10 Must-See Locations For People Who Love Candy

Candy – one of the finer things in life. It's sweet, crunchy, chocolatey and sometimes savory. Sometimes it's mixed with nuts, nougat, caramel, marshmallow and cream. You can choose from white chocolate, dark chocolate or milk chocolate – if you imagine it, it's likely out there.

The true beauty of candy is the many different variations out there to choose from, depending on where you are in the world. Each country has its own delicacy and specialty, so there are many unique ways to experience candy – other than your typical Hershey's bar or Milky Way. If you love candy, you must check out the following ten must-see locations and the candy they are known for.

Belgium

If you have a sweet tooth, Brussels is a must. The "chocolate capital of the world" is home to more chocolatiers than any other city in the world, including two of the biggest – Godiva and Leonidas. You can also experiment with smaller boutique chocolatiers who've mastered their own versions of chocolate. Check out the chocolate museum – Musee du Cocoa et du Chocolate, where you can learn all about its history and how it's made.

Italy

You will find more than vineyards and wine in Tuscany. The triangle that's formed between Florence, Pisa and Montecatini is known as Chocolate Valley. Explore gourmet shops and small chocolate factories, while you also take in the picturesque scenery. Don't miss out on Amedei chocolate maker, Torrefazion Tinci and the popular Slitti chocolate and coffee shop.

Argentina

Make a visit to Bariloche for the breathtaking Swiss-like scenery, as well as artisanal ice cream and chocolate. The dessert trend in Bariloche started almost a half-century ago and has progressed into everything from regular chocolate bars to those stuffed with fruit. So indulge in "Little Switzerland," and treat yourself to the avenue of chocolate dreams.

France

Paris is one of the gourmet capitals of the world, and you can enjoy more than 300 chocolate shops, which are all listed in the Parisian phonebook. Try everything from independent boutiques to world famous artisan chocolatiers. In Paris, dark chocolate is the specialty, so make sure to indulge, even if it isn't your preference.

Canada

Candy doesn't always mean a chocolate. How about some maple taffy? Canada produces much of the world's maple syrup, so it shouldn't surprise anyone that maple taffy is their specialty. The way it's made is the most interesting aspect because you must use fresh snow, pack it into a roasting pan, then drizzle boiling maple syrup on top of it. The best way to experience it is to let it cool a bit, then grab a popsicle stick and dig in while it's still warm.

Brazil

The fan favorite of Brazil is a dense chocolate truffle known as brigedeiros. Not only are these decadent chocolates a delicious treat, but they're also tied to women's voting rights. Back in 1945, the wife of Brigadier Eduardo Gomes – candidate for president – created brigedeiros the first year women could vote in Brazil. Made with condensed milk, cream, butter and cocoa powder, these are a favorite around the world. If you're a chocolate lover, make sure you experience the Brazilian truffle.

Poland

You have to try this iconic sweet treat in Poland. Prince Polo chocolate-covered wafers are not named after a prince, but they're still sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Think Kit Kat, but with a few more layers of wafer, drowned in dark chocolate. These treats are also a top seller in Iceland.

Germany

Kinder Surprise may be illegal in the United States, but these milky chocolate eggs are all the rage in Germany. What's special about each Kinder egg is that there's a toy hidden inside. You definitely want to be careful if you have little ones because these candies are a choking hazard, but that doesn't stop them from ranking as one of the best candies in the world.

Finland

Mint chocolate is a popular combo, not only in the United States, but also in Finland. Try Finland's popular Marianne candies – mints that are filled with chocolate or toffee. While you may not know what to expect from the mix of toffee and mint, you'll be happy to hear that it's refreshing and satisfying.

Belgium

Almost everyone has heard of Belgium chocolate, at least once in their lives. After all, Belgium invented the praline in 1912.  Top Belgium chocolate company, Cote d'Or chocolate, offers Brut chocolate, which gives chocolate-lovers an intense experience. You can choose from a few different options that include milk chocolate, caramelized almonds, hazelnut and even blueberries – to name a few. 

 

Everyone loves candy, and there's lots to try all over the world. Whether you're a fan of mint, maple, fruit-filled chocolate or classic milk chocolate, there are ample candy experiences waiting for you no matter where you go. So next time you plan a trip to another country, check out their candy selections beforehand so you can visit a local chocolatier and enjoy something new and exciting.