Sour Patch Kids UK: The Complete Guide to Every Flavour
First they’re sour. Then they’re sweet. If you’ve ever tried a Sour Patch Kids sweet, you already know the tagline — and the addictive two-stage flavour hit that makes them one of the best-selling American candies in the world.
Originally created in the late 1970s by Canadian confectioner Frank Galatolie, these kid-shaped gummies were first sold under the name “Mars Men.” The brand was renamed Sour Patch Kids in 1985, reportedly to ride the wave of the Cabbage Patch Kids craze that was sweeping North America at the time. The rebrand stuck, and four decades later Sour Patch Kids are a fixture in American cinema concessions, corner shops, and TikTok feeds worldwide.
In the UK, demand for the imported US version has exploded over the past few years. The American recipe uses a different corn syrup base and bolder flavour profiles compared to the Maynards version available in British supermarkets — and for fans of sour candy, the difference is noticeable.
This guide covers every Sour Patch Kids flavour and format you can buy in the UK right now, what each one tastes like, and which ones are worth trying first. Whether you’re stocking up for yourself or looking to buy Sour Patch Kids at wholesale prices for your shop, this is the only page you need.
The sour-to-sweet transition is what sets Sour Patch Kids apart from other sour candy brands. Where something like Warheads delivers a single intense sour punch, Sour Patch Kids are more of a journey — the initial tartness lasts a few seconds before the sweetness takes over completely. It’s a gentler experience, which is partly why they appeal to such a broad audience.
The Original comes in a wide range of pack sizes, from small 56g bags right up to 816g resealable pouches and 1.5kg bulk bags for pick and mix displays. Theatre boxes (99g) remain one of the most popular formats — originally designed for American cinemas, they’re now a staple impulse buy in UK sweet shops.
Best for: First-timers, anyone who wants the authentic Sour Patch Kids experience, and retailers building a sour candy section.
The sour coating is slightly lighter on the Watermelon version, which makes them a good entry point for people who find the Original a bit too tart. They’re also one of the most visually appealing variants — the pink and green two-tone pieces look great in a display or pick and mix bin.
Available in peg bags, theatre boxes, and bulk loose bags for retailers who go through high volumes.
Best for: People who prefer sweet over sour, summer promotions, and pick and mix displays where the watermelon slice shape stands out.
The Sour Patch Kids Blue Raspberry version leans into that boldness. The sour hit is punchy, the blue colour is vivid, and the flavour is intense from start to finish. These are a strong seller with younger customers and anyone who’s been introduced to American candy through TikTok trends.
Available in 102g and 141g peg bags, plus larger 226g sharing bags.
Best for: Fans of bold, fruity flavours. A must-stock for any retailer with a dedicated American candy section.
The flavour range includes strawberry, green apple, blue raspberry and orange. Each piece is larger than a standard Sour Patch Kid, which means the sour coating has more surface area to work with. Extreme sits comfortably alongside brands like Warheads and Toxic Waste in the “challenge” sour category, but the chewy texture makes it a completely different eating experience.
Available in 113g and 204g peg bags, plus 99g theatre boxes.
Best for: Sour candy enthusiasts, TikTok challenge content, and retailers looking to offer a “next level” option alongside the Original.
The sour level sits between the Original and the lighter Watermelon, making Tropical a solid middle-ground option. The colours are vibrant — yellows, oranges and greens that look excellent in a display.
Available in 141g peg bags, 226g sharing bags, and 99g theatre boxes.
Best for: Customers looking for something different from the Original. Works well as a summer seasonal line or paired with tropical-flavoured soft drinks.
The flavour is sweet, bold and unmistakably artificial in the way that American grape candy always is — closer to grape soda than actual grapes. The sour coating complements the sweetness well, preventing it from becoming cloying.
Available in 101g, 143g, and 227g peg bags.
Best for: Novelty seekers and anyone who loves the grape flavour in other American brands like Nerds or Kool-Aid.
This is one for customers who enjoy subtler flavours rather than the electric intensity of Blue Raspberry or Extreme. It’s a great recommendation for adults or anyone who says they “don’t usually like sour sweets.”
Available in 101g and 229g peg bags.
Best for: Older customers, gift boxes, and anyone looking for a less intense sour experience.
Because strawberry is such a universally liked flavour, this variant tends to sell well to customers who are new to the brand or buying as a gift.
Available in 141g peg bags.
Best for: Safe choices, gift hampers, and customers who want a familiar flavour in a new format.
Sour Patch Kids Snapple — A collaboration with the popular American drink brand, blending Snapple’s fruity drink flavours with the classic sour-then-sweet gummy format. Available in 102g peg bags.
