14/06/2026
Penny sweets have a surprisingly long history in the UK! 🍬
The term "penny sweets" became popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when children could walk into local sweet shops and buy individual sweets for just one old penny. Before decimalisation in 1971, a penny had much more spending power than it does today, making sweets an affordable treat for almost everyone.
Traditional favourites such as liquorice sticks, sherbet lemons, pear drops, aniseed balls and humbugs were often sold from large glass jars behind the counter. Shopkeepers would carefully count out each sweet and place them into small paper bags, creating the original pick 'n' mix experience long before supermarkets got involved!
By the 1970s and 80s, sweets like Black Jacks, Fruit Salads, Refreshers and Wham Bars became playground legends, with children eagerly spending their pocket money after school. For many people, penny sweets aren't just confectionery – they're a reminder of simpler times, childhood adventures and the excitement of choosing exactly what to spend your precious few coins on.
That's why penny sweets still hold such a special place in people's hearts today. They're not just sweets; they're a little taste of nostalgia. 🍭💕
