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Time Business News
24-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time Business News
How the Online Sweet Shop Transformed the Way We Buy Sweets
There's something timeless about the joy of sweets. The rustle of a paper bag, the fizz of sherbet on your tongue, or the satisfying chew of a strawberry bonbon — it's a sensory trip that needs no justification. And yet, for many of us, that joy had started to fade. The traditional sweet shop, once a fixture of the British high street, has slowly disappeared. But now, a new kind of sweet revolution is taking shape — and it's happening on screen, not on the corner. Thanks to the growth of specialist retailers like online sweet shop, what was once limited to a small selection in a local shop is now a virtually unlimited experience, hand-packed and delivered straight to your door. The idea of buying sweets online may seem simple, but there's an art to doing it properly. It's not just about offering a list of confections. It's about recreating the feeling you'd get walking into a real sweet shop: the choice, the smell, the indulgence — without the sticky floors. The best online retailers do this by curating extensive ranges of retro sweets, international candy, and dietary-specific treats, all while maintaining the spirit of the traditional sweet-buying experience. The local newsagent could never stock sweets like these. When shopping online, you're no longer limited to five jars and a few wrapped toffees. A well-stocked online sweet shop offers hundreds — even thousands — of different items: Retro classics like cola cubes, flying saucers, rhubarb and custards, sherbet fountains, and fruit salads like cola cubes, flying saucers, rhubarb and custards, sherbet fountains, and fruit salads Pick and mix staples including fizzy cola bottles, jelly snakes, foam strawberries, and dummies including fizzy cola bottles, jelly snakes, foam strawberries, and dummies Boiled sweets such as pear drops, aniseed balls, clove rock, and mint humbugs such as pear drops, aniseed balls, clove rock, and mint humbugs Chocolate treats including chocolate limes, jazzies, toffee eclairs, and mint imperials including chocolate limes, jazzies, toffee eclairs, and mint imperials Foam sweets like shrimp, bananas, and mushrooms like shrimp, bananas, and mushrooms Specialty ranges for vegans, halal diets, sugar-free needs, and gluten-free customers for vegans, halal diets, sugar-free needs, and gluten-free customers Imported favourites like American candy bars, Jolly Ranchers, Hershey's, and Reese's Suddenly, the act of choosing becomes part of the fun again. Customers can build personalised bundles, craft nostalgic gift boxes, or simply stock up on 2kg of jelly beans because they feel like it. Unlike supermarkets or mass distributors, top-tier online sweet shops don't ship pre-packed bags that have sat on a shelf for months. Instead, each order is packed to spec, by hand, on the day it's ordered. This not only guarantees freshness — it also keeps the process personal. You're not just clicking buttons; you're choosing what goes into your bag, and someone is preparing it with care. One of the major advantages of shopping online is the ability to cater to specific dietary requirements. Whether you're vegan, diabetic, coeliac, or following halal guidelines, your options are no longer limited. That includes sugar-free mint chews, gelatin-free jelly sweets, dairy-free chocolate buttons, and halal-certified fruit gums. And it's not just dietary preferences. Themed bundles and seasonal collections are perfect for: Weddings (pastel sweets, Love Hearts, sweet table assortments) Corporate events (custom bulk bags or branded gift boxes) Birthdays (character-themed sweets for children, retro mixes for adults) Holidays (Easter eggs, Halloween candy bags, Christmas chocolate coins) Thank you gifts or client hampers It's not all about nostalgia. The online market has embraced sweet innovation too — particularly freeze-dried sweets. These crunchy, puffed-up versions of familiar treats offer a brand-new texture and taste experience. Freeze-dried Skittles, Marshmallows, and even Drumsticks have become hugely popular for their intense flavour and satisfying crunch. Luxury sweet boxes and gift hampers have also surged in popularity. Professionally packaged and ideal for gifting, these often feature a mix of retro favourites and modern indulgences like Lindor truffles or gourmet toffee fudge. No need for wrapping — they arrive gift-ready. The best online sweet shops go far beyond product listings. They offer a polished, enjoyable experience that includes: A clear, easy-to-use website Logical categorisation by sweet type, flavour, diet, and occasion Fast, trackable delivery across the UK Accurate product imagery Transparent ingredient and allergen information Fair pricing with generous quantities Helpful customer service and reviews More importantly, they treat every order with the kind of attention to detail you'd expect from your favourite corner shop owner. As more people turn to e-commerce for groceries and gifts, sweets are no exception. The market for traditional and novelty confectionery is growing, not shrinking — and it's being driven by people who want quality, customisation, and convenience. In this new digital era, the sweet shop hasn't vanished. It's been reimagined. No more hurried supermarket pick-ups or limited petrol station stock. Just a world of chewy, crunchy, fizzy, and chocolatey goodness a click away — with all the flavour and joy you remember, plus a few surprises thrown in. Sweets are more than just sugar. They're memories, gifts, comforts, and simple pleasures. And with the evolution of the online sweet shop, those moments are now more accessible than ever. Whether you're building your dream pick and mix, sending a gift, or just giving in to a craving, the best treats are only a parcel away — fresh, flavourful, and chosen by you. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Scottish Sun
