When Halloween approaches most Latinos begin mumbling to themselves that none of the trick-or-treat candy in the United States is up to par with what they or their parents used to eat back in Latin America. Here are 21 reasons these candy lovers are absolutely right on with a list of some of the most beloved candy from yesterday and today.
Mazapan Rosa
This was surely your grandmother’s candy back in Mexico. These distinctive round disks wrapped in cellophane are created with a nutty paste made of either almonds, peanuts, or pistachios, and then mixed with sugar and the natural oil of the nuts. Sold individually or by the case, Mazapan Rosa defines Mexican tradition.
Jet Chocolate Bars
Colombians born in the sixties and seventies especially lived and died for these simple milk-chocolate bars. But it was this company’s creative marketing, with the shiny blue paper and airplane logo, and the fact that each bar comes with a dinosaur sticker that formed part of an awesome sticker album to collect them in. Nostalgia!
Alfajores Havanna
While they advertise Havanna on the box, it should really read Buenos Aires. When you peel off the metal foil to these round flaky mini Argentine cakes stuffed or rolled in all various kinds of jellies, meringues, and candies, it’s like the world stands still for a moment. This writer prefers the creamy dulce de leche alfajor over all.
Miguelito Candy Chilli Powder
It was evident that if the candy were from Mexico it had to be spicy. These spicy-sweet treats are made from spicy chilli powder, salt, and sugar. You can eat this chilli powder alone or sprinkle it on fruit, potato chips, popcorn…anything.
Dulzura Borincana’s Dulce de Coco
These coconut treats that are reminiscent of macaroons are not only beloved in their native Puerto Rico, but in the U.S. as well. Chew them to your heart’s desire.
Serenata de Amor
Even if cashews aren’t your thing, you’ll fall for this crunchy, chocolatey love serenade of a bonbon from Brazil. One bag is never enough.
Galak
These white chocolate bars are famous for their milky, melt in your mouth quality. Galak has loyal fans in South American countries like Brazil, Ecuador, and Venezuela where it’s distributed.
Ambrosoli Candies
These herbal and fruit-flavored jelly candies have long been one of Chile’s top sellers. But don’t worry, you don’t have to travel to the tip of the Southern Cone to try one, they are now available in the U.S. as well.
Palito de Coco
If you are Dominican or have loved someone who was it probable you have tasted one of these coconut and caramel flavored ball lollipops wrapped in colorful cellophane. The only thing is that they are hard to find online, so head to your local bodega or airport for a flight to the Caribbean.
Cri Cri
Venezuelans grew up eating this crunchy milk chocolate and puffed rice bar and most of them still indulge when no one is looking. And yes, bags of them at bargain prices are available on Amazon.
Pelón Pelo Rico
If you are a child of the 80s and have Mexican blood, you definitely enjoyed these tangy tamarind flavored candies with its unique packaging. Pelon Pelo Rico oozes a sugary spiciness that forms addictions quickly, cuidado!
Galletas Doña Pepa
Peruvians adore these simple vanilla cookies with a chocolate coating that was created in tribute to the classic ‘turrón de Doña Pepa’, a beloved pastry that has found its match in these less complicated, but crazy addictive treats!
Goya’s Guava Paste
The majority of Latin Americans love their guava paste, whether served in a small container or packaged in individually wrapped squares. A tad more nutritious than most on this list, Guava Paste is made with guava pulp and sugar and is great with crackers and cheese for an after school snack.
Super 8
This classic Chilean cookie was always accompanied by a glass of milk and a best friend. Nestles now distributes it so you´ll be able to find it online for you and you child.
Frunas
These ridiculously popular and artificially colored fruit-flavored candies are found all over Latin America. In Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico they are known as Sugus
Duvalin
Grab a spoon and dip it into this heavenly miniature tub of hazelnut and vanilla frosting. This Mexican cult children’s treat also comes with a free chocolate Kinder Bar if you behave.
Pulparindo
This King of Mexican Candy is made with tamarind pulp and chili and is both hot and salty on the tongue. Choose from the classic version to the extra spicy ones. You only live once.
Cocosette
Taking a bite into one of these Venezuelan cookies is like biting into the tropics itself, especially because of its sinful coconut flavoring.
Ajonjoli
Imagine a mild and crunchy combination of sesame seeds and honey taking over your mouth and you’ll understand why these Puerto Rican snack bites are so popular.
Bon Bon Bum
You name the fruit, Bon Bon Bum’s got it. Tangerine, Mora, Maracuya (Passion Fruit), Watermelon, Wild Apple. These delicious tropical flavors are what make this Colombian lollipop brand so unique and beloved.
Canel’s Zum Liquid Filled Bubble Gum
This classic chewing gum has been around since 1925 in Mexico and is ranked as the U.S.’s top-selling Mexican chewing gum. Flavors range from spicy cinnamon to sweet violet. Try them all.