From South End to Beacon Hill and beyond, Swedish candy shops are quickly taking over Boston, one neighborhood at a time, and we’re not mad about it. Bostonians are slowly becoming candy connoisseurs, and if you want in on the sweet thrills of the best candy shops in Boston, we’re spilling the (jelly) beans to tell you which ones are worth a detour when that sweet tooth strikes.
Madeleine’s Candy Shop, South End
Boston’s original Swedish candy shop, Madeleine, was the first to bring the sweet flavors of Sweden, among several other countries, to Clarendon Street in Boston nearly two years ago. The shop offers a rotating selection of candy from over 50 countries, with Swedish candy favorite, BUBS in high circulation. The addition of the soft serve window makes visits to Madeleine’s Candy Shop even more magical, with flavors like maple and pumpkin soft serve on the menu in autumn, and spectacular decor for each season New England brings.
Pic & Mix, Kenmore Square
The mother-daughter-run shop just opened on Commonwealth Avenue a few months ago and offers one of Boston’s most robust candy assortments. From passion fruit rambos to a wall of imported chocolate bars, whatever candy you’re craving, you’re guaranteed to find it at Pic & Mix. Get your perfect bag of candy and step inside the on-site old-school photo booth for the ultimate burst of nostalgia.
The Sweetish Fish, Seaport
Hailing from Cape Cod, this family-owned candy shop brings Swedish candy to Seaport. A nod to its Cape roots, The Sweetish Fish plays on the nautical theme with tinned fish candy and reusable pink cotton mesh net totes. Located at The Current, The Sweetish Fish rotates its selection daily, with staff bagging your candy selections for you on site. The shop also has a retail location in Chestnut Hill.
Nantasket Sweets by Swedes, Beacon Hill
As the name implies, this Swedish candy shop is owned by a Swedish native! Hailing from Sweden, Maria recreates the magic of Swedish lördagsgodis, which translates to “Saturday Candy,” a weekend ritual in Maria’s home country where families would visit the local candy shop and pick and eat their sweets. Maria brings those same flavors of her native country to Beacon Hill, the second of her Massachusetts shops.
Lil Sweet Treat, Back Bay
Known for piloting the Swedish candy craze in Manhattan with her first store in the West Village, Lil Sweet Treat Co-Founder Elly Ross brought that same viral sensation to Back Bay with her Swedish candy shop. The shop rotates its selection on the regular, meaning there’s always something new and exciting to try.
Next time the craving strikes, you’ve got a toolbox for that candy fix in Boston. From BUBS to foamy sour pears and a Wonka-approved chocolate assortment, Boston’s candy scene has never been better.