29-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
The deadly truth behind illegal sweets being flogged to YOUR kids at the local corner shop thanks to viral TikTok craze
Parents left 'terrified' as our probe reveals how new trend has taken over UK high streets - scroll for how to spot the illegal snacks SUGAR RUSH The deadly truth behind illegal sweets being flogged to YOUR kids at the local corner shop thanks to viral TikTok craze WITH blaringly bright packaging that leaps off the shelves, it's impossible for any child to ignore these alluring sweets found in corner shops across Britain. But look a little closer and the sugary snacks hide a dangerous secret that can catch out even the most cautious of parents. 12 A Sun investigation has revealed a dangerous sweet shop trend gripping the UK Credit: NNP 12 The colourful sweets are designed to appeal to young children, like toddler Finn, pictured Credit: NNP 12 High street shops in a major UK city were found selling the colourful sweets despite a recent crackdown Credit: NNP A Sun investigation has found that American sweets and drinks containing dangerous illegal ingredients are widely available to buy on British high streets. Candy and pop from the US including Jolly Ranchers, Warheads Cubes, Kool Aid and Sunny D are banned in the UK as they can cause an array of terrifying - and, in some cases, potentially deadly - health problems. They contain a cocktail of harmful chemicals such as mineral oil, used in cleaning products and cosmetics, and illicit colour additives. The banned ingredients have been linked to cancer, organ damage, fertility problems, hyperactivity, and reduced immune function. But despite this, we found a variety of illegal American sweets for sale in convenience stores in a major UK city, even in the wake of a recent crackdown. It comes as regulators warn retailers are looking to cash in on a TikTok trend of 'candy hauls', with kids flocking to social media to taste test imported products. Horrified shopkeepers selling the banned goods told us they bought the confectionery from reputable wholesalers and had no idea it was illegal this side of the Atlantic. However, concerned parents say they are "terrified" the dangerous sweets remain on sale and insist it should not be down to them to research the potentially harmful ingredients readily available on the shelves of high street stores. Last week, environmental health officers in Newcastle seized nearly 4,500 individual items with a street value of approximately £6,000 from 30 small retail shops and wholesalers. But just days later, our reporter found illegal sweets were still on sale at newsagents and corner shops. Why you should never eat food dropped on the floor The most dangerous item we managed to purchase was a pack of Jolly Ranchers Tropical Flavour for £3.99 from ST NEWS Newgate in Newcastle city centre. This contains a horrifying mix of banned ingredients including dyes red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6 and mineral oil. The shop was also selling Warhead Cubes Sour & Sweet Fruity Chew Candy, which contains illegal colour additives yellow 6, yellow 5, and red 40. Just yards away at McGrains, on Grainger Street, we picked up a can of Warheads Sour! Green Apple Soda, for £1.99, whose ingredients includes yellow 5. Further down the road, at News Express, we bought a packet of Jolly Ranchers Fruity 2 in 1 for £2.99, containing red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6 and mineral oil. The most bizarre product we purchased was a Van Holten's Sour Sis, which is a pickled cucumber in a pouch. This lists banned yellow 5 as an ingredient, and claims to contain no calories. We bought it from Central News in Newcastle for £3.99. Sweets crackdown 12 Jolly Ranchers contains a horrifying mix of banned ingredients Credit: NNP 12 Store owners were horrified to learn the sweets had illegal ingredients Credit: NNP 12 They claimed that they had purchased the sweets in good faith from wholesalers Credit: NNP Nonetheless, the popularity of illegally imported candy extends far beyond the northern city, with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute issuing a stark national warning last December. Dean Cooke, lead officer for food at CTSI, said: "Social media has amplified the demand for American sweets, with influencers on platforms like TikTok showcasing these colourful products in ways that appeal to children and teenagers. "While this drives seasonal sales, it also creates a dangerous market for items that fail to meet UK safety standards. "Retailers must take responsibility to ensure compliance, and parents need to be vigilant in checking labels to protect their children from potential harm." Over recent months, illegal sweets have also recently been seized in Manchester, Middlesbrough, Staffordshire and Westminster. All councils have issued warnings to parents to be on high alert for the banned American candy. However, some versions of the illegal sweets we found are manufactured for sale in the UK, and are safe to eat. 