School Breaks in Spain and the Typical Childhood Sweets
Nothing smelled quite like recess. That magical moment between classes when the bell rang and all the kids rushed out to the playground with a five-peseta coin in their pocket and a smile from ear to ear. In Spain during the eighties and nineties, recess was much more than a break: it was the epicenter of friendship, games, trading cards… and, of course, sweets.
Neighborhood corner shops, the little stores across from the school, or the newspaper kiosks were true temples of sugar. There ruled the colorful gummies, the hard candies, the chewing gums that dyed your tongue blue, and the chocolates that melted in your hands. There was no better social currency than sharing a bag of candy with your friends.
The Nostalgia of a School Playground Full of Gummies to Share
All it took was a one-peseta bag of candy to be the hero of recess. “I’ll trade you a Lacasito for a blackberry,” was heard among laughter and running feet. There were no screens or social networks, but there was an invisible web woven from friendship, brown paper, and sugar.
Sometimes, if you were lucky, you’d get a Mini Chupa Chups or a sugar-coated melon slice that seemed to last forever. They were the little treasures that gave flavor to a simple, carefree childhood—when the best plan in the world was sitting on the playground curb, handing out sweets to your friends.
We Send You the Classic Spanish Sweets All Across Europe
And even though the years go by, those flavors are still there, hidden in our memory. For many Spaniards living abroad, rediscovering those candies is like returning—if only for a moment—to the school playground. That’s why there are now online shops specialized in shipping classic Spanish sweets all across Europe.
Because, let’s be honest: no German Haribo or Belgian chocolate can ever replace the thrill of opening a little bag of gummy blackberries or hearing the crunch of Lacasitos in your mouth.
The Authentic Gummies of Spain’s Boomer Generation
Spanish boomers grew up in an era when people truly savored things—and candy was no exception. These are some of the most iconic sweets that defined an entire generation and still bring smiles today.
1. Mini Chupa Chups – “The Tiny King of Recess”
Who doesn’t remember that small lollipop that seemed to last forever? Mini Chupa Chups were the miniature version of the classic ones—perfect for lasting an entire recess without dropping (although, let’s be honest, more than one kid gave it a “quick clean” on their sleeve and kept on licking).
Its bright, colorful wrapper was a treasure in itself, and choosing a flavor was a strategic decision: strawberry and cream, cola, or orange. Mini Chupa Chups were a symbol of reward, a treat after an exam, or comfort after a scraped knee. A tiny pleasure that tasted like childhood and freedom.
2. Melon Gummies – “A Slice of Summer in Every Bite”
The melon gummy was that refreshing, tangy treat that awakened every sense. Green and white on the outside, dusted with sugar crystals like frost, and a vibrant red heart inside. Nobody could eat just one.
It was the perfect candy for those hot June days when the school smelled like the end of term and summer holidays were just around the corner. It had that perfect balance between sweet and sour that made you close your eyes in delight. Some even split them in half to “make them last,” though they rarely survived more than a few seconds.
3. Lacasitos – “The Colors of Happiness”
If anything defined the eighties and nineties, it was Lacasitos. Small, round, shiny, rainbow-colored chocolates stamped with their signature white logo. Pure joy in chocolate form.
Lacasitos weren’t just for eating—they were for decorating cakes, betting in the playground, or racing across the desk. The rattle of the cardboard tube was unmistakable, and opening it was a ritual. Some kids separated them by color, others mixed them all, and some ate them two at a time.
Lacasitos were the snack that could turn any gray day into a colorful, sweet celebration.
4. Blackberries – “The Hidden Treasure in Every Candy Bag”
Blackberry gummies were a must in every candy mix. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and utterly irresistible. There were black and red ones, and debates always raged about which was better (spoiler: both).
No kid ever escaped with clean fingers—or tongue—after eating them. They were like tiny jewels that added a special touch to every candy bag. Plus, their realistic look made them even more appealing: it felt like eating real blackberries, only without thorns or scratches.
5. Sugar Kisses and Hearts – “The Sweet Taste of First Love”
And, of course, we couldn’t forget the sugar kisses and hearts, the most romantic candies of the playground. Pink, white, soft, and sugar-coated, they represented the first gestures of affection between classmates.
“I’ll give you a kiss if you give me your eraser,” said the boldest kids. These little gummies were symbols of tenderness, friendship, and young love. Their strawberry-and-cream flavor made them one of the all-time favorites.
Over the years, kisses and hearts have become icons of Spanish candy culture, present at parties, birthdays, and even weddings. Because, in the end, who can resist a sweet kiss that tastes like childhood?
Those After-School Moments Sharing Candy with Friends
When the final bell rang, all the kids bolted out the door. Some went straight home, others to the park—but most made a mandatory stop at the corner kiosk. There, with just a few coins, they bought the happiest minutes of the afternoon.
The candy bag became the center of attention. It was opened carefully, gummies were shared, trades were made, and, of course, the best piece was always saved for last. That habit of sharing sweets, laughter, and secrets defined the childhood of an entire generation.
Today, looking back and remembering those moments is like opening a box of candy: every memory has a different flavor. Some sweet, some a bit sour—but all unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I buy classic Spanish sweets if I live abroad?
At our online store, Gastronomic Spain. Just search for “sweets” and you’ll find the treats you’ve been missing. From Lacasitos to the classic blackberry and kiss gummies—you can relive your school breaks from anywhere in Europe.
Do Mini Chupa Chups still exist?
Yes, they do! Although there are many modern versions now, the original Mini Chupa Chups are still being made—and we have them in our store. They’re a delicious way to relive your childhood recesses. Order them and we’ll send them anywhere in Europe!
Why do old-fashioned candies make us so nostalgic?
Because they’re not just sweets—they’re memories. Every candy is tied to moments, people, and places that shaped our childhood. Our brain links those flavors to emotions, and that’s why, when we taste them again, it feels like traveling back in time.