Icelandic Candy and Sweet Treats

Iceland's confectionery tradition reflects the nation's history of isolation, resourcefulness, and surprising international influences. From liquorice-mad locals to chocolate factories powered by geothermal energy, the island's sweet treats tell stories of Danish colonial heritage, wartime innovation, and distinctly Nordic tastes that often perplex foreign visitors.

The Liquorice Obsession

Icelanders consume more liquorice per capita than any other nation—a staggering 2.5 kilograms annually per person. This Nordic passion reaches extraordinary heights with **Lakkrís**, available in forms that would shock liquorice newcomers. At Reykjavík's Haribo store on Laugavegur 59, shelves groan under salt liquorice varieties: liquorice covered in chocolate, mixed with coconut, or dusted with ammonium chloride for that distinctively aggressive bite.

The most infamous example is **Opal**, a liquorice throat lozenge that doubles as candy. Priced at 189 ISK (€1.30) per pack at most petrol stations, these small black discs deliver an intense liquorice punch that locals consume like sweets whilst visitors often mistake them for medicine. The tradition stems from Denmark, but Icelanders have embraced liquorice with religious fervour that surpasses their former colonial masters.

Traditional Icelandic Sweets

Vínarbrauð and Kleinur

Iceland's pastry culture centres on **Vínarbrauð** (Vienna bread), introduced during the Danish colonial period. These flaky pastries, filled with jam, custard, or chocolate, cost 280-350 ISK (€2-2.50) at bakeries like Brauð & Co, which operates 24-hour locations across Reykjavík including Austurstræti 16 and Frakkastígur 16.

**Kleinur**, Iceland's twisted doughnuts, represent the nation's most beloved traditional sweet. These diamond-shaped, cardamom-spiced treats are fried until golden and dusted with sugar. Authentic kleinur cost 150-200 ISK (€1-1.40) each at traditional bakeries like Sandholt on Laugavegur 36, established in 1920. The best kleinur possess a crispy exterior yielding to tender, slightly chewy centres infused with cardamom's warm spice.

Pönnukökur

Though technically pancakes, **Pönnukökur** function as dessert candy when filled with sugar, cinnamon, and whipped cream, then rolled into sweet parcels. These paper-thin crepes, cooked on special seven-sectioned pans called **pönnukökupanna**, appear at every celebration. Street vendors sell them during Reykjavík's Culture Night in August for 400-500 ISK (€3-3.50) each, though most families guard jealously their own recipes and cooking techniques.

Modern Chocolate Culture

Nói Síríus

Iceland's chocolate empire belongs to **Nói Síríus**, founded in 1920 and now Iceland's largest confectionery manufacturer. Their factory in Reykjavík produces distinctively Icelandic chocolates that reflect local tastes: less sweet than American varieties, often incorporating liquorice or sea salt. Their **Appolo** chocolate bar, featuring liquorice pieces in milk chocolate, costs 349 ISK (€2.50) and represents Iceland's successful marriage of chocolate and liquorice traditions.

The company's **Freyja** bars, named after the Norse goddess, contain dried fruit and nuts, whilst their seasonal offerings include chocolate Easter eggs weighing up to 500 grams and costing 4,500-7,000 ISK (€32-50). These appear in shops from February through April, becoming central to Iceland's Easter celebrations.

Craft Chocolate Revolution

Reykjavík's craft chocolate scene centres on **Omnom Chocolate** in the Marshall House at Grandagarður 16. This bean-to-bar chocolate maker creates small batches using Icelandic ingredients: sea salt from Westman Islands, crowberries from highland areas, and even brennivín (caraway schnapps). Their 50-gram bars cost 1,490-1,890 ISK (€11-13), positioning them as premium souvenirs that actually represent authentic Icelandic flavours rather than tourist kitsch.

Where to Experience Icelandic Sweets

Reykjavík's Sweet Spots

**Te og Kaffi** locations throughout Reykjavík (including Austurstræti 18 and Skólavörðustígur 19) offer comprehensive selections of Icelandic chocolates and sweets alongside excellent coffee. Their **súkkulaði** (hot chocolate) costs 590 ISK (€4.20) and ranks among the city's finest.

**Rammagerðin**, the Icelandic souvenir shop at Hafnarstræti 19, dedicates entire sections to authentic Icelandic sweets. Here, visitors find gift boxes containing liquorice varieties, Nói Síríus chocolates, and traditional sweets for 2,500-8,000 ISK (€18-57), depending on size and contents.

Beyond Reykjavík

**Valdís** ice cream shops in Reykjavík and Akureyri deserve mention for their innovative flavours incorporating Icelandic sweets. Their liquorice ice cream, available for 450 ISK (€3.20) per scoop, provides a gentler introduction to Iceland's liquorice obsession than diving straight into Opal lozenges.

Practical Sweet Shopping

Most Icelandic sweets keep well and make excellent souvenirs. Dried fish doesn't travel well, but chocolate and liquorice survive long flights perfectly. **Bónus** supermarkets (marked by their distinctive yellow pig logo) offer the best prices on everyday sweets, whilst duty-free shops at Keflavík Airport provide last-minute opportunities to acquire Icelandic chocolates at competitive prices—though selection focuses on tourist-friendly items rather than authentically local favourites like salt liquorice.

Understanding Icelandic sweets requires embracing flavours that initially seem challenging. The liquorice obsession, cardamom-spiced pastries, and less-sweet chocolate reflect a palate shaped by Nordic traditions and historical isolation. These treats offer genuine insight into Icelandic culture—far more authentic than puffin-shaped chocolates designed purely for tourist consumption.

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