CandyKing, Europe's leading pick-and-mix candy retailer, opened its first US flagship store on December 6, 2025, in the heart of Manhattan's West Village. With a 27-foot-wide candy wall and exclusive art installations, CandyKing NYC is already attracting candy enthusiasts and tourists. We visited, sampled, and documented what makes this store a game-changer for Swedish candy in America.
CandyKing NYC: A Swedish Institution Comes to America
CandyKing has dominated European candy retail for over 40 years. Founded in Stockholm in 1984, the company operates hundreds of locations across Europe and is owned by Cloetta, a Swedish public company listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. CandyKing is, essentially, the Scandinavian candy authority.
On December 6, 2025, they opened their first US location at 306 Bleecker Street in Manhattan's West Village. It's not just a store—it's a flagship statement that Swedish candy is becoming mainstream in America.
The Store Experience: 27 Feet of Candy Wall
Walking into CandyKing NYC is overwhelming in the best way. The centerpiece is a 27-foot-wide, 6-foot-tall candy wall stacked with approximately 200+ candy varieties. Unlike American candy shops that sell pre-packaged goods, CandyKing is a true pick-and-mix experience—you bring a bag, fill it with whatever you want, and pay by weight.
The store is split into sections:
- Swedish Gummies: BUBS, Haribo, and house brands
- Chocolate: Marabou, Lindt, and premium imports
- Licorice: Extensive salmiak, soft licorice, and licorice combinations
- Sour Candy: The full spectrum from mild to face-puckering
- Hard Candies & Lollipops: Classic Scandinavian shapes and flavors
- Niche Imports: Finnish, Danish, and Norwegian specialty items you won't find elsewhere
The presentation itself is art. CandyKing commissioned exclusive installations by AJ Lavilla and Michela Muserra, both contemporary artists. The result is a space that feels like a high-end boutique, not a carnival.
Top Sellers at CandyKing NYC
Based on staff recommendations and what we saw flying off the shelves:
- Kexchoklad: Swedish chocolate wafer biscuits. Addictive and impossible to stop eating.
- Big Cola Bottles: Sour gummies shaped like cola bottles. Tourists buy them by the handful.
- Foam Mushroom: Light, fluffy marshmallow-based candy. Swedish candy shops' perennial favorite.
- Lakrifun (Licorice School Chalk): Sour licorice sticks. The name is literal—they look like chalk.
- Chocolate Roman Arches: Crispy wafer with chocolate. Criminally good.
- Sockerbitar: Swedish sugar cubes. Simple but impossibly sweet.
The Pick-and-Mix Advantage
This is where CandyKing wins over every other US candy retailer. You can:
- Try a single piece of something before committing to a full bag
- Mix and match exactly what you want—2 pieces of this, 5 of that
- Create custom gift mixes at the register
- Avoid buying full packages of candy you're not sure about
This flexibility is standard in Europe. In America, it's revolutionary.
Store Details & Hours
- Location: 306 Bleecker Street, West Village, Manhattan
- Hours: Monday–Tuesday, 12 PM–7 PM | Wednesday–Friday, 12 PM–8 PM | Saturday, 11 AM–8 PM | Sunday, 11 AM–7 PM
- Accessibility: Street-level storefront, easy walk-in access
- Parking: NYC street parking (good luck); nearby garages available
- Nearby: West Village shopping district, tons of restaurants and cafes
Customer Reviews & Ratings
CandyKing NYC has a perfect 5.0/5 rating on Tripadvisor (as of March 2026) with hundreds of reviews praising:
- Exceptional staff knowledge about candy origins and flavors
- Beautiful store design and presentation
- First-time experience with authentic pick-and-mix
- Quality and freshness of imported candies
- The novelty of seeing Swedish candy in a flagship retail setting
Complaints are rare, but some note:
- Pick-and-mix pricing by weight can add up quickly (it's premium)
- Weekends and tourist hours create long lines
- No online ordering or shipping (in-store only, for now)
Pricing: Premium, as Expected
CandyKing prices by weight—typically $15–25 per pound depending on what you fill your bag with. Premium items (chocolate, imported licorice) cost more. It's not cheap, but for the experience and quality, it's fair.
For comparison:
- A typical small pick-and-mix bag: $8–12
- A medium bag (good for gifting): $15–20
- A large bag (family haul): $25–35+
It's more expensive than ordering from Mums online, but you get the experience of in-person selection and zero shipping time.
Social Media & Community
CandyKing is leveraging TikTok and Instagram heavily. Follow them at:
- Instagram: @candyking_nyc
- TikTok: @candyking_nyc
Their content strategy focuses on candy hauls, flavor reviews, and the visual beauty of the store. The West Village location is Instagram-optimized—lots of travelers are creating content around the experience.
