkish Pepper,” this candy is basically a licorice fireball. Introduced in 1977 and an instant hit among salmiak lovers, Turkisk Peppar has a hard shell infused with spicy licorice flavor and a fiery powder core. Pop one in your mouth and you’ll experience a slow-building heat followed by a salt explosion – a trick and treat all in one. Handle with care: your tongue might feel like it’s breathing dragon fire by the end.

Don’t be fooled by the classy little box or the fact that these pastilles are sugar-free – Läkerol’s sea-salt licorice drops are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They deliver a bold hit of salty licorice flavor in a discreet lozenge form. Think of them as the elegant cousin of those wild Turkisk Peppar candies – a sophisticated warm-up before the real storm.

Ahlgrens Bilar are famously known as “Sweden’s best-selling car” – and no, we’re not talking Volvo, but candy cars. These chewy marshmallow-like sweets in this edition are painted black with salmiak and licorice. They look cute but pack a salty punch that might make your taste buds slam the brakes.

It wouldn’t be a Swedish candy roundup without fish! Kolsvart’s black licorice fish may look mild, but they pack a sharply salty flavor that hits like a wave. With their all-natural ingredients and minimalist packaging, they’re the moody artisan candy of your Halloween spread.

The award for “most mysterious flavor” goes to Läkerol Cactus – yes, cactus, as in the plant. These pastilles balance herbal licorice with tangy cactus notes for a fresh yet edgy flavor. Think of them as the calm before (or after) the licorice storm.

The name says it all: “Jungle Roar.” One bite and you’ll understand. These monkey-shaped licorice candies dusted in salty powder are notorious for their brutal first impression. The salt shock hits first, followed by a sweet licorice finish that keeps you coming back for more. Survive one, and you earn your Swedish candy badge of honor.

All aboard the Black Licorice Pirate Ship! These boat-shaped candies are extra salty, unapologetically intense, and beloved by licorice purists. Each little boat is coated in a dusty layer of salmiak that will make your lips pucker. A Swedish classic for nearly a century – and a must for true daredevils.

Sweden’s spookiest candies prove that Halloween isn’t just about ghosts and goblins – sometimes the real frights come in a candy bag. From skulls and salty fish to fiery licorice and chocolate surprises, each bite dares you to challenge your expectations.

So this Halloween, skip the ordinary. Host a Swedish candy tasting and see who among your friends can handle the salt, spice, and sweet chaos. After all, would you dare taste a skull? In Sweden, we absolutely do – and we love every bizarre, delicious moment.

Happy Halloween — and trevlig spökgodis!