Salmiakki: A Foreigner with Unusual Love for Finnish black salty licorice

I have an embarrassing confession to make. As my silky smooth flight – with Finn Air via Toronto – was approximately two hours away from landing in Helsinki, I was overcome by an insatiable craving. My upcoming itinerary in Finland would catapult me into a nonstop cycle of adventure activities including kayaking, boating, horseback riding, cycling and hiking; however, it wasn’t the adrenaline rush activities that were consuming my mind.

What I couldn’t get out of my head was this mad craving (salivating Pavlovian dogs had nothing on me) desire to get my hands (okay, more so my mouth) on Salmiakki.

Fun Facts About Salmiakki

Oh, salmiakki, the “delightful” Finnish candy that has everyone talking. Here are some “fun” facts about this “unique” treat:

1. What is Salmiakki?
   • Salmiakki is created by adding ammonium chloride to licorice candy. Yes, you read that right—ammonium chloride, a compound also used in fertilizers and cleaning products, is the secret ingredient. Because why not take perfectly good candy and give it a twist with something straight out of a chemistry lab?
2. Popular in Northern Europe
   • Despite its unusual flavor profile, Salmiakki is a beloved treat in Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. These countries clearly know something about sweets that the rest of the world hasn’t quite caught onto yet—or maybe they just have very adventurous taste buds.
3. A Flavor for All Occasions
   • In Finland, Salmiakki isn’t just limited to candy; it’s often used as a flavoring in various foods and drinks. Imagine the taste of salty licorice in your ice cream or chocolate. Sounds odd? Perhaps, but in Finland, it’s a flavor that’s cherished across different culinary delights.
4. A Taste That Sticks With You
   • Some people describe the taste of Salmiakki as eerily similar to cough medicine. Because nothing says “satisfying your sweet tooth” quite like the reminder of childhood flu season.
5. A Natural Remedy
   • Believe it or not, Salmiakki is sometimes used as a natural remedy for sore throats and coughs. Why go for the tried-and-true spoonful of sugar or honey when you can enjoy the bracing, medicinal taste of Salmiakki instead?
6. A Finnish Prank
   • In Finland, Salmiakki is occasionally used as a playful prank on unsuspecting foreigners. Visitors might be offered this candy without any warning about its peculiar taste. It’s a unique way to say “Welcome to Finland!”—a salty, surprising initiation into Finnish culture.
7. Health Considerations
   • Salmiakki isn’t recommended for people with high blood pressure. That’s right—putting your health on the line for a “delightful” candy experience is all part of the adventure. For those who are willing to risk it, Salmiakki offers a one-of-a-kind taste journey.

So, there you have it. Salmiakki, the candy that’s sure to leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth and a puzzled expression on your face.

Canadian who loves Salmiakki!

Salmiakki? What the heck is that?

It’s licorice descended from the depths of heaven Finland. Now, I know exactly what pasta lovers mean when they talk about visiting Italy and upon returning home proclaiming all packaged store bought pasta tastes like cardboard. That’s the way I now feel about ‘normal’ licorice. Anyhow, I’ve been avoiding the question – what exactly is this stuff? Salmiakki, is an extremely astringent black salty licorice that is adored in Finland (and other Nordic countries) that literally comes in all shapes, sizes and range of products. Although it is most common in candy form you can also eat Salmiakki chocolate, gobble Salmiakki ice cream and down shots of Salmiakki infused alcohol to your heart’s content.

Having first sampled Salmiakki one year ago it was love at first bite. I ate as much as I could while briefly in Finland and brought home a few packs – to our then – base in Chiang Mai, Thailand. However, those lasted mere days and then I ran out. And I waited and waited and waited some more hoping to find a pack of this magical Finnish licorice in some kind of specialty import store as I continued my travels in Asia. No luck. One year without a morsel of it. Not even a bite. Enough to drive a sane man crazy.

What Is Salmiakki?

Salmiakki, a quintessential Finnish candy, stands out with its striking black or dark brown hue and its unmistakable salty flavor. This unique treat owes its intense taste to the key ingredient: ammonium chloride. This compound imparts a salty, slightly bitter, and astringent quality that defines Salmiakki’s flavor profile, making it a truly distinctive experience.

• Polarizing Taste: The strong, salty flavor of Salmiakki often leads to polarized opinions—people either develop a strong affection for it or find it overwhelmingly intense. This divide makes Salmiakki a fascinating topic of conversation among both locals and visitors. For those unfamiliar with it, trying Salmiakki can be an adventurous foray into traditional Nordic flavors.
• A Must-Try Experience: For anyone interested in exploring Nordic cuisine, Salmiakki is a must-try. It offers a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage and provides insight into the unique flavors that are cherished in these northern countries. Whether you end up loving it or not, tasting Salmiakki is an essential part of experiencing Finnish and Nordic culture.

How Is Salmiakki Made?