Sour Patch Kids Glow Ups — Strawberry-watermelon flavoured pieces with a glow-in-the-dark theme. These are a big hit with younger buyers and work well as novelty stock.
Sour Patch Kids Zombie — A Halloween seasonal line with spooky-themed packaging and mystery flavours. Available in 99g theatre boxes and perfect for building a Halloween candy display.
Special editions come and go, so availability changes throughout the year. Check the full Sour Patch Kids range for what’s currently in stock.
Available in 770g bags and 1.2kg bulk packs (240 pieces), these are primarily aimed at retailers stocking pick and mix displays or selling individual pieces. The larger size makes them eye-catching in a display jar.
Best for: Pick and mix stands, individual sale pricing, and anyone who wishes a standard Sour Patch Kid lasted a bit longer.
Peg Bags (56g–229g) — The most common retail format. Hang-sell bags designed for clip strips, impulse racks, or shelf displays. Multiple sizes let you offer different price points from the same brand.
Theatre Boxes (99g) — Cardboard boxes originally sold at American cinemas. Popular as standalone impulse buys and easy to stack on shelves. Available across Original, Watermelon, Tropical, Extreme, and seasonal variants.
Sharing Bags (226g–397g) — Larger resealable bags aimed at sharing occasions. Good for evening snacking, parties, and movie nights. Higher unit price but strong perceived value.
Bulk Loose (2.26kg+) — Loose pieces sold by weight, ideal for pick and mix setups. Available in Original and Watermelon. These give the best per-unit cost for retailers.
The US version uses corn syrup, artificial colours and bolder artificial flavourings. The result is a sweeter, chewier candy with more intense flavour. The UK Maynards version uses natural colours and a slightly different recipe, producing a firmer, less sweet gummy that’s closer in texture to Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles.
Both are good, but they’re different products. The imported American version is what most people are searching for when they type “Sour Patch Kids UK” into Google, and it’s the version that drives the hype on social media. For retailers, the imported version commands a premium price and attracts customers specifically looking for the authentic American candy experience. The Maynards version is available in mainstream supermarkets, so stocking the US import gives you a genuine point of difference.
If you’re setting up an American candy section in your shop, Sour Patch Kids should be one of your anchor brands alongside Nerds and Reese’s. Stock the Original and Watermelon as your core lines, then add Blue Raspberry and Extreme for variety. Theatre boxes work well near the till as impulse buys, while peg bags can hang on clip strips or sit on shelves.
For pick and mix retailers, the bulk loose bags of Original and Watermelon are essential. The distinctive kid shapes and watermelon slices are instantly recognisable in a display, and customers will often scoop Sour Patch Kids alongside other sour candy brands like Sour Punch and Cry Baby.
Want to see our full candy range? Or browse more American brands including Warheads, Airheads, and Toxic Waste? We’ve got everything you need to build the ultimate sour candy selection.
Trade customers: Open a trade account to see wholesale pricing across our full range. No minimum order quantities and free UK delivery on orders over £600 + VAT.
Originally created in the late 1970s by Canadian confectioner Frank Galatolie, these kid-shaped gummies were first sold under the name “Mars Men.” The brand was renamed Sour Patch Kids in 1985, reportedly to ride the wave of the Cabbage Patch Kids craze that was sweeping North America at the time. The rebrand stuck, and four decades later Sour Patch Kids are a fixture in American cinema concessions, corner shops, and TikTok feeds worldwide.
In the UK, demand for the imported US version has exploded over the past few years. The American recipe uses a different corn syrup base and bolder flavour profiles compared to the Maynards version available in British supermarkets — and for fans of sour candy, the difference is noticeable.
This guide covers every Sour Patch Kids flavour and format you can buy in the UK right now, what each one tastes like, and which ones are worth trying first. Whether you’re stocking up for yourself or looking to buy Sour Patch Kids at wholesale prices for your shop, this is the only page you need.
Sour Patch Kids Original — The One That Started It All
The classic. The original Sour Patch Kids mix includes four flavours: lemon (yellow), lime (green), orange and redberry (red). Each piece is shaped like a small person, coated in a sour sugar crystal layer that fizzes on the tongue before dissolving into a soft, chewy, fruity gummy underneath.The sour-to-sweet transition is what sets Sour Patch Kids apart from other sour candy brands. Where something like Warheads delivers a single intense sour punch, Sour Patch Kids are more of a journey — the initial tartness lasts a few seconds before the sweetness takes over completely. It’s a gentler experience, which is partly why they appeal to such a broad audience.
The Original comes in a wide range of pack sizes, from small 56g bags right up to 816g resealable pouches and 1.5kg bulk bags for pick and mix displays. Theatre boxes (99g) remain one of the most popular formats — originally designed for American cinemas, they’re now a staple impulse buy in UK sweet shops.
