Candy and Chocolate Keep You Warm When It’s Cold Outside

Who likes being cold? Certainly not us! When the temperatures drop outside, we are always looking for ways to keep as warm as possible. We do all the usual stuff such as wearing hats and coats, cranking up the heating and so on. However, all that is pretty boring, so we decided to find a fun way to keep warm. Food is energy, right? So, when it’s cold outside, we love to stock up on candy and chocolate from all over the world and get munching!

If you love our idea (and let’s face it, who wouldn’t?) then we have loads of lollies and sweet treats from all over the world that can be sent direct to your door in next to no time at all! There is truly nothing as decadent as enjoying some candies and chocolate as a treat. It’s almost as though we are transported back to being a child again. There’s something that’s a little naughty about enjoying something that we know can’t be too good for us in large quantities!

Here, at Joy’s De’Lights we firmly believe in saying NO to regular snacks. This is why we have scoured the planet for exciting, unique, delicious and fun treats for you to enjoy all throughout the winter and the summer months! We stock everything from good old Aussie candy to American candy, popping candy and Jolly Rancher candy. There is truly something for everyone here in our online store.

Sugar Gives You Energy!

Consuming sugar gives your brain a huge surge of dopamine that makes you feel good. So, eating some sweet treats from time to time is an excellent way of getting a quick burst of energy when you need it. You can keep your energy levels up by eating a tasty sandwich with Marshmallow Fluff and peanut butter. Or, you could order some Egg Sandwich Pringles if you’re feeling adventurous! Oh, and we have all the old favourites ready for you to buy such as M&Ms and Jolly Ranchers.

Continue reading

Supporting Our Economy By Buying Australian Made Chocolate

We all love a bar of chocolate. It helps the body to generate the happiness hormone serotonin that can prevent depression, regulate our moods and can even stop mood swings. Buying Australian chocolate is certainly something that we should all be doing more of. Every one of us needs to be doing our bit to support the local economy as well as our fellow citizens. One negative aspect that tends to put people off from buying Australian goods is that people always think that they’re too expensive. It’s true that you can buy low priced imported chocolate that will be cheaper but of lesser quality. However, if you want something that tastes great and is packed with only the best ingredients, Aussie-made can’t be beaten!

There’s so much work that goes into making quality Australian chocolate bars. As Australians, we are lucky to enjoy the highest wages in the world. So, if you want to buy Australian-made chocs that are handmade, it takes intensive Australian labour to create them. It’s true that the minimum casual wage here is as many as 91 times higher than in certain developing countries.

Often with Aussie handmade chocolate, the actual labour costs are more than half the cost of the end product. Then, you need to take into account the Australian labour costs to pack, sell and promote the goods. You also need to think about the freight company charges. It all adds up.

Quality Chocolate

You may be thinking to yourself as you read this that you don’t ever buy cheap chocolate. However, did you know that even the bigger brands such as Cadbury use cheaper quality ingredients? Additionally, all their bars are machine-made, so labour costs are kept to a minimum. Also, if you’re in the habit of buying Belgian chocolate, being Belgian doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better quality.

Continue reading

Jolly Ranchers – A Flavour Explosion!

When you’re craving something sweet and fruity Jolly Rancher candy is tough to beat. These yummy American candies are the perfect choice when you’re looking for something tasty and flavoursome to chew on! From the second you first smell their mouth-watering scent, you’ll be transported back to those childhood days when Jolly Rancher candy and Starburst lollies were a weekend treat!

The Story of Jolly Rancher Candy

Bill and Dorothy Harmsen founded the candies way back in 1949. They named their company ‘Jolly Rancher’ because it had a Western hospitable sound to it. Originally the company specialised in hard candies, chocolate and ice cream with their biggest focus being on the ice cream side. Bill and Dorothy sold their ice cream through a chain store named ‘Ranch Made Ice Cream’ that was based in Denver, Colorado. The couple soon found that their ice cream sales fell away in the winter months, so they decided that the needed to promote something more sustainable. They then decided to focus their business on hard candies. Thank goodness that they did because we love Jolly Rancher candy!!

Fast forward to 1996 and the Hershey’s company then acquired Jolly Rancher Candy. To this day, the brand has grown hugely with so many types and varieties of Jolly Ranchers available to buy. Jolly Rancher candies are truly irresistible. There are lots to try like Jolly Rancher Chews, Jolly Rancher Bites and you can even try Jolly Rancher lollipops! If you’ve never sampled them before, the Chews have all the flavour of the original hard candies but they’re soft and chewy! Another firm favourite with so many of our customers are the Jolly Rancher Sour Surge candies. These are hard on the outside with a sour and powdery centre – so amazing!

