Icelandic Candy & Liquorice: A Guide to Iceland's Sweets

Icelanders are among the world's biggest sweet-eaters, and Icelandic candy has a personality all its own — built around liquorice (lakkrís), milk chocolate, and the beloved national habit of combining the two. This guide introduces the brands, the must-try treats, and the famously divisive flavour of salty liquorice, so you know exactly what to reach for. Everything ships worldwide direct from Iceland.

Why liquorice? The Icelandic obsession

Liquorice is everywhere in Iceland: on its own, dusted in salt, or — the signature move — wrapped in milk chocolate. Salty liquorice (saltlakkrís), made with salmiak (ammonium chloride), delivers a sharp, savoury hit that's an acquired taste for newcomers and an everyday joy for locals. If you only try one Icelandic thing, make it chocolate-covered liquorice.

The Icelandic candy brands to know

Nói Síríus — Iceland's oldest chocolatier

Founded in 1920, Nói Síríus is the grand old name of Icelandic chocolate. Look for Síríus milk and dark bars, and the cult-favourite Nóa Kropp — crispy chocolate-covered puffs that are dangerously easy to finish in one sitting.

Góa — home of Hraun

Góa makes Hraun (“lava”), a crunchy chocolate-and-biscuit bar named after Iceland's volcanic landscape, plus a whole range of liquorice-and-chocolate treats.

Freyja — dreamy classics

Freyja's Draumur (“dream”) bar — liquorice centre in milk chocolate — is a national favourite, alongside Rís and other liquorice creations.

Omnom — craft bean-to-bar

At the premium end, Omnom makes small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate in Reykjavík with striking design and flavours like liquorice & sea salt. It's Iceland's best-known craft chocolate and a perfect gift.

Sambó, Appolo & pastilles

Sambó is known for liquorice and coconut treats like Þristur; Appolo for classic Icelandic liquorice; and the Opal and Tópas pastilles for menthol and salty-liquorice hits in a little box.

What to try first

• Chocolate-covered liquorice — the quintessential Icelandic treat (try Draumur or Nóa Kropp).
• Omnom bars — if you want craft chocolate worth gifting.
• Hraun — for a crunchy chocolate-biscuit classic.
• Salty liquorice — for the full, authentic Icelandic experience.
• Handcrafted Icelandic candy and the Nature Chocolate collection — for beautifully packaged gifts.

Icelandic candy as a gift

A mix of Icelandic chocolate and liquorice makes a memorable gift or a taste of a trip to Iceland. Browse the full Icelandic candy & liquorice range, the confectionery selection, or seasonal Icelandic Easter eggs — each filled with sweets and a traditional proverb (málsháttur) inside. All shipped worldwide from Iceland.

Frequently asked questions

What is Icelandic liquorice?

Icelandic liquorice (lakkrís) is a hugely popular confection eaten on its own, salted, or coated in milk chocolate. Salty liquorice (saltlakkrís) is made with salmiak and has a sharp, savoury flavour that's central to Icelandic candy culture.

Is Icelandic liquorice salty?

Some of it is. “Salty liquorice” (saltlakkrís) is a distinct, savoury style made with salmiak, while plenty of Icelandic liquorice is sweet. Chocolate-covered liquorice balances the two beautifully.

What is the most famous Icelandic chocolate?

Nói Síríus (founded 1920) is Iceland's best-known chocolate maker, famous for Síríus bars and Nóa Kropp. For craft chocolate, Omnom is the standout name.

What is Omnom chocolate?

Omnom is an Icelandic bean-to-bar craft chocolate maker based in Reykjavík, known for small-batch bars, bold flavours (including liquorice & sea salt) and distinctive packaging.

Can I buy Icelandic candy online and ship it internationally?

Yes — The Icelandic Store ships authentic Icelandic candy and chocolate worldwide, direct from Iceland.