Best for: First-timers, anyone who wants the authentic Sour Patch Kids experience, and retailers building a sour candy section.
Sour Patch Kids Watermelon — The Fan Favourite
Ask any Sour Patch Kids fan to name their favourite flavour and there’s a strong chance they’ll say Watermelon. These are shaped like small watermelon slices rather than the usual kid silhouette, and they deliver a juicy, summery watermelon flavour that’s sweeter and fruitier than the Original mix.The sour coating is slightly lighter on the Watermelon version, which makes them a good entry point for people who find the Original a bit too tart. They’re also one of the most visually appealing variants — the pink and green two-tone pieces look great in a display or pick and mix bin.
Available in peg bags, theatre boxes, and bulk loose bags for retailers who go through high volumes.
Best for: People who prefer sweet over sour, summer promotions, and pick and mix displays where the watermelon slice shape stands out.
Sour Patch Kids Blue Raspberry — Bold, Blue, and Brilliant
Blue raspberry is a flavour that barely exists in British confectionery but dominates American candy aisles. It doesn’t taste like any actual raspberry you’ve ever eaten — it’s a bright, tangy, almost electric berry flavour that’s become iconic in its own right.The Sour Patch Kids Blue Raspberry version leans into that boldness. The sour hit is punchy, the blue colour is vivid, and the flavour is intense from start to finish. These are a strong seller with younger customers and anyone who’s been introduced to American candy through TikTok trends.
Available in 102g and 141g peg bags, plus larger 226g sharing bags.
Best for: Fans of bold, fruity flavours. A must-stock for any retailer with a dedicated American candy section.
Sour Patch Kids Extreme — For Serious Sour Fans
If you’ve ever eaten a regular Sour Patch Kid and thought “I wish this was more sour,” Extreme is the answer. The sour sugar coating is significantly heavier and more concentrated, delivering a proper face-twisting hit before the sweet chew kicks in.The flavour range includes strawberry, green apple, blue raspberry and orange. Each piece is larger than a standard Sour Patch Kid, which means the sour coating has more surface area to work with. Extreme sits comfortably alongside brands like Warheads and Toxic Waste in the “challenge” sour category, but the chewy texture makes it a completely different eating experience.
Available in 113g and 204g peg bags, plus 99g theatre boxes.
Best for: Sour candy enthusiasts, TikTok challenge content, and retailers looking to offer a “next level” option alongside the Original.
Sour Patch Kids Tropical — A Fruity Holiday in a Bag
Tropical swaps the standard fruit mix for flavours like pineapple, passion fruit, and mango. The result is a brighter, more exotic taste profile that feels distinctly different from the Original while keeping the same sour-then-sweet formula.The sour level sits between the Original and the lighter Watermelon, making Tropical a solid middle-ground option. The colours are vibrant — yellows, oranges and greens that look excellent in a display.
Available in 141g peg bags, 226g sharing bags, and 99g theatre boxes.
Best for: Customers looking for something different from the Original. Works well as a summer seasonal line or paired with tropical-flavoured soft drinks.
Sour Patch Kids Grape — An American Classic
Grape-flavoured sweets are another category that’s quintessentially American. British consumers rarely encounter grape candy outside of imported lines, which makes this flavour an instant curiosity purchase.The flavour is sweet, bold and unmistakably artificial in the way that American grape candy always is — closer to grape soda than actual grapes. The sour coating complements the sweetness well, preventing it from becoming cloying.
Available in 101g, 143g, and 227g peg bags.
Best for: Novelty seekers and anyone who loves the grape flavour in other American brands like Nerds or Kool-Aid.
Sour Patch Kids Peach — Soft, Sweet, and Underrated
Peach is one of the quieter flavours in the range but it has a dedicated following. The peach flavour is more natural-tasting than some of the bolder variants, with a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sour coating.This is one for customers who enjoy subtler flavours rather than the electric intensity of Blue Raspberry or Extreme. It’s a great recommendation for adults or anyone who says they “don’t usually like sour sweets.”
Available in 101g and 229g peg bags.
Best for: Older customers, gift boxes, and anyone looking for a less intense sour experience.
Sour Patch Kids Strawberry — Simple and Satisfying
Strawberry does exactly what it says. It’s a single-flavour bag with a familiar, crowd-pleasing taste. The sour level is moderate and the strawberry flavour is sweet without being overpowering.Because strawberry is such a universally liked flavour, this variant tends to sell well to customers who are new to the brand or buying as a gift.
Available in 141g peg bags.
Best for: Safe choices, gift hampers, and customers who want a familiar flavour in a new format.