Continue reading

20 Amazing Chocolate Facts

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when we mention chocolate bars? Warmth? Happiness? Luxury? Cravings? Whatever relationship you have with the sweet stuff, it’s likely that it’s a loving one – especially due to the fact that you’re here reading this blog!

Kids and adults alike love chocolate. It’s so wonderful that it can even solve every problem imaginable. Feel sad? Eat chocolate. Got something to celebrate? Then why not buy a whole box? Chocolate should really be the 8th wonder of the world when you think about it. In fact, it’s been so highly prized throughout time that it’s even been used as currency! So, whether you enjoy sugar-free chocolate, good old Australian chocolate, Whittakers chocolate or any other type, read on for some amazing chocolate facts!

1. Cacao seeds were used as money by the Aztecs
2. The first ever chocolate bar was invented by Joseph Fry in 1847
3. Montezuma II, the Aztec emperor, drank over 50 cups of chocolate every day!
4. Chocolate milk aids recovery after a workout
5. The chocolate river in the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory was made with cream, chocolate and a staggering 15,000 gallons of water! Sounds amazing? The cast said that it stank because it spoiled so quickly.
6. Way back in 1930, a lady named Ruth Wakefield ran out of baker’s chocolate while making cookies, so she used Nestle chocolate pieces instead. She later sold on her idea for creating chocolate chip cookies to Nestle for a gift of a lifetime supply of chocolate!
7. Bizarrely, Lays once produced limited edition chips coated in milk chocolate. Yum!?
8. An Aztec slave could be purchased for 100 cocoa beans

Why We Crave Crunchy Snacks

We all crave crunchy snacks like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and chips every now and then. They’re tasty and they’re handy to have in the kitchen when we feel like a bite. Have you ever wondered why you crave something crunchy though? You know those times where a soft sandwich will never do and all you want to enjoy is that satisfying crispiness in your mouth? In this blog, we take a look at a little bit of the science behind why we love crunchy and loud foods.

A sensory experience

People just love the sensory experience of eating noisy, crunchy snacks. As we’re demolishing them, the sound brings us feelings of satisfaction. When we hear it, we just want to eat more. However, if you’re on the receiving end of listening to someone else loudly crunching, it can be pretty annoying. So, crunching is a very personal thing!

Fresher food is good food

Interestingly, babies aren’t born enjoying noisy food. There are no benefits to the sounds a food makes as we’re eating them in terms of nutrition. Having said that, it’s true that noisy foods tend to make us feel that they are fresh. Think about it, whenever you’ve eaten a soggy or even slightly less crunchy chip, its likely that you’ve not enjoyed it or thrown the bag away. Even thinking about fresh produce, such as celery or apples, the better the crunch, the fresher it is and the more nutrients and vitamins it contains.

Noisier foods tend to be fattier

Another school of thought when it comes to crunchy American snacks, Japanese snacks and more is that our brains enjoy the fat in food and that noisy foods tend to be fattier. We always enjoy a little something that we know might not be great for us in huge amounts, especially when it’s flavour-laden!

Continue reading

Just Why Do We Love Popping Candy So Much And How Does It Work?

There’s nothing more exciting to eat than popping candy. When you put it in your mouth, you’ve no idea whether you’ll experience a little fizz and tingle or more of an explosion! Popping candy is great to use in all sorts of recipes or you can just eat it the old-fashioned way. Whether you like sour lollies, Australian lollies, American candy or anything else, popping candy is one sweet treat that’s always good to have in the kitchen cupboard.

Popping candy causes explosions on your tongue. And, it’s unique pop, fizz and crackle are down to how it’s made. So, let’s find out more.

How is popping candy made?

Believe it or not but popping candy is made is a very similar way to normal boiled lollies. Flavouring, sugar, water and corn syrup are mixed and heated until the water boils away. If this mixture was then put to one side and allowed to cool, you’d have regular hard sweets. However, popping candy is made by exposing the mixture to 40 times normal atmospheric pressure high-pressure carbon dioxide gas. Bubbles then form and as the mix cools down, the pressure is released causing it to shatter into lots of hard little rock-like pieces. Each little piece is filled with high-pressure pockets. So, when you eat the candy, or place it on your tongue, it melts and releases the little pressurised bubbles. And, this is why popping candy explodes in your mouth. Amazing! We wonder who first came up with the idea?

The history of popping candy

Way back in 1956, William A. Mitchell was working for General Foods of America. The chemist created popping candy, but it took until 1975 until consumers saw it on shop shelves. Interestingly, in those days there was a rumour circulating that if you mixed coke with popping candy, you would either choke or your stomach would blow up! Of course, this wasn’t true but General Foods were forced to send out open letters to schools and parents as well as setting up roadshows to dispel the myth!

