Inside NYC’s Viral BonBon Candy Store Tour
Exploring the Swedish candy craze sweeping New York City
When it comes to viral food trends, few have captured the attention of New York City quite like BonBon, the Swedish candy store that’s taken social media by storm. From TikTok taste tests to candy hauls and late-night lines, BonBon has become a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth. But is the hype real? We took a deep dive into the world of BonBon to find out what makes this candy store so special—and whether it’s worth the wait.
The Rise of BonBon: From Swedish Roots to NYC Sensation
BonBon opened its first location in New York City’s Lower East Side in 2018, founded by Swedish immigrants who wanted to bring the unique flavors of their homeland to the Big Apple. The store quickly gained a loyal following, but it wasn’t until 2024 that BonBon exploded into viral fame. Social media platforms like TikTok played a huge role in this transformation, with users posting videos of their candy hauls, taste tests, and late-night visits to the store.
The #BonBon hashtag now boasts over 240,000 posts, while #SwedishCandy has over 15,000. Some taste test videos have even garnered millions of views, turning BonBon into a cultural phenomenon. The store’s popularity has led to lines forming outside its doors, especially on weekends, and best-selling items often sell out quickly.
What Makes BonBon Different?
So, what sets BonBon apart from other candy stores? For starters, all of the candy is imported directly from Sweden, offering a taste of authentic Scandinavian sweets that are hard to find elsewhere in the U.S. The store prides itself on using natural ingredients, avoiding high fructose corn syrup and GMOs, and relying on natural dyes and colorings. This commitment to quality is evident in the candy’s flavor, which many customers say is clearer and more authentic than typical American candy.
BonBon’s offerings include a wide variety of Swedish classics, from black licorice and sour gummies to marshmallows and fizzy sugar skulls. The store also ships its candy nationwide, making it accessible to fans who aren’t in New York City.
Our BonBon Candy Store Tour: What to Expect
Curious about the hype, we visited BonBon’s Red Hook warehouse location, which opened to the public in March 2024. The store’s vibrant pink exterior and candy-filled displays immediately caught our attention. Inside, the shelves were packed with colorful cubby-style containers, each filled with a different type of Swedish candy.
We started by sampling some of the store’s most popular items:
- Pink and Blue Fizzy Sugar Skulls: These chewy, sour, and sweet candies were a hit with many TikTok creators. While they weren’t our personal favorite, they were well-balanced and didn’t taste like artificial plastic.
- Classic Vanilla Marshmallows: Fluffy and packed with subtle flavor, these marshmallows were a delight.
- Banana Marshmallows: Shaped and colored like real bananas, these marshmallows had a strong banana extract flavor but a chewier, stretchier texture than expected.
- Swedish Fish: A classic favorite, these gummies were praised for their authentic fruit flavor and chewy texture.
We also tried some of the more unique offerings, like black licorice and sour Nerds Gummy Clusters. Each candy was priced by weight, and our haul of around 10 pieces came to just under $10—a reasonable price for such a unique experience.
The BonBon Experience: Hype vs. Reality
After sampling a variety of candies, we can confirm that the viral videos live up to the hype. The candy is delicious, and the store’s commitment to quality is evident in every bite. However, we also have some reservations about the overall experience.
While the candy is undeniably tasty, we wouldn’t recommend waiting in line for more than 15 minutes or paying more than $15 for a bag of Swedish goodies. The store’s popularity means that lines can get long, especially on weekends, and some best-selling items may sell out quickly.
That said, BonBon is a fun and unique destination for anyone looking to try something new. Whether you’re a candy enthusiast or just curious about Swedish sweets, the store is worth a visit—especially if you’re willing to brave the crowds.
FAQs About BonBon Candy Store
What is BonBon?
BonBon is a Swedish candy store in New York City that specializes in importing authentic Swedish sweets. The store has multiple locations in NYC and ships its candy nationwide.
What makes BonBon’s candy different?
BonBon’s candy is imported directly from Sweden and is made with natural ingredients, avoiding high fructose corn syrup and GMOs. The store also uses natural dyes and colorings, which many customers say results in a clearer, more authentic flavor.
What are some popular items at BonBon?
Popular items include pink and blue fizzy sugar skulls, classic vanilla marshmallows, banana marshmallows, Swedish fish, black licorice, and sour Nerds Gummy Clusters.
How much does BonBon candy cost?
Candy is priced by weight, and a typical haul of around 10 pieces costs just under $10. Prices can vary depending on the type and quantity of candy purchased.
Is BonBon worth the hype?
Yes, the candy is delicious and the store offers a unique experience. However, we wouldn’t recommend waiting in line for more than 15 minutes or paying more than $15 for a bag of Swedish goodies.
Conclusion: Is BonBon Overrated, Underrated, or Just Right?
BonBon is a fun and unique destination for anyone looking to try authentic Swedish candy. The store’s commitment to quality and natural ingredients sets it apart from other candy shops, and the viral videos do justice to the candy’s flavor. However, the hype can sometimes overshadow the experience, especially when lines get long and prices rise.
Ultimately, BonBon is perfectly rated: it’s a must-visit for candy enthusiasts and anyone curious about Swedish sweets, but it’s not worth the wait if you’re not a fan of crowds or overpriced treats. Whether you’re sampling candy in person or ordering online, BonBon offers a sweet taste of Sweden that’s hard to beat.
Table: BonBon Candy Store Highlights
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Lower East Side, Williamsburg, Upper East Side, Red Hook (NYC) |
| Specialty | Imported Swedish candy |
| Price Range | $10–$30 per bag (by weight) |
| Popular Items | Fizzy sugar skulls, marshmallows, Swedish fish, black licorice |
| Shipping | Nationwide shipping available |
Final Thoughts
BonBon is more than just a candy store—it’s a cultural phenomenon that’s brought Swedish sweets to the forefront of New York City’s food scene. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, BonBon offers a sweet and unique experience that’s worth exploring. Just be prepared for the crowds and the price tag, and you’ll leave with a bag full of delicious memories.
