Growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, there were certain candies that were hard to come by because we didn’t have access to it. Consequently, there weren’t many places we could go to find our candy essentials like leche quemada or mazapán. We had candy stores, but not Mexican candy stores.
I remember as a child, we would visit our cousins and walk to the corner candy store with our quarters and nickels given to us by our aunts after pleading for candy money. After spending a good length of time down each candy isle, we would all come out with brown lunch bags full of goodies. We were so cool with our candy cigarettes. Rarely though, did we ever find any Mexican candy. And when we found it, we would buy all of it.
Thankfully, time has changed the accessibility of products and foods that were at one time non-existent. Locally in Fort Wayne, Indiana, we have a Mexican candy store full of popular candies and other sweet treats, arteseanías, piñatas, and items you would find in any traditional mercado. I have compiled a list of essential Hispanic candies for everyone to try out. These are my top picks to give out for Halloween. You will love all of them!
Hard Candy Chili Lollipops – Vero Elote and Vero Mango are my favorite. If you haven’t enjoyed these, imagine a combination of sweet and salty with a spicy twist. The chile that covers the sweet candy makes it the perfect combination.
Duvalín – This sweet and creamy milk candy comes in various flavors, but I grew up with the chocolate and strawberry combo. It comes in a small square container of both flavors.
Chicle – These small chicklet gums are fun to pop in your mouth. You will always find them in Mexico being sold by street vendors. They come in various different flavors.
Obleas De Cajeta – Talk about carmely goodness, but so much better than just caramel. Made from goat’s milk, this is a creamier version of your traditional caramel that melts in your mouth. Surrounded by a rice wafer, the cajeta in the middle brings out the happy inner child.
La rosa Mazapán – Peanut butter and powdered sugar crumbly goodness! Try opening it without it crumbling on you. But that’s what makes it so good!
Leche Quemada – Literally translated as “burnt milk,” but this sweet candy is what dreams are made of! It has a taste of almost caramel and the consistency of fudge. You have to try it!
Amaranth Brittle – Known as alegría, this is made of popped amaranth and honey or sugar. You can add nuts, seeds, and dried fruits or just leave it plain.
Dulce de Coco – A beautiful and sweet balance of coconut and sugar. Coconut candy is a staple in Mexican candies. They come in various colors as well as a banderita or flag in green, white, and red.
Whether you are passing out treats of chocolate or trying out something new like mazapán, Wafi Media wishes you a safe, fun, and happy Halloween!