Continue reading

10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty For Eating Chocolate

We all love chocolate. Whether you are partial to eating sugar-free chocolate, Australian chocolate, chocolate bars or anything else, chocolate is that one food that makes everything right in the world again. And, you know what? There is actually some hard evidence to suggest that chocolate is so much more than a guilty pleasure – it can actually be good for us! So, let’s take a look at 10 reasons why you just shouldn’t feel guilty about eating chocolate!

 

1. Chocolate makes you happy

We’ve always known that chocolate makes us happy but why is that the case? Well, it contains tryptophan. Tryptophan is a brain chemical that’s used to produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can be found in some antidepressants. When levels are high, it stimulates endorphin secretion that leads to feelings of elation. So, chocolate really does lead to feelings of happiness!

 

2. Chocolate makes us feel brighter

Chocolate contains caffeine that can increase alertness, pulse and also heart rate. It also has phenylethylamine that produces an alert type of feeling.

 

3. Chocolate melts just below body temperature

Don’t you love the way that chocolate melts in your mouth? That’s because it’s melting point is just below body temperature. So satisfying and smooth!

 

4. Chocolate is one addiction that won’t land you in jail!

The great thing about chocolate is that it’s great to eat and even if you indulge a little too often, you’re not breaking any laws!

 

5. Chocolate equates with love

Flowers and chocolates are surely the way to anyone’s heart. Traditionally given as a romantic gift, eating chocolate is a yummy warm hug to the senses!

Just Why Do We Love Sweet Things So Much?

Sweet treats are something that the majority of us look forward to having. Of course, there are some individuals who just don’t really like sugary things however if you’re here reading this then we think you probably love lollies (or at least know someone who does!) Those of us who enjoy some sweetness tend to prefer this across all manner of different foods and beverages. It makes you wonder; just why do some people adore lollies so much?

Interestingly, the human sense of taste is unlike any other. There’s scientific data that seems to support that as many as half of all people have a sweet tooth. We are actually born with already established tastes with the enjoyment of sweet food being hereditary in part. Who knew?!

When you enjoy eating something sweet such as Starburst lollies, Jolly Rancher candy, hard candy etc, your brain releases dopamine that’s associated with reward. Additionally, sugar consumption gives us a pleasure rush that’s difficult to find anywhere else.

Our tongues can detect four basic types of flavour – sweet, sour, bitter and salty. It’s argued that us people are naturally drawn to sweet things because our ancestors were primates that ate tree fruits. When you think about it, this makes sense. Apes and monkeys spend their time searching through forests for ripe fruit. This ripe fruit is far better on an energy level due to it having a higher sugar content than bitter, unripe fruit. Also, ripe fruit contains more water so it’s hydrating too.

American Snacks Are Loved The World Over

Americans arguably are the snacking experts of the western world. Watch any U.S. show and you’ll see kitchens bursting with all the American brands that have become synonymous with the country. Although this blog is focusing on snacks from the U.S.A. is must be noted that us Aussies adore our snacks too. So, when we can get our hands and teeth onto something new and exciting, it’s a time for celebration!

American snacks, much like Australian lollies and snacks, are all those tasty and generally sweet or savoury foods that most of the time do not constitute a part of a meal. Snacks such as Jolly Rancher Candy and popping candy tend to be very popular in the U.S. Although a lot of these snacks are sweet, it must be said that lots are spicy too such as potato chips and salted peanuts. So, no matter whether your tastes are sweet or savoury, there is plenty for you to try here in our online store.

Let’s take a look at some enduringly popular U.S. snacks so we can find out more about them:

Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Although Cinnamon Toast Crunch is marketed as a kids’ cereal, adults adore it too. Since it was first produced back in 1984, it has been a real favourite of people the world over. Cinnamon Toast Crunch was created to mimic the taste of cinnamon toast. When you pour milk over a bowl of these amazing tasty squares, you can actually hear them ‘snap!’ Why not order some so you can try the cereal for yourself?

Oreos

Everyone knows and loves an Oreo! First produced in 1912, Oreos are the biggest selling cookie in the whole of the U.S.A. Over the years there have been various limited edition runs of the cookies.

Amber Lyn Sugar-Free Chocolate is Perfect for Diabetics

When it comes to sugar-free chocolate, the taste is so important. With so many people with diabetes and other health conditions that mean they need to restrict their sugar intake, sugar-free chocolate is becoming more and more popular. And, what’s not to like about chocolate with less sugar and calories than regular bars?

