Swedish Fish
Swedish Fish History
Swedish Fish is a popular candy known for its distinct fish-shaped gummies and fruity flavor. Here's a brief history of Swedish Fish:
Origins: Swedish Fish were first created in Sweden in the late 1950s by the Swedish confectionery company Malaco. The candy was initially developed for the Scandinavian market and was known as "Pastellfiskar," which translates to "Pastel Fish."
Introduction to North America: In the 1960s, Swedish Fish made their way to North America when the Swedish confectionery company reached a distribution agreement with the Cadbury Adams Company (now part of Mondelēz International). The Cadbury Adams Company introduced the candy to the American and Canadian markets under the name "Swedish Fish."
Evolution of the Recipe: The original Swedish Fish were soft and had a slightly different texture compared to the version available today. They had a chewy consistency similar to wine gums, another popular candy in the United Kingdom and Sweden.
Popularity in North America: Swedish Fish gained popularity in North America over time. The candy's unique fish shape, combined with its fruity flavors, attracted consumers, particularly children and candy enthusiasts. Its popularity grew to the point where Swedish Fish became synonymous with the brand itself.
Variations and Adaptations: While the classic Swedish Fish are red and have a fruity flavor often described as cherry or lingonberry, different variations and flavors have been introduced over the years. Today, Swedish Fish can be found in various colors and flavors, including assorted fruit flavors, tropical flavors, and sour versions.
Continued Production and Ownership: Swedish Fish remain in production today and are manufactured by Mondelēz International, a multinational confectionery, food, and beverage conglomerate. The candy continues to be widely available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers.
Cultural Icon: Swedish Fish have become a cultural icon, synonymous with their distinctive fish shape and fruity taste. The candy's popularity and recognition have made it a staple in the confectionery industry, often appearing in movies, advertisements, and various forms of popular culture.
Swedish Fish have endured as a beloved candy, captivating both children and adults with their unique shape, chewy texture, and fruity flavors. Their journey from Sweden to North America and subsequent global popularity showcases their lasting appeal and status as a confectionery favorite.
What Flavor are Swedish Fish?
It’s delicious, but what flavor is it exactly? The original Swedish Fish flavor is actually unique to the candy and has never been specified by the manufacturer. Swedishfish.com only states that the candy “tastes like fruite, not like fish.” So grab a bag, taste Sweedish Fish for yourself, and try to guess the delicious flavor of this fruit-flavored fish (we think it’s Strawberry).
Swedish Fish Memories
My dad took me on a fishing trip when I was six years old. On the way to the lake, we stopped at a bait store. While my dad shopped for bait, I shopped for swedish fish. When we got to the lake, my dad asked me what I wanted to bait my hook with and I told him swedish fish. He talked to me until he was blue in the face about how swedish fish would NOT attract the fish, but I insisted anyway.
I am proud to say that my swedish fish bait caught TWELVE catfish that day. My dad caught NOTHING with his worm bait. After that, my dad used swedish fish for bait EVERY time he went fishing and told EVERY person who crossed his path about the time his daughter used swedish fish for bait and caught all the catfish in the lake. My dad passed away when I was fifteen, but our family still shares our swedish fish bait story every time we have a family gathering. ~ Michele from California