'Terrified' parents 12 Councils have warned parents to stop their kids from eating the harmful candies Credit: NNP 12 Many of the sweet treats contain banned food colouring and chemicals Credit: NNP When The Sun spoke to shoppers about imported candy, few parents were aware of the potential dangers and recent warnings. Georgette Bellamy, 33, a full-time mum-of-two, said: "It's really shocking. "One of my children has ADHD and those sweets could have a huge impact on him. "It shouldn't be left to the parents to research what is in these items. It's terrifying." Marketing executive Alex Patel, 39, is a mum of two young children. She said: "What's disturbing is how these dangerous sweets are clearly marketed towards kids, with the bright colours and pictures." Her nephew Finn Daniels, aged 22 months, was fascinated by the eye-catching packaging and eager to try the sweets. Dangerous dyes A study by the University of California published in 2012 found that several of the food dyes used in US products raised serious concerns. It stated: "Red 3 causes cancer in animals, and there is evidence that several other dyes also are carcinogenic. "Three dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) have been found to be contaminated with benzidine or other carcinogens. "At least four dyes (Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) cause hypersensitivity reactions. Numerous microbiological and rodent studies of Yellow 5 were positive for genotoxicity." The research paper recommended: "All of the currently used dyes should be removed from the food supply and replaced, if at all, by safer colorings." 'I've been naive' After being approached by our reporter, shopkeepers too appeared genuinely shocked they were selling illegal candy. The owner of Metro Express Central had been flogging Warheads L'il Worms containing yellow 5, yellow 6 and red 40. The man, who didn't want to be named, said: "We buy them from reputable wholesalers. "I've been naïve and trusted that everything is legal, without considering what is in the product. "I will stop buying them. The last thing I want to do is get in trouble." It shouldn't be left to the parents to research what is in these items. It's terrifying Mum-of-two Georgette Bellamy Samarth Gakhar is the owner of News Express in the city and similarly claimed to have bought the banned sweets from wholesalers. He said: "We were unaware they were illegal. I will remove them from the shelves. "I am shocked to learn of the health implications. "It's really easy to sell these illegal sweets without knowing you are doing it. "I am paying VAT on the orders. You assume everything is above board. "When you buy online, you can't check the ingredients. 12 The owner of News Express said he had no idea that the US sweets were illegal Credit: NNP 12 Sunny D was taken off the shelves in the UK Credit: Handout "I don't eat them myself but people go crazy for American sweets. "They're very popular. That's why I buy them to sell in my shops. "I will be very careful in the future." Pavan Mahipathi, the owner of Gian Supermarket, was selling Jolly Rancher Original, which contains mineral oil. He said: "I did not realise. The wholesalers are still selling the sweets. "I am really shocked to learn about this. We will stop selling them." How to spot illegal snacks in the UK Additives are only allowed in the UK if they have been tested and proved to be safe for the intended use in a particular type of food or drink or if there is a technological need for use. A US product that hasn't been approved would list nutritional information as 'Nutrition Facts' and carry an American company name and address. If it was legal in the UK, it would list a UK subsidiary of that company and often would include further UK-compliant labelling placed over the original information in the form of a sticker. Another way for people to check whether goods are American imports is to look at how weight is recorded. In the UK, grams and millilitres are used while in America, it is fluid ounce and ounce. The owner of Central News claimed he purchased the Van Holten's Sour Sis cucumbers from a wholesaler after a request from an American customer. Ibrahim Beshir said: "I bought around five or six. There are three kinds of flavours. "I had no idea this was illegal. A lot of shops sell them. In the future, I will not risk my business by selling these in my shop." Cllr Alex Hay, deputy leader of Newcastle City Council, said: "Protecting the public, especially children, from harm is our top priority. It's alarming to see sweets and drinks that are clearly unhealthy being targeted at young people. "Much of their popularity is fuelled by social media, but behind the hype are serious risks. Some of these products have been linked to long-term health conditions, including fertility problems and colon cancer. "Businesses should take this as a warning: if you're caught selling harmful products, we will prosecute you." Wholesalers Bookers, Costco, American Fizz, and United have been contacted for comment. 12 Warheads contain illegal ingredients for the UK market Credit: NNP
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The deadly truth behind illegal sweets being flogged to YOUR kids at the local corner shop thanks to viral TikTok craze