Special Editions and Limited Runs
Sour Patch Kids regularly releases special edition flavours and collaborations. Recent additions to the range include:Sour Patch Kids Snapple — A collaboration with the popular American drink brand, blending Snapple’s fruity drink flavours with the classic sour-then-sweet gummy format. Available in 102g peg bags.
Sour Patch Kids Glow Ups — Strawberry-watermelon flavoured pieces with a glow-in-the-dark theme. These are a big hit with younger buyers and work well as novelty stock.
Sour Patch Kids Zombie — A Halloween seasonal line with spooky-themed packaging and mystery flavours. Available in 99g theatre boxes and perfect for building a Halloween candy display.
Special editions come and go, so availability changes throughout the year. Check the full Sour Patch Kids range for what’s currently in stock.
Sour Patch Kids BIG Kids — Supersized Sour
BIG Kids are exactly what they sound like — larger versions of the standard Sour Patch Kids shape. They’re roughly two to three times the size of a regular piece, which changes the eating experience. You get a thicker, chewier gummy centre with a proportionally generous sour coating.Available in 770g bags and 1.2kg bulk packs (240 pieces), these are primarily aimed at retailers stocking pick and mix displays or selling individual pieces. The larger size makes them eye-catching in a display jar.
Best for: Pick and mix stands, individual sale pricing, and anyone who wishes a standard Sour Patch Kid lasted a bit longer.
Which Format Should You Buy?
Sour Patch Kids come in several different pack formats. Here’s a quick guide to what’s available and who each one suits:Peg Bags (56g–229g) — The most common retail format. Hang-sell bags designed for clip strips, impulse racks, or shelf displays. Multiple sizes let you offer different price points from the same brand.
Theatre Boxes (99g) — Cardboard boxes originally sold at American cinemas. Popular as standalone impulse buys and easy to stack on shelves. Available across Original, Watermelon, Tropical, Extreme, and seasonal variants.
Sharing Bags (226g–397g) — Larger resealable bags aimed at sharing occasions. Good for evening snacking, parties, and movie nights. Higher unit price but strong perceived value.
Bulk Loose (2.26kg+) — Loose pieces sold by weight, ideal for pick and mix setups. Available in Original and Watermelon. These give the best per-unit cost for retailers.
American Sour Patch Kids vs UK Maynards Version
If you’ve tried Maynards Sour Patch Kids from a UK supermarket and the imported American version from a sweet shop, you’ll have noticed they’re not the same product. The differences are worth understanding, especially if you’re a retailer deciding what to stock.The US version uses corn syrup, artificial colours and bolder artificial flavourings. The result is a sweeter, chewier candy with more intense flavour. The UK Maynards version uses natural colours and a slightly different recipe, producing a firmer, less sweet gummy that’s closer in texture to Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles.
Both are good, but they’re different products. The imported American version is what most people are searching for when they type “Sour Patch Kids UK” into Google, and it’s the version that drives the hype on social media. For retailers, the imported version commands a premium price and attracts customers specifically looking for the authentic American candy experience. The Maynards version is available in mainstream supermarkets, so stocking the US import gives you a genuine point of difference.
For Retailers: Why Sour Patch Kids Deserve Shelf Space
Sour Patch Kids are one of those rare brands that sells across every customer demographic. Children love them, teenagers buy them for TikTok content, and adults pick them up as a nostalgic impulse buy. The brand has strong recognition, the packaging is colourful and eye-catching, and the price points work at every level from 56g impulse bags to 397g sharing pouches.If you’re setting up an American candy section in your shop, Sour Patch Kids should be one of your anchor brands alongside Nerds and Reese’s. Stock the Original and Watermelon as your core lines, then add Blue Raspberry and Extreme for variety. Theatre boxes work well near the till as impulse buys, while peg bags can hang on clip strips or sit on shelves.
For pick and mix retailers, the bulk loose bags of Original and Watermelon are essential. The distinctive kid shapes and watermelon slices are instantly recognisable in a display, and customers will often scoop Sour Patch Kids alongside other sour candy brands like Sour Punch and Cry Baby.
Browse the Full Sour Patch Kids Range
Sweet and Glory stocks one of the widest wholesale Sour Patch Kids ranges in the UK, with fast dispatch and free delivery on orders over £600. Whether you’re buying for your shop, your pick and mix stand, or just your own sweet tooth, you’ll find every flavour and format on our Sour Patch Kids wholesale page.Want to see our full candy range? Or browse more American brands including Warheads, Airheads, and Toxic Waste? We’ve got everything you need to build the ultimate sour candy selection.
Trade customers: Open a trade account to see wholesale pricing across our full range. No minimum order quantities and free UK delivery on orders over £600 + VAT.
