Swedish Fish
Swedish Fish are soft, chewy, fish-shaped candies made mainly from sugar, corn syrup, and modified corn starch, with citric acid for tartness and no gelatin, which sets them apart from most gummy candy. They were originally developed in Sweden by the candy maker Malaco and have been sold in the US since the 1960s, now made domestically under the Mondelez-owned brand. The classic bag is bright red with a mild, fruity flavor that's often described as cherry-adjacent but is officially just "natural and artificial flavor."
Varieties
The original red version is a single cherry-like flavor. Assorted and tropical mixes add lime, lemon, orange, and berry flavors in different colors, and mini Swedish Fish are sized for baking and topping rather than eating by the handful.
Buying tips
Squeeze the bag before buying; candies that feel rock-hard through the packaging have likely dried out from age or storage in a warm store. Bags labeled "original" are all one red color and flavor, while "assorted" or "tropical" mixes include additional colors and fruit flavors.
Substitutes
Haribo gummy fish or Gold-Bears — 1:1 by weight
Contains gelatin and has a springier, more elastic bite than Swedish Fish, but works fine as a stand-in in trail mixes or as a cupcake topper.
Sour Patch Kids (plain, not sour-coated) — 1:1 by weight
Made by the same parent company with a nearly identical dense, sugar-starch texture; skip the sour sugar coating for recipes where you don't want extra tartness.
Mamba fruit chews, chopped — 1:1 by weight
Firmer and more taffy-like, so chop into smaller pieces before folding into batters or bars so they don't clump.
Gumdrops, chopped — 1:1 by weight
Coarser sugar coating and a firmer chew; best for decorative use rather than melting into a mix.
Storage
Keep in a sealed bag or airtight container at room temperature, away from direct heat. Once opened and exposed to air, Swedish Fish dry out and turn hard within a few days; pressing out excess air or adding a slice of bread to the bag helps them stay soft longer.
How to use
Fold into rice krispie treats or blondies for chewy pockets of color, use as a garnish on blue-tinted jello cups or "ocean" cupcakes, mix into popcorn or pretzel snack mixes for a sweet-salty contrast, or scatter over ice cream sundaes. They hold their shape better than most gummies when baked briefly, but melt fully if left in a hot oven for more than a few minutes.
What it pairs with
Pairs well with blue gelatin or blue-tinted whipped cream for ocean-themed desserts, with vanilla or coconut ice cream, and with salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn in mixed candy bowls.
Nutrition
Fat-free and gelatin-free, made almost entirely of sugar and corn syrup; a standard serving (about 15 pieces) runs around 140 calories with roughly 32 grams of sugar and no protein or fiber.
FAQ
Are Swedish Fish vegan?
Yes. Unlike most gummy candy, Swedish Fish contain no gelatin; the texture comes from corn starch and sugar instead, so they're suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Why do Swedish Fish get hard after opening the bag?
They lose moisture once exposed to air, and the sugar-starch base stiffens quickly compared to gelatin-based gummies. Resealing the bag tightly or transferring them to an airtight container slows this down.
What flavor are Swedish Fish supposed to be?
The manufacturer lists only "natural and artificial flavor" without naming a specific fruit; most people describe the taste as a mild cherry or berry flavor rather than anything fish-related.
Can you melt Swedish Fish down for a candy topping or sauce?
Yes, they melt in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water, similar to melting marshmallows, and can be poured over ice cream or used to coat popcorn, though the citric acid can make the melted syrup slightly tart.
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