Why Do Swedish Fish Taste Different? Sour Fish Explained
By Swedish Candy Store NYC | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Product Reviews
Swedish Fish taste different because they rely on natural fruit flavors, a soft chewy texture, and often a sour sugar coating. Here is how BonBon sour fish compare to the American classic.
Quick answer
Swedish Fish taste different because most Swedish-made versions use natural fruit flavors, a softer chew, and sometimes a tangy sour sugar coating. BonBon sour fish, for example, are vegan, gluten-free, naturally colored, and made in Sweden, so the wild strawberry or elderflower flavor comes through cleanly instead of tasting like generic sugar. If you want the real Swedish-style sour experience, start with BonBon's Sour Wild Strawberry Fish or Sour Elderflower Fish.
What makes Swedish Fish taste different from American candy?
The biggest difference is the flavor source. Many American fish candies rely on artificial flavors and a firm, rubbery chew. Swedish versions like BonBon use natural flavors and a softer, slightly bouncier texture that releases fruit notes as you chew. They are also naturally colored, so you avoid the aftertaste that some synthetic dyes can leave. The result is a cleaner, more delicate taste that lets the fruit, not the sugar, lead.
Are BonBon sour fish actually sour?
Yes, but in a balanced way. BonBon sour fish are coated in a tangy sour sugar that hits first, then fades into the fruit flavor. Sour Wild Strawberry Fish are perfectly sweet and sour with the flavor of wild strawberries in every bite. Sour Elderflower Fish are inspired by homemade elderflower cordial, so the sourness is gentle and refreshing rather than mouth-puckering. If you want a sharper sour, go for the wild strawberry; if you prefer a softer, floral sour, choose elderflower.
What do sour elderflower fish and wild strawberry fish taste like?
Sour Wild Strawberry Fish taste like ripe wild strawberries with a sour sugar coating. They are soft, chewy, and sweet-tart. Sour Elderflower Fish taste like a delicate, floral lemonade with a light sour finish. Both are vegan, gluten-free, naturally colored, and made in Sweden. The elderflower is more subtle and aromatic; the wild strawberry is more familiar and fruit-forward. Neither is aggressively sour, so they work for adults and kids alike.
How should I store Swedish sour fish to keep them tasting fresh?
Keep them in an airtight container away from heat and direct sunlight. The sour sugar coating can absorb moisture and get sticky if left open, so reseal the bag after each handful. If you buy the BonBon Fish Collection Gift Box, it comes gift-wrapped in a pink box with a ribbon, but once opened, transfer any leftovers to a zip-top bag. Properly stored, they stay soft and tangy for weeks.
Swedish fish FAQ: quick answers
- Are Swedish Fish and BonBon sour fish the same?
- No. Swedish Fish is a specific American brand. BonBon is a Swedish maker that uses natural flavors, natural colors, and a softer chew. Both are fish-shaped, but the recipes and sourcing differ. If you want the Swedish-style taste, look for 'made in Sweden' and 'naturally colored' on the label.
- Which BonBon sour fish is best for a first try?
- Start with Sour Wild Strawberry Fish if you like familiar berry flavors. Choose Sour Elderflower Fish if you want something more floral and unusual. The BonBon Fish Collection Gift Box lets you try both plus three others. The gift box is the most efficient way to find your favorite without committing to a full bag.
- Do BonBon sour fish contain gelatin or gluten?
- The supplied catalog facts say they are vegan and gluten-free. That means no gelatin and no wheat. They are also naturally colored, so no artificial dyes. These are a good option for vegan, gluten-free, and dye-sensitive candy lovers.
- How sour are BonBon sour fish really?
- They have a tangy sour sugar coating that is noticeable but not extreme. The sourness is balanced with fruit flavor, so you can eat several without your mouth feeling raw. If you want extreme sour, these are mild; if you want flavorful sour, these hit the spot.
BonBon products that show the difference
- BonBon Fish Collection Gift Box: A large gift box filled with all five BonBon original fish flavors: Sour Wild Strawberry, Sour Blackberry, Sour Elderflower, Sweet Wild Strawberry, and Sour Peach. Vegan, gluten-free, naturally colored, made in Sweden, and gift wrapped in a classic pink box with ribbon. Best way to compare all the Swedish flavors side by side without buying five separate bags. The gift wrap makes it ready to give, but it is also a practical tasting set for yourself.
- BonBon's Sour Wild Strawberry Fish: Sour Wild Strawberry Fish are perfectly sweet and sour, with the flavor of wild strawberries in every bite. Soft, chewy, and coated in a tangy sour sugar. Vegan, gluten-free, naturally colored, and made in Sweden. The most familiar entry point if you already like strawberry candy but want a cleaner, softer Swedish-style chew with a sour kick.
- BonBon's Sour Elderflower Fish: Sour Elderflower Fish are inspired by homemade cordial made from freshly picked elderflowers. Sweet and sour with a delicate elderflower flavor. Vegan, gluten-free, naturally colored, and made in Sweden. The pick for anyone who wants a floral, refreshing sour that tastes distinctly Swedish rather than like standard berry candy.
