Where to Buy Swedish Candy in NYC (BonBon & More)

Why NYC Is America's Swedish Candy Capital

There's a reason every Swedish candy TikTok seems to be filmed in New York. The city has the highest concentration of dedicated Scandinavian candy stores in the country, fueled by a large Swedish-American community, massive tourist foot traffic, and the kind of social media culture that turns a pink paper bag of gummies into a viral moment. Whether you want to browse 140+ pick-and-mix varieties or just grab a quick bag of Ahlgrens Bilar on your lunch break, NYC has you covered.

BonBon NYC — The Viral Swedish Candy Empire

BonBon is the store that put Swedish candy on the American map. Founded in 2017 by Swedish immigrants on the Lower East Side, it went from a small neighborhood shop to shipping over 1,000 orders per day after blowing up on TikTok. 100% of their candy is imported directly from Sweden, and they now operate four locations across the city.

BonBon Locations

• Lower East Side (Flagship): 130 Allen St, New York, NY 10002 — the original that started it all
• Williamsburg: 705 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn — perfect for a post-brunch sugar hit
• Upper East Side: 1220 Lexington Ave — uptown convenience with full pick-and-mix
• Red Hook: 66 Degraw St, Brooklyn — weekends only, worth the trip for the vibe

What to Expect

The experience is part of the appeal. Staff greet first-timers with a tour of the candy selection — and yes, free samples. The pale pink paper bags and gold scoops make it absurdly Instagrammable, which is exactly how this place went viral in the first place. Candy runs about $4.50 per quarter pound, and most people spend $10–30 per visit. Most locations are open daily from 10 AM to midnight.

Pro tip: Popular items sell out fast. Weekday mornings give you the best selection. Weekend evenings? You'll get what's left, which is still delicious, but you might miss the cult favorites like BUBS watermelons or the sour skulls.

Read our full BonBon NYC review for a deep dive on their best picks and what to skip.

Sockerbit — The OG Swedish Candy Store

Before BonBon went viral, Sockerbit was the spot. Founded by a Swedish husband-and-wife team, Sockerbit pioneered the Swedish pick-and-mix concept in New York from their beloved West Village location. That NYC store has since closed, but Sockerbit remains a major player: their LA flagship at 7922 W 3rd St is still going strong, their online store ships nationwide, and they recently announced a massive expansion into 1,600 Target stores.

Can You Still Visit Sockerbit in NYC?

The original West Village location closed in 2020, so there's no physical NYC storefront anymore. However, their online store (sockerbit.com) ships quickly from the US, and their candy is the same quality that made them a New York favorite. If you're visiting LA, the brick-and-mortar experience is absolutely worth a stop.

Sockerbit's edge: their entire lineup is non-GMO, and a huge portion is gelatin-free and vegan — something that sets Swedish candy apart from most American competitors.

Saturday Candy Co. — The New Long Island Contender

Saturday Candy Co. opened its first physical storefront in October 2025 at 73 Main Street in Stony Brook, Long Island. The name is a nod to lördagsgodis — the Swedish tradition of only eating candy on Saturdays. They import directly from Växjö, Sweden, and the store has quickly become a destination for Long Island's growing Swedish candy fan base.

It's a bit outside Manhattan, but if you're on Long Island or willing to take a day trip, it's worth checking out. They also ship online.

Economy Candy — The Classic NYC Approach

Economy Candy on Rivington Street has been a Lower East Side institution since 1937. While not a Swedish specialty store, they stock an impressive selection of imported European candy, including Swedish brands. You won't find 140 varieties of pick-and-mix, but you will find Marabou chocolate, Daim bars, and assorted Scandinavian imports tucked between their floor-to-ceiling candy shelves. The prices are often better than specialty stores, and the old-school NYC vibe is unbeatable.

Other NYC Spots Worth Knowing

• IKEA Brooklyn (Red Hook): Every IKEA has a Swedish food market section with candy, chocolate, and snacks. The selection is small (maybe 15–20 items) but the prices are the lowest you'll find anywhere. Grab Daim, Polly, and Bilar while pretending you came for a bookshelf.
• Lil Sweet Treat: A colorful candy shop that rotates Swedish and European imports alongside American sweets.
• The Sweet Shop NYC: Carries select Swedish candy brands as part of their international selection.
• Scandinavian restaurants: Several Nordic restaurants in Manhattan carry small candy selections or can point you to local sources. Aquavit and FIKA Café are good starting points.

Ordering Online from NYC Stores

Can't make it to the city? Both BonBon and Saturday Candy Co. ship nationwide. BonBon's online store is particularly well-organized — you can browse by candy type, flavor profile, or dietary restriction. They offer 2–3 day shipping throughout the continental US, and local delivery is available in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

For the widest online selection, check our ranking of all Swedish candy online stores or our guide to finding Swedish candy on Amazon.

Tips for Your NYC Swedish Candy Run

• BonBon first, everything else second. If you only have time for one store, BonBon LES is the move. The selection is unmatched.
• Bring cash and card. Most stores accept both, but some smaller shops prefer one or the other.
• Don't overbuy on your first visit. Swedish candy has a wider flavor range than American candy. Start with 8–10 pieces, figure out what you love, then go back for more. Your wallet will thank you.
• Ask for recommendations. Staff at BonBon and similar stores genuinely know their product. Tell them what American candy you like and they'll find the Swedish equivalent.
• Check for dietary restrictions upfront. Most Swedish candy is free from artificial colors and high-fructose corn syrup, but gelatin and gluten vary by item. Staff can guide you to vegan, gluten-free, or halal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Swedish candy in NYC more expensive than ordering online?

Slightly. BonBon's in-store pricing runs about $4.50/quarter pound, which works out to roughly $18/lb for pick-and-mix. Online stores like Sweetish Candy or Mums Swedish Candy can be cheaper per gram, but you lose the experience of picking individual pieces and trying before you buy. For a first-timer, the in-store experience is worth the small premium.

🛒 Also available at Swedish Sweets →

Q: Can tourists buy Swedish candy to bring home on a flight?

Absolutely. Candy is allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage on domestic and international flights. BonBon even sells pre-packaged gift boxes that are TSA-friendly. Just avoid anything that might melt if you're flying in summer — chocolate bars and soft gummies don't love overhead bins in August.

Q: Are there Swedish candy subscription boxes based in NYC?

BonBon offers curated candy boxes that you can order as one-time purchases or gifts. For actual recurring subscriptions, check online-first stores like Mums Swedish Candy, Swedish Sweets, or our full store comparison.

Q: What's the best Swedish candy to try for the first time in NYC?

Start with our beginner's guide. At BonBon specifically, ask for a "best of Sweden" mix — they'll build you a bag with crowd-pleasers like BUBS watermelon, Ahlgrens Bilar, and a few sour options. Skip the salmiak licorice on your first visit unless you already know you love it.