Despite being one of the most well-known sweet types in the UK, Refreshers can cause some confusion because two massive brands use the name.
In our Refreshers sweets explained guide, we’ll reveal the differences between the two brands, and why both are vital for sweet stores that want to make sales.
Swizzels vs Barratt Refreshers Sweets
Both Swizzels and Barratt sell Refreshers sweets, so it’s easy to see why people get confused. Both of these brands are UK giants, known for their confectionery creations - but there are key differences between the Refreshers sweets.
Barratt Refreshers
Barratt Refreshers are the original sweet, created in the 1940s. These tubes of disc-shaped sweets became an instant hit, thanks to their fruity flavours and fizz-in-the-mouth texture.
Similar to Love Hearts and Palma Violets, Refreshers are still regarded as one of the most popular in the Barratt collection.
You can buy wholesale Refreshers Rolls, which are popular among fans of the sweets.
Barratt Refreshers continue to be a favourite due to their fruity flavours, convenient disc shape, and fizzy texture. Parents also love buying them for children due to the natural colourings and flavours.
Swizzels
Swizzels is known for producing Love Hearts, Double Lollies, Drumsticks, and the ever-popular Refreshers bars. Created and released in the 1950s, Refreshers quickly exploded in popularity and continue to be best sellers today.
In the next section, we’ll cover the main types of Swizzels Refreshers sweets available.
The Types of Swizzels Refreshers
We’ll start with the obvious: The Original Swizzels Refresher Chew Bar. This is the sweet that started it all, and it’s still a top seller today.
Known for its lemon flavour and fizzy sherbet centre. The chewy and fizzy combination is still a favourite among adults and children alike.
But Swizzels quickly capitalised on the popularity of Refreshers by introducing new options.
Other Refreshers Chew Bars
Lemon is one of those classic flavours, but Refresher Chew Bars now come in different flavours, including Tropical, Strawberry, and Cherry Cola.
The fruity flavours deliver the same sherbet fizz, while the Cola and sherbet combination feel just like a fizzy drink.
Refreshers Chews
Some people aren’t fans of big bars and prefer a more compact sweet. That’s exactly what Refreshers Chews offer. These sweets are smaller, but they still feature the same flavours and pack a punch.
As individually wrapped sweets, Refreshers Chews are a great option for events and pick-and-mix displays.
Refreshers Stickpack
Last but not least, we have Refreshers Stickpacks, which have a subtle lemon flavour and are similar in design to Chewits and Starburst sweets. These options are popular as after-school treats, and for corner shops to sell.
Why Swizzels Refreshers are Still Retro Favourites
The confectionery industry is always changing with sweets coming and going, but Swizzels Refreshers have managed to retain their nostalgic value, while also appealing to new generations.
Here’s why they’re still a must-have for confectionery stores:
Vegan Friendly
Swizzels Refreshers are ideal for parties and events because they’re suitable for vegans. Unlike many mainstream sweets, they don’t use any animal-derived products, and focus on plant-based ingredients to achieve that chewy texture.
Nostalgia
Parents will remember snacking on Refreshers and introduce them to their children. With Swizzels constantly introducing new flavours and formats to the collection, these sweets remain popular and continue to be passed through generations.
Affordability
Swizzels Refreshers are accessible for both retailers and consumers. For example, when you buy a 60-count of Original Refreshers Bars from us, you’ll spend just £6.49. Sell all 60 bars for 20p each, and you’ve almost doubled your profits.
And, for customers, Refreshers sweets are impulse buys because they’re so cheap. It’s a win-win for everyone.
The Bottom Line
Refreshers sweets from both Swizzels and Barratt continue to be highly sought-after, thanks to their nostalgic value and genuine quality. Anyone who grew up in the UK from the 1940s and onwards will instantly recognise both sweets.
Whether your customers love the melt-in-the-mouth texture of Barratts Refreshers or can’t get enough of the chewy Swizzels Refreshers, shopping with Appleton’s gives you access to wholesale confectionery deals that you won’t find anywhere else.
Our customers can take advantage of free delivery when they spend £500, but smaller shops can stock up without worrying about minimum order amounts.
Shop today, and please get in touch with us if you have any questions.