Bon bons are a familiar sight in British sweet shops, but the name can mean different things in different countries. In the UK, bon bon sweets commonly refers to small, round or slightly irregular chewy sweets, often finished with a fine sugary coating. The exact texture varies by maker and flavour.
What are bon bons?
In a traditional UK pick-and-mix setting, bon bons are usually chewy confectionery with a powdery or sugary outer layer. They are not necessarily the same as chocolate bonbons, which often refer to filled chocolates. The name alone does not tell you whether a sweet contains dairy, gelatine or other allergens, so always read the specific ingredients.
Popular bon bon flavours
Some people love fruit-forward bon bons; others prefer creamy or classic toffee flavours. OT Candy's catalogue includes Strawberry Bon Bons, Blue Raspberry Bon Bons, Bubblegum Bon Bons, Lemon Bon Bons and Traditional Toffee Bon Bons.
| Flavour | Good choice if you enjoy... |
|---|---|
| Strawberry | Familiar fruity sweetness |
| Blue raspberry | Bold sweet-shop fruit flavours |
| Bubblegum | Playful nostalgic flavours |
| Lemon | Citrus notes |
| Toffee | Classic confectionery flavours |
What do bon bons taste and feel like?
Many UK bon bons have a slightly firm initial bite that gives way to a chew. Their coating adds a different mouthfeel from smooth jelly or gummy sweets. Because recipes differ, don't assume every bon bon has the same firmness or ingredients. If you have dental concerns, check whether chewy sweets are suitable for you.
How to add bon bons to pick and mix
Bon bons work well as one texture in a mixed bag. Rather than filling the whole selection with similar chews, combine them with Jelly Sweets or, if you like tangy coatings, Fizzy Sweets. For a nostalgic bag, browse Retro Sweets too.
Try choosing two contrasting bon bon flavours, then add two or three other types of sweets. This gives the bag variety without forcing you to choose sweets you don't enjoy. You can explore choices through Build Your Own Pick & Mix.
Explore real bon bons from OT Candy
Frequently asked questions
Are bon bons hard or chewy?
Many UK sweet-shop bon bons are chewy, though the firmness depends on the brand and recipe.
Are bon bons vegetarian or vegan?
Not necessarily. Ingredients vary, so check each product's current ingredient and allergen information rather than relying on the sweet's name.
Are bon bons the same as chocolate bonbons?
No. In British sweet shops, bon bons often means coated chewy sweets, whereas chocolate bonbons usually means small chocolates, often with a filling.
Explore OT Candy's pick-and-mix selection to build a bag around your favourite flavours.
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