Ahlgrens bilar: The history of a Swedish candy classic

Cloetta is highlighting the history of its Swedish candy classic, Ahlgrens bilar, which has been in production since 1953. The origin of the candy dates back to an attempt by Ahlgren's candy factory to manufacture marshmallows. The process yielded an unexpected result: small foam candy pieces shaped like cars, earning them the title 'Sweden's best-tasting car'.

The candies were first produced in secret in Gävle in 1953, initially in pink, green, and off-white colors. The official name, Ahlgrens bilar, was adopted in the 1970s. Today, the product represents one of Cloetta's strongest brands in Sweden, with the manufacturer humorously referring to it as the world's top-selling car.

Over the years, the Ahlgrens bilar product line has expanded to include new flavors and forms. Variations such as sour sanded cars and a salty licorice version have been introduced. Cloetta has also launched "tires," small foam candies with unique flavors, described as having terrible braking performance.

The original flavor and design have remained largely unchanged since 1953. Cloetta continues to maintain this long-standing success, with new generations regularly discovering the appeal of the classic candy car.