Planning a festival party? You’ll want to focus on bringing joy to the event with music, decorations, and - of course - food. Creating a pick-and-mix table is the perfect way to add some colour to your event and cater to people of all ages.
Everyone can choose their favourite sweets, and providing some bags or containers makes everything feel more personal.
The biggest question is: which sweets are best for festival parties? We have a huge selection of wholesale pick-and-mix confectionery available at low prices. In this post, we’ll reveal our top picks for creating a memorable event.
Let’s get straight to it.
1: Gummy and Foam Sweets
There’s a simple reason why foam and gummy sweets are so popular; they’re suitable for everyone. While younger children can’t consume boiled sweets, gummy options are safe for people of all ages.
With their fruity flavours and soft textures, gummy and foam confectionery should take centre stage in your pick-and-mix display.
Haribo
As the undisputed champion of gummy sweets, Haribo is a must-have for any event. From large share bags of Starmix to Fried Eggs and Heart Throbs, Haribo is universally popular and instantly recognisable.
Appleton’s Gummy Sweets
Looking for a more affordable alternative? Our very own collection of gummy sweets replicates the taste and texture of Haribo for a fraction of the price. From Cola Bottles to Gummy Bears and Fried Eggs, you can get 2kg for just £5.99.
Foam Sweets
Who can resist a delicious foam sweet? From the infamous Pink Shrimps to sweet Banana Foams, no pick-and-mix selection would be the same without them.
Plus, vegan-friendly brands like Bubs offer plant-based sweets that replicate the taste of traditional foam confectionery.
2: Fizzy and Sour Sweets
Fizzy sweets are ideal for strong flavours, and are always popular for teens and adults. These sweets test your taste buds, have a sour-sweet coating, and never fail to make an impression.
You’ll find a diverse selection of fizzy sweets at Appleton’s, including:
We recommend providing a mix of traditional gummy and fizzy sweets, but keeping them separate as some people don’t like sour flavours.
3: Nostalgic Favourites
Festival parties are vibrant, full of colours, and can feel like stepping back into childhood. Retro pick-and-mix sweets are the perfect way to tap into nostalgia, and there are so many options available.
When you buy wholesale confectionery, you can incorporate it into your pick and mix table. So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular options.
Swizzels Sweets
Swizzels are an all-time classic, with popular options including Fizzers, Parma Violets, and Love Hearts.
If you want to provide a mix of Swizzels sweets, the 3kg Mini Sweets include popular classics such as Mr Chews, Refreshers, and Love Hearts.
Other Retro Classics
Other retro classics include Fruit Pastilles, Midget Gems, Wine Gums, and Liquorice Candy Pencils.
Remember to think about which guests will attend the festival party and their ages before choosing which retro confectionery options to offer.
Pick and Mix Chocolate
Chocolates are either a good or bad addition to your pick-and-mix selection, depending on the weather and whether you can keep them cool. The last thing you want is the chocolate to melt, but finding a cool place lets you offer your guests some fan favourites.
Popular chocolate pick and mix options include:
- Jazzles: Milk Chocolate Jazzles and White Chocolate Jazzles will take guests back to the days of Woolworth’s Pick and Mix counter.
- Mice: If you’re having chocolate at your festival party, chocolate mice are a must. Choose between Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, and the infamous Pink and White Mice.
- Beans and Drops: Other must-haves include Chocolate Beans, Speckled Eggs, and Chocolate Footballs.
While chocolate-covered nuts are popular, they might not be the best option for a festival party - especially if you’re unsure of allergies.
Other Popular Sweets
So, now we’ve covered the main options for your festival party, it’s time to explore some other additions. These include novelty sweets, fudge, and marshmallows:
- Novelty Confectionery: Novelty options include Gummy Burgers, Pizzas, and Hot Dogs.
- Marshmallows: From traditional Pink and White Marshmallows and Cables. Or, we also have Kingsway Jelly-Filled Marshmallows.
- Fudge: Creamy and rich, fudge is always a favourite. From Cookie Dough and Vanilla to Salted Caramel, there are so many delicious combinations available.
Dietary Friendly Options
Setting up a large pick-and-mix display with designated sections for all diets can also be beneficial, ensuring inclusivity.
For example, Halal sweets are suitable for those with religious beliefs, while plant-based confectionery means that vegans don’t miss out on the fun.
And, you can also offer sugar-free sweets for diabetics or those on low-sugar diets.
Top Tips For Creating a Festival Pick and Mix Table:
- Focus on Colours: Mix sweets of different colours to create a stunning display. If your festival party has a theme, you can choose sweets that match it.
- Provide Supplies: Scoops, bags, and cups ensure hygiene and create a fun experience for everyone.
- Go For Balance: Instead of focusing only on gummy or foam sweets, choose a diverse selection of confectionery, including sour sweets and chocolate (if the weather permits).
- Buy Wholesale: Buying confectionery in bulk can save money, and Appleton’s is the go-to place for massive discounts. Our customers can also benefit from no minimum order amounts, which means that you can shop on your terms.
As you can see, there are so many delicious sweets to choose from, but it’s essential to think about the tone and theme of your event.
With speedy UK delivery and decades of experience in the confectionery industry, you’re always guaranteed quality with Appleton’s.
Please get in touch with us today if you require advice or have questions.