Matlow's Assorted Fruit Hard Candy Kosher 5.5lb

These translucent, hard fruit-flavored candies are very close to the Sparkles candies made by Brach's in the 1980's - believe me, I've been on the lookout for anything that even remotely looks like them (i.e., oval shaped, translucent and fruit flavored). You may or may not recall that Sparkles came in: Assorted Fruits; Watermelon; and Green apple flavors. The candies I received are SUPPOSED to have FIVE flavors, but the bag I received was like this: Very little DARK RED/PURPLE (it's either grape or raspberry flavor), a few ORANGE (orange flavor), a couple of GREEN (green apple), LOADS OF WHITE/YELLOW (like, 3/4 of the bag is LEMON candies) and NO PINK WHATSOEVER. I checked all 5+ pounds, and there isn't a singe, pink candy in the entire bag. Don't get me wrong - all of the flavors are very good, but let's face it - we all have our favorite colors/flavors, and mine happens to be pink (strawberry or watermelon) (but, hey, if your favorite flavor is lemon, you'll be happy as a clam). They are similar to Sparkles in that they have a lovely balance of tartness/sweetness. They look pretty much exactly like Sparkles, in that they're oval-shaped and translucent. I love the texture of these candies, as well...have you ever sliced your tongue open on a hard candy that's splintered? Splintering won't happen with these because they're incredibly smooth. The only real difference is in the flavoring, which tastes more, "natural" than I remember the Sparkles tasting. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, because I've noticed that, when comparing food items made in the United States to those made in Europe, the European versions generally taste better (at least, to me). In my opinion, the United States has a tendency to, "bastardize" junk food by making it even more, uh...junkier? For example, U.S. manufacturers will use high fructose corn syrup instead of cane sugar, hydrogenated oils instead of healthy oils, and so forth. So, that's really the only difference - these taste like they're made with real juice, or less junk or a combination thereof. In summation, the only complaint that I have about this candy is the lack of variety in the bag I received; other than that, they're delicious. UPDATE: I think I've figured something out: The clear (almost white) and the yellow (the palest yellow) are different flavors. I had originally thought that both were lemon, with the color variation being just that - a color variation. However, I've just realized that the white ones are LIME, and the pale yellow are LEMON. This probably explains why it seems like 3/4 of the bag is lemon! I've also realized: For some reason, I"ve yet to get a bag that has BOTH the green and pink flavors in the same bag; it's either one or the other. The bags I've ordered from Amazon (seller: Great Ones for You) have: White, Pale Yellow, Orange, Dark Red and Green. The bags I've ordered from a non Amazon-affiliated online candy store: White, Pale Yellow, Orange, Dark Red and Pink. Curious....

I started buying hard candies due to dry mouth caused by medication. But I’ve really always hard candy anyway. Found these on an Amazon search and after reading other reviews, I decided to try them out. So glad I did!!!! They’re delicious! They’re a bit expensive, but you get a huge quantity and they’re nothing like anything you can find in stores. The flavors are interesting- not just basic cherry, orange, etc. and the “mouth feel” is smooth and delightful. Everyone that has one loves it!!! After finishing my first bag, I’ve already ordered another! You’ll love them!!!!

Perfect product! I am THRILLED to have found these candies! Lots of variety in flavors, fresh, perfect texture, wonderful flavors. I will be buying again!!!

Reminds me of the Brach's candy by the shape. The colors/flavors are a little different, but they area all still very yummy!

Good candy for a candy jar,

These candies are nearly perfect -- great size and feel in the mouth; great tastes (like others have said, not too sweet and not too tart). They are definitely very reminiscent of the long-out-of-production Brach's Sparkles. My 5 lb bag contained nearly equal amounts of dark red (blackberry / cherry type of flavor), pink (strawberry flavor), orange (orange flavor), and clear/pale yellow (lemon flavor). The lemon was my favorite, very delicate, not sour or tart flavor. My 5 lb bag cost $24 about 7 weeks ago, I came here to buy more but now it's $34 for the 5 lb bag! Yikes; I guess I will monitor it to see if the price comes down before buying again. These candies are really great, though, and I'm happy to have found them! EDITED 8/7/2020: The pricing is all over the map. Just bought my 3rd bag (yes 3rd, LOL), this time it was $21. I'm addicted to these things, so I will have to keep an eye out and buy when the price is low. (Maybe a 4th bag while it's still $21 ... haha.)

The candy is great. The delivery was good, but the packaging was terrible. It was cut open and everything spilled inside and a little outside.

Need a hard candy to fill your candy jar? This is the perfect option! Light fruity flavor that isn't overwhelming and a hit with everyone who eats one!