WITH blaringly bright packaging that leaps off the shelves, it's impossible for any child to ignore these alluring sweets found in corner shops across Britain. But look a little closer and the sugary snacks hide a dangerous secret that can catch out even the most cautious of parents. 12 A Sun investigation has found that American sweets and drinks containing dangerous illegal ingredients are widely available to buy on British high streets. Candy and pop from the US including Jolly Ranchers, Warheads Cubes, Kool Aid and Sunny D are banned in the UK as they can cause an array of terrifying - and, in some cases, potentially deadly - health problems. They contain a cocktail of harmful chemicals such as mineral oil, used in cleaning products and cosmetics, and illicit colour additives. The banned ingredients have been linked to cancer, organ damage, fertility problems, hyperactivity, and reduced immune function. But despite this, we found a variety of illegal American sweets for sale in convenience stores in a major UK city, even in the wake of a recent crackdown. It comes as regulators warn retailers are looking to cash in on a TikTok trend of 'candy hauls', with kids flocking to social media to taste test imported products. Horrified shopkeepers selling the banned goods told us they bought the confectionery from reputable wholesalers and had no idea it was illegal this side of the Atlantic. However, concerned parents say they are "terrified" the dangerous sweets remain on sale and insist it should not be down to them to research the potentially harmful ingredients readily available on the shelves of high street stores. Last week, environmental health officers in Newcastle seized nearly 4,500 individual items with a street value of approximately £6,000 from 30 small retail shops and wholesalers. But just days later, our reporter found illegal sweets were still on sale at newsagents and corner shops. Why you should never eat food dropped on the floor The most dangerous item we managed to purchase was a pack of Jolly Ranchers Tropical Flavour for £3.99 from ST NEWS Newgate in Newcastle city centre. This contains a horrifying mix of banned ingredients including dyes red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6 and mineral oil. The shop was also selling Warhead Cubes Sour & Sweet Fruity Chew Candy, which contains illegal colour additives yellow 6, yellow 5, and red 40. Just yards away at McGrains, on Grainger Street, we picked up a can of Warheads Sour! Green Apple Soda, for £1.99, whose ingredients includes yellow 5. Further down the road, at News Express, we bought a packet of Jolly Ranchers Fruity 2 in 1 for £2.99, containing red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6 and mineral oil. The most bizarre product we purchased was a Van Holten's Sour Sis, which is a pickled cucumber in a pouch. This lists banned yellow 5 as an ingredient, and claims to contain no calories. We bought it from Central News in Newcastle for £3.99. Sweets crackdown 12 Nonetheless, the popularity of illegally imported candy extends far beyond the northern city, with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute issuing a stark national warning last December. Dean Cooke, lead officer for food at CTSI, said: " Social media has amplified the demand for American sweets, with influencers on platforms like TikTok showcasing these colourful products in ways that appeal to children and teenagers. "While this drives seasonal sales, it also creates a dangerous market for items that fail to meet UK safety standards. "Retailers must take responsibility to ensure compliance, and parents need to be vigilant in checking labels to protect their children from potential harm." Over recent months, illegal sweets have also recently been seized in Manchester, Middlesbrough, Staffordshire and Westminster. All councils have issued warnings to parents to be on high alert for the banned American candy. However, some versions of the illegal sweets we found are manufactured for sale in the UK, and are safe to eat. 'Terrified' parents When The Sun spoke to shoppers about imported candy, few parents were aware of the potential dangers and recent warnings. Georgette Bellamy, 33, a full-time mum-of-two, said: "It's really shocking. "One of my children has ADHD and those sweets could have a huge impact on him. "It shouldn't be left to the parents to research what is in these items. It's terrifying." Marketing executive Alex Patel, 39, is a mum of two young children. She said: "What's disturbing is how these dangerous sweets are clearly marketed towards kids, with the bright colours and pictures." Her nephew Finn Daniels, aged 22 months, was fascinated by the eye-catching packaging and eager to try the sweets. 'I've been naive' After being approached by our reporter, shopkeepers too appeared genuinely shocked they were selling illegal candy. The owner of Metro Express Central had been flogging Warheads L'il Worms containing yellow 5, yellow 6 and red 40. The man, who didn't want to be named, said: "We buy them from reputable wholesalers. "I've been naïve and trusted that everything is legal, without considering what is in the product. "I will stop buying them. The last thing I want to do is get in trouble." Samarth Gakhar is the owner of News Express in the city and similarly claimed to have bought the banned sweets from wholesalers. He said: "We were unaware they were illegal. I will remove them from the shelves. "I am shocked to learn of the health implications. "It's really easy to sell these illegal sweets without knowing you are doing it. "I am paying VAT on the orders. You assume everything is above board. "When you buy online, you can't check the ingredients. 