Amber Lyn chocolate is the best tasting diabetic chocolate around. It also doesn’t make a huge dent on your wallet. Amber Lyn chocolate is great for diabetics because it won’t make your blood sugar levels spike after you eat it. Their dark chocolate is completely sugar-free whereas the milk chocolate contains no added sugar whatsoever.

Amber Lyn Chocolate Tastes Amazing!

Now, you may think that sugar-free and no added sugar chocolate doesn’t sound that appetising but let us tell you that it is so yummy. It’s so far removed from ordinary bitter, bland and cheap chocolate bars that so many stores sell. When you buy Amber Lyn sugar-free chocolate, you’re in for the treat of your life (or at least day!) You see, Amber Lyn chocolate is sweetened with maltitol which is a sugar alcohol. Additionally, the chocolate is made from premium-quality Belgian chocolate beans.

Continue reading

12 Aussie Snacks We All Love to Enjoy

How lucky are we to live in Australia? We have the best weather imaginable all year round. Our rich red earth is breathtaking and have you stopped to appreciate our beautiful crystal-clear waters? We are so fortunate to have so much on our doorstep that we have no need to go anywhere else! Oh, and did I mention our incredible wildlife?

Australia is the country that keeps on giving. We also have the freshest foods to taste and enjoy. Also, our snacks are some of the best in the world. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of our favourite classics.

1. Cheezels

Who doesn’t love Cheezels? And, who puts these yummy treats onto each of their fingers before eating them all off one by one? If someone you know doesn’t eat their Cheezels like this, they’re not to be trusted!

2.  Iced Vovo

So jammy and so coconutty – these sweet biscuits are such an iconic Aussie snack. Just writing this is making my tummy rumble!

Continue reading

Why Buying Australian-Made is Worth the Money

Life is so expensive nowadays. It’s tempting to cut corners when we’re buying goods just to save a few extra dollars here and there. However, when it comes to buying Australian chocolate, that’s another matter altogether. As Aussies, it’s crucial for us to support our local and national businesses. However, sometimes it can be as though we are looking for all that wonderful Australian quality but at bargain basement ‘import’ prices.

It’s true that our country has some of the highest wages in the world. Consequently, if you want to buy Aussie-made and handmade, it takes a great deal of ‘expensive’ labour to create it. We are lucky in Australia to earn around $200 a day on average. So, when you’re buying Australian chocolate, this needs to be factored into the equation. Our minimum casual wage is as much as 91 times the equivalent in many developing countries.

Australian chocolate is often handmade, so the actual labour costs are more than half the cost of the product. Add this to the fact that Aussie labour packs and sells the end products as well as everything else in between and you will see why our own goods from our own country tend to cost that bit more.

Continue reading

Lollies From Around the World

Lollies are the best invention around. From America to Australia and everywhere in between, people have been enjoying the humble lolly for years! It seems like every country you visit has its own amazing tasty treats as well as some world-renowned favourites. Here, we take a look at some of our favourite lollies we have discovered on our travels.

Starburst Lollies

One of our big favourites as well as being loved by our customers is Starburst Jellybeans. These gorgeous lollies come in cherry, orange, strawberry, lemon, green apple and grape flavours and even contain real fruit juice! An added bonus is that Starburst Jellybeans are gluten-free as well as being suitable for vegetarians so everyone can enjoy a handful.

Sugar-Free Lollies

Whether you’re diabetic, watching your weight or just wishing to live a healthier lifestyle, we have a huge selection of sugar-free lollies to choose from. You can choose from sugar-free Toffee Apple Humbugs, sugar-free Teddy Bears and so many more. Our Reese’s sugar-free Peanut Butter Cups have all the amazing taste of their full-sugar counterparts but with no sugar whatsoever. All the taste without the guilt – perfect!

Continue reading

How the Demand for Sugar-Free is Destroying Real Chocolate

Being health conscious is something that’s on everyone’s minds nowadays. However, with so much conflicting information about what’s good for us and what’s bad, it’s no wonder that we’re all wondering what foods really are best for us. For example, chocolate is supposed to prevent heart attacks. Well, at least the cacao is…but what about all that sugar in Australian chocolate?

All the research into chocolate is sponsored by huge corporations who only have their own agendas in mind. Even the doctors are on commission. Big pharma is coming up with brand new diseases and issues every day as the media hangs on their every report. And, while all this is happening, consumers are confused as they struggle to be healthy. We’re becoming sicker than ever before as a result!

So, what’s going on? Throughout the years we have completely lost the natural ability to listen to our bodies. We are on the go 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so we don’t even have the time to stop even just for a minute and to actually listen to our inner selves. We no longer have the capacity to recognise what foods make us feel good and which ones make us feel lethargic. So, we listen to what we’re being told and this becomes our reality.

Continue reading