Looking for the perfect “stocking stuffer” or a little gift to give during Hanukkah? Here’s a list of our favorite treats that are affordable and sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth. All of the food products are from unique countries and are really enjoyable to eat!
1. Maple Shortbread Cookies | Canada
Rich with butter, shortbread was once an expensive and precious treat reserved for Christmastime. After running a wildly popular catering company for over 25 years, Mark Pollard founded Sprucewood Handmade Cookies Co., a baking company in Ontario that produces delicious cookies with signature Canadian flavors, like these made with maple syrup.
2. Crispy Banana Chips | Thailand
The founder of Danielle Chips began growing fruits and vegetables in her garden and selling her produce at local markets. Nowadays, Danielle creates an incredible variety of dried fruit and vegetable chips made in Thailand. These banana chips are unlike any you’ve ever tasted!
3. Honey & Salt Toffee | South Africa
Frits and Hentie, the duo behind Darling Sweet’s toffee in South Africa, have been hiring locals to make their signature sweets since 2013. Deliciously rich and creamy, this toffee is mixed with pure butter and honey that is made in the town of Darling. All of their candy is irresistible though – specially for someone with a sweet tooth.
4. Paçoquita | Brazil
Made from ground peanuts, sugar, and salt, paçoquita is one of Brazil’s most beloved types of candy. Ever since the recipe was created in the 1980s, paçoquita has been a symbol of the country’s tradition and culture. This one made by Santa Helena is simply delicious and unforgettable.
5. Licorice | Sweden
This might come as a surprise, but licorice is one of Sweden’s most enjoyed candies! Licorice is made from licorice root, a plant that has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments, including indigestion and headaches. For anyone who loves licorice, these candies from Sweden’s Lakritsfabriken are the perfect gourmet treat.
6. Chestnut Spread | France
The recipe for this indulgent chestnut spread made by Clement Faugier dates all the way back to 1885. Their chestnuts are harvested in Ardèche, a region in the south of France whose chestnuts are so famous that they’re protected by the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, France’s department of food control). Enjoy this sweet, nutty spread on toast, cookies, or straight from the tube!
7. Dried Berry Mix | Finland
Harvested in Finland’s rustic wilderness, Biokia makes their fruit mixes with wild berries from Scandinavia that are called bilberries and lingonberries. They taste similar to cranberries and are featured in jams and sauces in Nordic cuisine. This dried berry mix is packed with healthy fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s delicious paired with dark chocolate, or be inspired by Nordic traditions and try it with licorice!
