Pulparindo tingles on your tongue: it starts out sticky sweet then as you chew saltiness hits that back or your throat before giving way to an all-out blast of chili. That’s my description. My kids’ reaction went more like this, “Mom, I like….wait…I need to get a drink, that’s hot!”

Even though the package said it plainly: “Hot and salted tamarind pulp candy” or “Dulce de tamarindo picante y salado,” my kids were surprised by the heat in this Mexican candy.

To help my kids experience a world of flavors, I try cooking recipes from other countries and finding authentic (well, and some not-so-authentic) restaurants. But to tap into their global taste buds, there’s nothing better than offering them candy from another country. I’ve found ethnic grocers often have the most authentic favorites from abroad. But even your corner grocery store might be stocking some of these goodies too. The best selection I’ve found is in the food section of Cost Plus World Market where I let my kids each pick out one candy for the whole family to try. I’ve also been surprised to find global candies at Marshalls, of all places.

Help your kids get a taste of the world, by sampling something sweet:

Pocky

Country: Japan

Where to find it: Many regular grocery stores in the Asian food section

Candy description: Crisp, savory cracker-like sticks dipped into a coating; chocolate coating is the easiest to find.

Kids’ take: These are a family favorite. We take these on roadtrips as a quick treat.

Pulparindo

Country: Mexico

Where to find it: Mexican grocers

Candy description: A stickier, thicker fruit leather that’s spicy, salty sweet

Kids’ take: I still have a stack of these in my house if anyone wants them. The shot of chili pepper didn’t appeal to my kiddos, but I’ve grown to like these chili treats.

Huevito

Country: Mexico

Where to find it: Mexican grocers

Candy description: These look like they’d taste like peanut M&Ms but the chocolate coating gives way to an egg-flavored center

Kids’ take: Although these are popular in Mexico, they weren’t at my house. Still, my kids thought they were “interesting,” but no one asked for seconds.

Ritter Sport

Country: Germany

Where to find it: Trader Joe’s, Cost Plus

Candy description: A variety of squared candy bars, creamy chocolate and hazelnut seems the easiest to find stateside

Kids’ take: “Can I have another one?” Actually, my kids usually get just a corner of the Ritter Sport candy bar. See, since this is my all-time favorite candy, I have a tough time sharing.

Butter Fudge

Country: England

Where to find it: England

Candy description: The name says it all – small squares of buttery sweet fudge

Kids’ take: “Creamy, but it’s too sweet.” I had a bag of the candy sitting on my counter for a month. No one asked for another sample.

Hanuta

Country: Germany

Candy description: Nougat-like hazelnut chocolate filling between two cocoa wafers

Where to find it: Cost Plus

Kids’ take: A favorite around here. Hanuta is often tough to find in the U.S. and pricey so we don’t have these often, but when we do, my kids love this chocolate hazelnut candy.

Kristen J. Gough is the Global Cuisines & Kids Editor for Wandering
Educators. She shares her family's adventurous food experiences--and recipes--at MyKidsEatSquid.com.