Gooey gummies, nostalgic musk sticks, jaw-tingling sour bombs… there's something undeniably joyful about lollies. These little sugary wonders are not just indulgent snacks, but a true cultural experience, a trip down memory lane, and a ticket to sweet adventure.
We’re as passionate about lollies as a kid in an ice cream shoppe. With shelves full of treats both familiar and foreign, we’re diving deep into the colourful, chewy, crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth world of lollies. But before we get stuck in – where did the term “lollies” even come from?
Candies, Lollies… Where Does the Name Come From Anyway?
In Australia and New Zealand, lollies is the go-to word for what Americans call candy and Brits call sweets. The term likely comes from the old English dialect word lolly, meaning "tongue". Over time, it evolved to refer to treats that make you want to keep licking or chewing.
In the UK, a lolly usually means an ice lolly or what Americans would call a popsicle. But down under, lollies refer to all types of sugary confections from chewy frogs to fizzy sherbets and more.
So while Aussies might grab a bag of lollies before a road trip, Americans are packing candy, and Brits are bringing sweets. Same sugar, different name!
Types of Lollies by Texture and Form
No two lollies are the same. Some melt, some snap, and some squish between your teeth. Here's a breakdown of the most popular types.
Soft and Chewy
Sink your teeth into something delightfully chewy like Milk Bottles, Red Frogs, and Caramel Swirls. These soft and chewy lollies are loved for their satisfying bite and rich, sometimes creamy flavours. They’re the perfect middle ground between hard and gooey – easy to snack on and dangerously addictive.
Boiled and Hard
Photo credits: https://melbournerockcandy.com.au
Classic and colourful, hard lollies are often slow-sucked and long-lasting like fruit drops, rock candy, and those retro striped humbugs your grandparents kept in a tin. Some are filled with chewy centres, others deliver a fizzy surprise. Either way, they’re a crunchy, old-school treat that never goes out of style.
Freeze-Dried Lollies
Freeze-dried lollies are lollies reinvented. By removing the moisture, classic favourites like Skittles or marshmallows get an airy, crunchy makeover. They’re ultra-light, explosively flavourful, and oddly satisfying. It’s science-meets-sugar in the best way possible.
Jelly and Gummi
Bright, bouncy, and bursting with flavour, jelly and gummi lollies are a fun-time staple. Cola Bottles, Gummi Bears, and Sour Worms are all squishy treats that range from fruity to fizzy and everything in between. Ideal for lolly buffets, party bags, or sneaky desk drawer snacking.
Marshmallows
Soft as clouds and sweet as dreams, marshmallows are a texture lover’s paradise. Enjoy them roasted, melted in hot chocolate, or straight out of the bag. In the United States, marshmallows are often enjoyed roasted and smushed between two graham crackers and a piece of chocolate!
Fairy Floss
Also known as cotton candy, fairy floss is pure nostalgia. Spun sugar that melts on your tongue like magic, it’s a carnival classic that brings instant joy. Available in all colours and flavours from strawberry to bubblegum, this light-as-air treat is a must-munch for kids of all ages.
Gum
Gum blurs the line between kids’ treats and adult indulgences. From fruity bubblegum to minty freshness, gum is a guilt-free lolly for children of all ages. Look out for nostalgic range of Zappo gum and the ever-popular American imports like Dubble Bubble.
Liquorice and Aniseed
A polarising but proud lolly category, liquorice and aniseed lollies have a bold, herbal taste. From soft black twists to wheels and bullets, these classics are for those with a more “grown-up” palette (or those raised on tradition).
Brittle and Fudge
For a bit of crunch or a smooth melt-in-your-mouth moment, brittle and fudge bring an old-fashioned feel to your lolly stash. Peanut brittle, butter fudge, and creamy caramels hit the sweet spot between confection and dessert.
Chocolate
We couldn’t leave out the king of sweets. From chocolate-coated nuts and honeycomb to foil wrapped favorites and tasty buttons, chocolate is a lolly category all its own. Aussie-made brands like Pink Lady hold their own against any international competitor.
Musk Sticks
Types of Lollies with Special Dietary Needs
Lollies should be for everyone. That’s why we stock a huge range of inclusive options –
Gluten-Free Lollies
Whether you're coeliac or just cutting gluten, you don’t have to miss out on your favourite sweets. From gummies to hard candy, we’ve got plenty of options of gluten free lollies that are safe and delicious.
Halal Lollies
Our halal range includes certified products that meet dietary standards without compromising on flavour or variety. Perfect for kids' parties, events, and everyday snacking.
Types of Lollies Invented in Australia
Australia has more than a sweet tooth – we’ve got serious lolly credentials.
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Musk Sticks: Love them or loathe them, musk sticks are iconic in Australia. With their floral perfume and soft, crumbly texture, they’re a one-of-a-kind lolly that screams Aussie childhood.
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Wizz Fizz: Fizzy sherbet powder in tiny sachets – what could be more fun?
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Allens: The ultimate Aussie lolly brand. From Snakes Alive to Pineapples, their range is legendary.
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TNT: Not for the faint of heart, these sour lollies pack a punch!
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Melbourne Rock Candy: Handmade and colourful, each piece is a work of art.
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Pink Lady Chocolates: Smooth, creamy, and proudly Australian.
Types of Lollies from the US
American candy brings bold flavours, wild textures, and a whole new naming system.
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Warheads: The sour kings. One bite, and your face will scrunch – but you’ll probably go back for more.
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Nerds: Tiny, crunchy, fruity, and wildly addictive.
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Reese’s: Chocolate meets peanut butter in perfect harmony – sometimes in cup form, sometimes in pieces, but always delicious.
Compared to Aussie lollies, American candy tends to be sweeter, louder, and flashier. But we’re here for it.
Conclusion
From chewy gummies to old-school rock candy, there’s a lolly out there for every kind of sweet tooth. Whether you’re craving something nostalgic, exploring international flavours, or looking for something that suits your dietary needs, the world of lollies is vast and delicious.
Ready to treat yourself? Go on, have a lolly. Or three. We won’t judge. Shop our full range of lollies or in bulk now!