I was born and raised in Norrköping, but I also spent part of my childhood on Södermalm in Stockholm. That’s where one of my very first Swedish candy memories comes from.
Back in the early 1990s, the streets had parking meters—quite different from today’s app-based systems. These meters had coin slots for 1 SEK, 5 SEK, and the new 10 SEK coin, which was golden and felt like treasure to a child. Imagine Pippi Longstocking’s bag full of gold coins—that’s exactly how I felt every time I saw one of those new tens.
Parking meters also had a coin return tray, and I quickly learned that if a coin didn’t fall correctly, it could come out there. Soon, I was tapping on machines, curious if there were any coins in the tray. To my surprise, I found a 5 SEK coin in one of them. A few blocks later, another meter made a sound I had never heard before—it sounded like utensils spilling gently onto a counter. I opened the tray and was amazed: coins were pouring out, tens everywhere! I probably grabbed twenty 10 SEK coins, which was 200 SEK, a huge sum for a child back then. My excitement was like hitting the lottery.
With my pockets heavy and clumsy with coins, I ran to the local candy kiosk. Normally, you only got candy on Saturdays, but now I could buy so much! The shopkeeper showed me different jars of candy, scooping them into a colorful paper bag. Unlike today’s bulk candy, each jar had a lid, and the staff used tongs to fill your bag.
I chose my favorite sweets and carried the bag to a nearby playground, carefully checking that nothing had fallen out. I picked up a candy filled with sour powder. The first bite made my cheeks pucker, followed by an incredibly sweet flavor that melted in my mouth. The feeling? Pure joy and bliss.
Looking back, this one of my first candy experience wasn’t just about the sweets—it was a moment of discovery, freedom, and happiness. It’s amazing how a simple Swedish candy moment can leave a lasting memory.
What about you—do you have a childhood candy memory that still makes you smile today? 🍭 Share your sweetest moments with us!