The Future: US Expansion Plans
CandyKing has announced plans for larger US rollout. While specific timelines aren't public, the company is evaluating major metropolitan areas: Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Boston are rumored to be on the list.
This is significant. CandyKing's arrival signals that Swedish candy and pick-and-mix retail have crossed from niche trend to mainstream retail category in America.
CandyKing vs. Other NYC Candy Stores
CandyKing vs. BonBon NYC
BonBon NYC was the premium Swedish candy destination in Manhattan before CandyKing arrived. BonBon is more intimate, with curated selections and a smaller footprint. CandyKing is larger, more pick-and-mix focused, and brand-new.
Winner depends on preference: BonBon for boutique curation, CandyKing for selection and experience.
CandyKing vs. IKEA (also in Manhattan)
IKEA has limited Swedish candy (maybe 10–15 items). CandyKing has 200+. No comparison in selection.
CandyKing vs. Sockerbit
Sockerbit still operates its LA store on W 3rd Street with a solid pick-and-mix model. The key difference? CandyKing has the backing of Cloetta (a publicly traded Swedish conglomerate) and is built for scale. Sockerbit is more intimate and boutique. CandyKing's NYC flagship is the East Coast answer to Sockerbit's West Coast presence.
Pro Tips for Your CandyKing NYC Visit
- Go on a weekday morning (Tuesday–Thursday, 12–2 PM). Avoid crowds and long lines. Weekends and evenings are packed with tourists.
- Bring cash or cards. They accept both, but cash is faster during busy times.
- Start with the Swedish section. Ask staff for their top 3 picks. They're knowledgeable and want to help newcomers.
- Try licorice if you haven't already. CandyKing's licorice selection is unmatched in the US. This is your chance.
- Be prepared to spend more than you expect. The pick-and-mix model is fun but can get expensive. Set a budget beforehand.
- Ask about gift wrapping. Staff can help you assemble a custom gift box from your picks.
- Take photos for social media. The store is visually stunning and designed for content creation.
Is It Worth the Trip?
If you're in Manhattan: Absolutely. CandyKing is worth a 30-minute stop in your itinerary. It's free to browse, and even a small purchase is memorable.
If you're in the US but not in NYC: Plan a visit when you're in the city. It's a flagship experience you won't replicate online.
If you're looking for easy home delivery: CandyKing doesn't ship yet. Use Mums or other online retailers instead. But when CandyKing launches online ordering (rumors suggest 2026), it could disrupt the entire US Swedish candy market.
What Makes CandyKing Different
CandyKing isn't just a store—it's a statement. For decades, Swedish candy in America was mail order and niche. CandyKing's presence says "Swedish candy is mainstream now."
The pick-and-mix model is the biggest difference. It's how candy retail works in Europe. Now Americans can experience it firsthand. Once you've filled your own bag and paid by weight, the pre-packaged bags at other retailers feel limiting.
The Broader Picture
CandyKing NYC represents a larger shift. Swedish candy went from "what's that?" five years ago to trending on TikTok to warranting a flagship retail store in Manhattan. The company's parent, Cloetta, wouldn't invest this much unless they believed the American market was real and growing.
This is the moment Swedish candy stops being a novelty and becomes a category. CandyKing is the evidence.
Planning a NYC Candy Trip?
Check out our full where-to-buy guide for all US retailers, or explore other Swedish candy options in New York City before you visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order from CandyKing NYC online?
Not yet. CandyKing NYC is in-store only as of March 2026. They've hinted at online ordering in the future, but no timeline is confirmed. Check their Instagram @candyking_nyc for announcements.
What are the most popular items at CandyKing?
Kexchoklad (chocolate wafers), Big Cola Bottles (sour gummies), and Foam Mushroom (marshmallow candy) are consistently the top sellers. But part of the fun is discovering your own favorites from the 200+ options.
Is it better to visit CandyKing or BonBon NYC?
CandyKing offers more selection and the pick-and-mix experience. BonBon offers more curation and boutique service. Both are worth visiting if you're in Manhattan.
Can I bring kids to CandyKing?
Absolutely. Kids love the visual experience and the ability to choose exactly what candy they want. Fair warning: they'll want to buy a lot.
How much should I budget for a visit?
A small pick-and-mix bag (tasting): $8–12. A medium bag (good haul): $15–20. A large bag or family trip: $25–50+. Set a budget before you enter or you'll be surprised at the register.
Is CandyKing just a novelty or is it here to stay?
CandyKing is backed by Cloetta, a major Swedish public company. This isn't a pop-up or seasonal store. It's a flagship location designed for long-term operation and expansion.
Founder & Editor
Former Swedish candy & FMCG professional turned US-based founder of SwedishCrave. Built the site to fill the gap he saw when he moved stateside.
