Candy, also referred to as sweets or lollies, is a type of confection primarily composed of sugar. Belonging to the broader category of sugar confectionery, candy includes a wide variety of sweet treats such as chocolates, chewing gum, and sugar candies. Foods like fruits, vegetables, or nuts that have been glazed and coated with sugar are also termed as ‘candied’.
Candy is distinguished by its predominant use of sugar, or in the case of sugar-free candies, the usage of sugar substitutes. Unlike larger confections like cakes or breads intended to be shared, candies are usually manufactured in smaller individual-sized pieces. The definition of candy can be subjective, often depending on cultural interpretations and the manner in which it is consumed.
Typically, candies are enjoyed casually and often eaten with the fingers as a snack between meals, contrasting with sweet pastries which are usually served as a dessert course at the end of a meal. Thus, what constitutes candy can vary, with the same food item possibly classified as a candy in one culture and a dessert in another. Overall, candies represent a globally loved category of confections, integral to holidays, celebrations, and everyday indulgences.
