Strawberry mushrooms. Strawberry lemon skulls.
Those are real candy names at a Massachusetts shop run by a Swedish owner named Maria, and I already want a bag.
The shop grew out of a beach town south of Boston. It built a loyal following there for Swedish gummies, salty licorice, and handmade chocolate.
Fans even order online and wait by the mailbox like kids before a holiday.
I love a candy shop where you walk in thinking you’ll grab a few gummies and suddenly find yourself choosing between fudge, chocolate turtles, and colorful bottles of soda. With gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free options in the mix, there’s plenty to explore beyond the usual sweets.
And there’s something extra charming about finding all those beach-inspired treats along a pretty brick street in the city. I’d tell myself I’m only going in for a quick look, but we both know how that usually ends.
One scoop becomes three, and suddenly that little candy bag isn’t so little anymore!
Your Sweet Tooth Is About To Get A Swedish Passport
Sweden takes candy seriously, and Nantasket Sweets By Swedes brings that passion right to Boston. The shop is run by Maria, a Swedish owner who loves sharing the treats she grew up around.
The story started near Nantasket Beach in Hull, a seaside town on the South Shore of Massachusetts. That beach connection explains the name, and it gives the whole brand a sunny, vacation-day personality.
The Charles Street shop carries that same spirit into the city. You still get the colorful gummies, the salty licorice, and the handmade chocolates that made the original spot famous with candy fans.
Maria is known for explaining flavors and helping people pick something new. That matters here, because many of these candies won’t look familiar to American shoppers.
Is it a car? Is it a mushroom?
Is it a skull that tastes like strawberry lemonade? Asking questions is part of the fun, and nobody expects you to know Swedish candy names on your first visit.
My advice is simple. Walk in curious, ask what’s popular, and let your bag become a tiny edible tour of Sweden.
The Scoop Bag Is Where Good Decisions Go To Hide
Swedes have a weekend tradition of picking mixed candy by the scoop. Nantasket Sweets By Swedes lets you join in, one gummy at a time.
The idea is wonderfully simple. You grab a bag, wander the display, and build a mix that fits your exact mood.
Sweet, sour, salty, creamy, chewy. You can grab a little of everything, which feels a lot better than committing to one big package you might not love.
The shop offers sweet gummies, sweet-and-salty combos, sour pieces, and some with vanilla cream centers. Mixing those textures and flavors is the whole point, so don’t be shy about experimenting.
Kids usually love the freedom of building their own bag. Adults tend to love it just as much, though they pretend they’re only buying for the kids.
A smart tip is to start with a few pieces of many types. That way you discover new favorites without filling half your bag with something you’re unsure about.
Then comes the real challenge. Try making it home before opening the bag, and good luck with that.
Salty Licorice Will Either Win You Over Or Make You Laugh
Black candy coated in salt sounds like a dare. In Scandinavia, though, salty licorice is a beloved classic, and Nantasket Sweets By Swedes proudly stocks it.
This treat surprises many first-timers. It’s bold, savory, and nothing like the red twists most Americans picture when they hear the word licorice.
Some people take one bite and become instant fans. Others make a funny face and hand the rest to a braver friend.
Both reactions are totally fine. Trying it is part of the adventure, and a single piece costs you very little space in your scoop bag.
For beginners, mild sweet-and-salty pieces make a gentle starting point. Once your taste buds adjust, you can work your way toward the stronger stuff.
Maria and the staff can point you toward options that match your comfort level. That friendly guidance turns a risky bite into a fun little experiment.
I believe every candy fan should try salty licorice at least once. Worst case, you get a great story, and best case, you join a club with millions of happy Scandinavian members.
Sour Fans Should Head Straight For The Bubs
Strawberry lemon skulls might be the most delightful candy name out there. They’re one of the playful Swedish treats you can find at Nantasket Sweets By Swedes.
Sour gummies rank among the shop’s biggest attractions. Some pack a zing, while others stay pleasantly tart instead of making your eyes water.
Bubs is a well-known Swedish candy brand, and the shop offers Bubs mixes. These bundles are a handy way to sample several shapes and flavors without guessing.
Strawberry mushrooms are another fun pick. They’re soft, cute, and look like they wandered out of a fairy tale garden.
The shop also offers a sweet and sour candy mix. That one is great for indecisive snackers who want a little bit of every sensation.
A friendly warning is in order. Popular sour items can sell out, so grab your favorites when you spot them on the shelf.
Pair sour gummies with something creamy if your tongue needs a break. A vanilla-filled gummy makes a surprisingly perfect follow-up, like a palate cleanser with better manners.
