California's large Scandinavian community means there are more Swedish candy options than you'd expect. From specialty stores to IKEA's Swedish food market, plus the best online options with fast shipping to the West Coast.
Los Angeles — The West Coast Swedish Candy Hub
LA has quietly become the second-best city in America for Swedish candy, behind only NYC. The Scandinavian expat community, the health-conscious culture that appreciates cleaner ingredients, and California's general love affair with anything Instagram-worthy have created a thriving Swedish candy scene.
Sockerbit — The LA Flagship
Sockerbit at 7922 W 3rd St is the crown jewel of California's Swedish candy scene. Founded by a Swedish couple who brought the authentic lösgodis (pick-and-mix) experience to America, Sockerbit offers a curated wall of candy bins with over 100 varieties — all imported directly from Sweden. The aesthetic is clean Scandinavian minimalism: white walls, wooden scoops, and candy that looks almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.
Hours: Mon–Fri 11am–6pm, Sat–Sun 12pm–7pm. The store is on 3rd Street near The Grove, so you can easily combine a candy run with shopping or brunch.
Sockerbit's entire lineup is non-GMO, and over 40% is gelatin-free. They've also recently launched in 1,600 Target stores nationwide, so you might find their pre-packaged candy at your local Target too. But the in-store pick-and-mix experience is worth the drive.
Kändi — Studio City's Swedish Gem
Kändi at 12188 Ventura Blvd in Studio City is the newer kid on the block, and it's already earning a loyal following. With 126 varieties of Swedish candy, a self-serve pick-and-mix wall, and a pastel-toned interior that was basically designed for TikTok content, Kändi has become a Valley favorite. Reviews consistently praise the freshness of the candy and the friendly staff.
Kändi also offers a self-serve Swedish candy cart you can book for events — weddings, parties, pop-ups. Because apparently regular cake isn't enough anymore, and honestly, we agree.
Hours: Check their website (kandistudiocity.com) for current hours. They also take phone orders at (818) 358-2009.
Other LA Options
- IKEA Burbank & Carson: Both locations carry the standard IKEA Swedish candy selection — Daim, Bilar, various gummies, and chocolate. Small selection, great prices.
- World Market/Cost Plus: Several LA locations stock Marabou chocolate bars and select Swedish candy. Hit or miss on inventory.
- European import stores: Places like European Deluxe in Culver City occasionally carry Scandinavian brands among their broader European selection.
San Francisco Bay Area
SF's Swedish candy scene is smaller than LA's but growing. Two spots stand out:
The Candy Store — Russian Hill
This old-fashioned boutique candy shop in Russian Hill carries a curated selection of Swedish gummy favorites — sweet cola boats, sour watermelon tubes, and assorted Scandinavian imports. It's not a dedicated Swedish store, but the owners have a clear soft spot for Nordic sweets and the quality is excellent.
Giddy Candy
Giddy Candy is a chic SF spot where gummies are the main event. Swedish cult favorites feature prominently in their lineup, including BUBS Sour Skulls and various Scandinavian imports. The vibe is modern and curated — think specialty coffee shop, but for gummy candy.
IKEA East Palo Alto
The Bay Area IKEA carries the same Swedish food market selection as other locations. Good for basics, and conveniently located if you're already in the South Bay.
Solvang — California's Little Sweden
No guide to Swedish candy in California would be complete without mentioning Solvang, the tiny Danish-founded town in the Santa Ynez Valley that has embraced its broader Scandinavian identity. The Swedish Candy Factory sells authentic imported Swedish candy in a charming storefront that feels like stepping into a small-town Swedish godisbutik. It's a two-hour drive from LA, but if you're doing the Central Coast wine country route, it's a perfect stop.
Solvang also hosts Scandinavian festivals throughout the year where Swedish candy vendors often set up shop. Check the Solvang events calendar for dates.
San Diego
San Diego's options are more limited. IKEA San Diego carries the standard selection, and a few European import shops in the Gaslamp Quarter occasionally stock Swedish brands. Your best bet for a wide selection is ordering online — shipping from LA-based stores arrives in 1–2 days.
Best Online Stores for California
California's location means you get fast shipping from West Coast warehouses. Here are the best options:
- Sockerbit (sockerbit.com): Ships from LA, so California orders arrive in 1–3 days. Same candy as the store.
- Sweetish Candy (sweetishcandy.com): Ships from Pennsylvania, but West Coast delivery is typically 4–5 days. Free shipping on orders over $75.
- BonBon NYC (bonbonnyc.com): Ships from New York, 3–5 days to California. Premium selection.
- Amazon: Prime members get 1–2 day delivery. Check our Amazon Swedish candy guide for recommended sellers.
- Target: With Sockerbit's new Target rollout, check your local store's candy aisle for pre-packaged Swedish candy.
Shop authentic Swedish candy from trusted retailers with fast US shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sockerbit or Kändi better for a first-time visit?
Both are excellent, but they have different vibes. Sockerbit is more minimalist and curated — the Scandinavian design aesthetic. Kändi is more colorful and social-media-friendly. If you want the "authentic Swedish experience," go Sockerbit. If you want to fill a pink bag with 20 different gummies while filming a TikTok, go Kändi. Either way, you'll leave happy and slightly sugared up.
Q: Does Swedish candy melt in California heat?
Gummies and licorice handle heat well. Chocolate? Not so much. If you're ordering online during summer, request insulated packaging or choose non-chocolate items. In-store purchases are fine — just don't leave your bag in a hot car. Marabou Mjölkchoklad at 110°F is technically still chocolate, but it won't be the experience you were hoping for.
Q: Are there any Swedish candy events in California?
The Swedish-American community in LA hosts several annual events, including midsummer celebrations and holiday markets where Swedish candy is always featured. Solvang's Scandinavian festivals are another good bet. Follow Sockerbit and Kändi on Instagram for pop-up events and collaborations.
Q: Can I find Swedish candy at regular grocery stores in California?
Trader Joe's occasionally carries Scandinavian-inspired items (their Scandinavian Swimmers are Swedish-style gummies made in Germany). Some Whole Foods and specialty grocers stock Fazer Blue chocolate. But for the real deal — BUBS, Malaco, salty licorice — you need a specialty store or online order.
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.