12 "I don't eat them myself but people go crazy for American sweets. "They're very popular. That's why I buy them to sell in my shops. "I will be very careful in the future." Pavan Mahipathi, the owner of Gian Supermarket, was selling Jolly Rancher Original, which contains mineral oil. He said: "I did not realise. The wholesalers are still selling the sweets. "I am really shocked to learn about this. We will stop selling them." How to spot illegal snacks in the UK Additives are only allowed in the UK if they have been tested and proved to be safe for the intended use in a particular type of food or drink or if there is a technological need for use. A US product that hasn't been approved would list nutritional information as 'Nutrition Facts' and carry an American company name and address. If it was legal in the UK, it would list a UK subsidiary of that company and often would include further UK-compliant labelling placed over the original information in the form of a sticker. Another way for people to check whether goods are American imports is to look at how weight is recorded. In the UK, grams and millilitres are used while in America, it is fluid ounce and ounce. The owner of Central News claimed he purchased the Van Holten's Sour Sis cucumbers from a wholesaler after a request from an American customer. Ibrahim Beshir said: "I bought around five or six. There are three kinds of flavours. "I had no idea this was illegal. A lot of shops sell them. In the future, I will not risk my business by selling these in my shop." Cllr Alex Hay, deputy leader of Newcastle City Council, said: "Protecting the public, especially children, from harm is our top priority. It's alarming to see sweets and drinks that are clearly unhealthy being targeted at young people. "Much of their popularity is fuelled by social media, but behind the hype are serious risks. Some of these products have been linked to long-term health conditions, including fertility problems and colon cancer. "Businesses should take this as a warning: if you're caught selling harmful products, we will prosecute you." Wholesalers Bookers, Costco, American Fizz, and United have been contacted for comment.
Miami Herald
25-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Hershey makes bold move impacting many workers
Whether an adult or a child, everyone has a favorite candy bar that has stuck with them throughout life. Some remain loyal to the same candy bar they begged their parents to buy for them as children, and passed this tradition on to their kids years later. Others might have discovered a new favorite as they have gotten older. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Nevertheless, candy will constantly remind us of the younger version of ourselves that still lives within us. Related: Hershey combines two beloved products to make dream snack This nostalgic feeling and loyalty from millions of sweets-loving fans have helped The Hershey Company become the king of candy creations since its inception in 1894, and one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. Hershey produces some of the most iconic candy brands worldwide, including Reese's, KitKat, Kisses, Twizzlers, Jolly Ranchers, and of course, its namesake chocolate bar. Image source: Getty Images In 2022, Hershey (HSY) unveiled a multi-year plan to invest $1 billion in its production and efficiency, adding 13 production lines and revamping 11 existing ones across multiple Hershey facilities in North America. Related: Hershey creates new candy that's a dream combo This massive investment aims to boost its supply chain capacity, enabling it to produce more chocolate, keep up with consumer demand, and develop even more innovations. "Our ability to make and deliver products both quickly and efficiently is a key component of our growth strategy," said Hershey Vice President of Supply Chain Strategy and Manufacturing Will Bonifant in a statement. "We've made significant investments to speed production, increase capacity, and develop our workforce for the future to make more of the iconic brands consumers love," he added. After nearly three years in the making, Hershey has finally opened its new 250,000-square-foot chocolate processing plant in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This new development marks many firsts since it is the company's first fully integrated digital manufacturing plant and the first new-built facility in the area in over 30 years. The new manufacturing plant will help the company adapt to evolving consumer trends and rising demand by increasing its ability to boost production of Hershey's most beloved chocolate brands, including Reese's and KitKat. More Retail News: Burger King menu adds whopper of a Whopper offerHard seltzer brand tries to recapture magic with new product linePopular retail chain to close stores and cut hundreds of jobs The processing facility is located between an existing Reese's site and the company's technical center. It has over 100 full-time employees and will potentially create many more jobs as operations expand, which is excellent news for job seekers and the overall economy. "We plan to hire about 125 people by the time the facility opens next summer, and in time we'll double that number of hires as we increase production," said Hershey Lead Director of Project Milton Ryan Britt when the project was unveiled. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