Handmade Chocolate Turtles Deserve Their Own Fan Club
Gummies get the spotlight, but the chocolate case quietly steals hearts. Nantasket Sweets By Swedes offers handmade chocolates that are a big part of its reputation.
Chocolate turtles come in both milk and dark chocolate. Classic turtles combine caramel and nuts under a chocolate coat, which is a hard combination to resist.
Chocolate-covered salted caramels are another standout. Sweet, salty, and rich, they make a great choice when you want something fancier than a gummy.
The shop has also offered solid milk and solid dark chocolate, plus filled varieties. Swedish chocolate is part of the lineup, which adds another fun international twist.
These treats make thoughtful gifts too. A small box of turtles feels special without being fussy, and it works for birthdays, hostess thank-yous, or a random Tuesday.
Timing matters with handmade goodies. When something is made in smaller batches, the selection can thin out as the day goes on.
So here’s my plan for you. Grab your scoop bag first, then add a couple of chocolates on the way to checkout, because restraint is overrated.
Fudge, Fizzy Sodas, And Coffee Round Out The Treat Tour
Espresso fudge topped with dark chocolate sprinkles. Read that again, because it belongs on every dessert wish list.
Fudge has a regular spot at Nantasket Sweets By Swedes. The espresso version combines coffee flavor with dark chocolate sprinkles, while other fudge varieties round out the lineup.
Thirsty after all that candy? The shop sells fruity sodas in glass bottles, with plenty of flavors to explore.
Glass-bottle sodas just feel more fun. They bring an old-fashioned candy store vibe that pairs nicely with a paper bag full of gummies.
Coffee drinks have joined the menu as well, including espresso and cappuccinos. A warm cup alongside a piece of chocolate is a pretty fine way to recharge.
Swedes have a cozy coffee break tradition called fika. It usually means coffee with something sweet, and this shop makes that habit very easy to borrow.
My suggestion is to treat this stop as a mini fika. Grab a drink, pick one treat to enjoy right away, and save your scoop bag for later, at least in theory.
Special Diets Get Plenty Of Sweet Options Here
Candy shopping can feel stressful when you’re avoiding gluten. At Nantasket Sweets By Swedes, you’ll find gluten-free candy options, although the shop notes a risk of cross-contamination.
Vegan options are part of the mix too. Many traditional gummies use gelatin, so finding plant-friendly choices in one spot is a real perk.
Sugar free candy also makes an appearance. That gives more people a chance to join the scoop-bag fun without feeling left out.
The shop has also highlighted non-GMO candies. For shoppers who read every label, that detail adds extra peace of mind.
Of course, always ask about specific ingredients if you have allergies. Maria and the team are known for answering questions, so speak up before filling your bag.
This kind of variety makes the shop a smart pick for group outings. One friend can go vegan, another can stay gluten free, and everyone still leaves happy.
Honestly, that’s how a candy store should work. Treats are better when everybody at the table, or the sidewalk, gets to share them.
Beacon Hill Just Got A Lot Sweeter
Charles Street is one of the most charming strolls in Boston. Gas lamps, brick sidewalks, and little shops make it a natural spot for a candy break.
You’ll find Nantasket Sweets By Swedes at 115 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114. It sits in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, close to the Boston Common and the Public Garden.
The shop opens at 11 AM on weekdays and stays open until 8 PM. Saturdays start a bit earlier at 10:30 AM, while Sundays wrap up at 6 PM.
That schedule works well for after-school snacks or an evening walk. It also makes a fun reward after exploring historic sites around the neighborhood.
Getting around Beacon Hill is easiest on foot. The streets are narrow and parking can be tricky, so walking or public transit is usually the smoother choice.
Pair your visit with a stroll through the Public Garden. A bag of Swedish gummies and a bench near the pond sound like a pretty great Massachusetts afternoon.
Just remember to save a few pieces. The walk back is longer than it looks.
Can’t Make The Trip? Your Mailbox Can Help
Plenty of fans have never set foot inside, yet they still adore this shop. Nantasket Sweets By Swedes ships its treats, so Swedish candy can travel straight to your door.
Online ordering is a big part of the business. Bubs mixes, sour candy mixes, fudge, and specialty gummies all show up as popular picks.
Restocks happen often because favorites sell out fast. The shop shares updates on its website and social media, so following along pays off.
Gift wrapping is another charming touch. It turns a simple candy order into a ready-to-give present for holidays, birthdays, or a friend who needs cheering up.
Orders often include a sweet handwritten note from the owner. That personal touch makes it feel like a package from a friend rather than a faceless warehouse.
So whether you live in Massachusetts or several states away, you have options. Order a mix, find your favorites, and plan a visit to stock up in person later.
Just be warned about one thing. Once that first box arrives, checking the restock page may become your new daily habit.
Share this story