The production of Salmiakki, the iconic Finnish licorice candy, involves a meticulous process that balances traditional techniques with modern confectionery methods. Below is a step-by-step overview of how this distinctive treat is crafted:

1. Mixing the Ingredients:
   • Base Ingredients: The foundational elements of Salmiakki include sugar, wheat flour, and syrup, which provide the candy’s structure and sweetness.
   • Key Flavor Additives: The defining flavor of Salmiakki comes from the addition of ammonium chloride, the compound responsible for its signature salty taste. Licorice extract is also added, contributing a deep, rich flavor that complements the saltiness. Some variations might include anise oil, which adds a subtle aromatic note to the mix.
   • Additional Components: Depending on the type of Salmiakki being produced, other ingredients such as gelatin (for creating a chewy, gummy texture), coloring agents (to achieve its characteristic black or dark brown color), and preservatives may be included to enhance the final product.
2. Cooking the Mixture:
   • The combined ingredients are transferred into large industrial cookers where the mixture is heated. This cooking process transforms the ingredients into a thick, sticky mass, ensuring that the ammonium chloride and licorice extract are thoroughly integrated. The mixture is carefully monitored to achieve the right consistency, which is crucial for the final texture of the candy.
3. Shaping the Candy:
   • Extrusion or Molding: Once the mixture reaches the ideal consistency, it is shaped into various forms. For firmer varieties of Salmiakki, the mixture is extruded through molds to create small diamonds, round discs, or more intricate shapes such as animals, hearts, or even iconic Nordic symbols. For softer, gummy Salmiakki, the mixture might be poured directly into molds to create bite-sized pieces with a chewy texture.
   • Texture Variations: The shaping process can be adapted to produce different textures, from hard, crunchy candies to soft, pliable gummies. This flexibility allows for a wide range of Salmiakki products to cater to different preferences.
4. Cooling and Setting:
   • After shaping, the candies are cooled to allow them to set properly. This cooling phase is critical as it solidifies the candy, making it easier to handle and ensuring that the desired texture is achieved. The cooling process can vary depending on the type of Salmiakki being made, with some candies requiring a longer setting time to reach their final form.
5. Packaging:
   • Once the Salmiakki has fully cooled and set, it is ready for packaging. The candies are carefully inspected for quality before being packed into a variety of packaging options. These can range from small, individual bags meant for retail sale to larger bulk packages intended for wholesale distribution. The packaging not only preserves the freshness and flavor of the Salmiakki but also makes it convenient for consumers to enjoy this unique treat.

My Reaction To Try It

I must preface that my reaction to this candy is extremely unusual for foreigners trying it for the first time. Audrey, couldn’t spit it out fast enough. The Super Salmiakki candy she first popped into her mouth, apparently deriving its name because of its potency, instead could have easily been ‘super’ for its velocity that it projectiled out of her mouth. It’s the kind of polarizing food item that you either absolutely love or absolutely loathe. There is no sitting on the fence with this one.

Anyhow, you must be wondering at this point – did I get my fix? Well, let me tell you something straight up. I’ve got my priorities in order. After a long Transatlantic flight I freshened up, brushed my teeth and put a comb through my hair. Okay, who is kidding who, I did none of that. I rushed into the nearest convenience store in the Helsinki International Airport, located a package of Fazer Salmiakki mixed bag, and proceeded to empty the bag on the bus ride into the city center.

a video of us taste testing Salmiakki products in our hotel room in Helsinki, Finland

How can you experience Salmiakki products for the first time?

Here is a list of all the Salmiakki products I’ve taste tested:

Salmiakki Products I’ve Tried

Super Salmiakki: The cream of the Salmiakki crop. This potent form of Salmiakki is exceptionally salty and comes in candy form.

Mix Bag Salmiakki: All shapes and sizes of Salmiakki ranging from larger pieces that are more chewy to those that are smaller and harder.

Salmiakki in a small box: This is your best bet for when you get a craving driving, biking or walking as it comes in pocket-sized form.

Salmiakki Ice Cream: One of my personal favorites! This diamond shaped ice cream is the best of both worlds as you get the strong salmiakki taste in tandem with the sweet creaminess of ice cream.

Foreigners taste testing Salmiakki for the first time (priceless reactions)

Salmiakki Milk Chocolate: My absolute favorite. Imagine a delicious rich European milk chocolate bar infused with Salmiakki.

Salmiakki Liqueur (Finnish: Salmiakkikossu): essentially vodka with Salmiakki flavoring. Great for doing shots 😉

I highly recommend the local Finnish brand Fazer (pronounced properly as Fat-Zer) which is known for its creamy European style milk chocolate bars. Fazer does it all – Salmiakki candies, chocolate bars and ice cream bars – and in my opinion is consistently the best tasting of any brand I’ve yet to try for Salmiakki products.

source: Samuel and Audrey on YouTube

What Else Can You Try With Salmiakki?

1. Salmiakki candy – a salty black licorice candy that is popular in Finland.
2. Salmiakki chocolate – a chocolate bar with a salty and slightly bitter taste, similar to dark chocolate.
3. Salmiakki ice cream – a creamy ice cream with a salty licorice flavor.
4. Salmiakki cake – a cake flavored with salmiakki, often topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.
5. Salmiakki liqueur – a strong alcoholic drink with a salty licorice flavor.
6. Salmiakki vodka – a type of vodka that is flavored with salmiakki.
7. Salmiakki gin – a type of gin that is flavored with salmiakki.
8. Salmiakki beer – a type of beer with a salty and slightly bitter flavor.
9. Salmiakki soda – a soft drink with a salty and sweet taste.
10. Salmiakki chips – potato chips flavored with salmiakki.
11. Salmiakki popcorn – popcorn with a salty licorice flavor.
12. Salmiakki peanuts – roasted peanuts with a salty licorice coating.
13. Salmiakki licorice – a type of licorice candy with a salty flavor.
14. Salmiakki mints – small, round mints with a salty and refreshing taste.
15. Salmiakki gum – chewing gum with a salty and slightly bitter flavor.

source: Samuel and Audrey on YouTube

If You Like Salmiakki Hear Other Other Finnish Snacks To Try!

Hey there! If you’re a fan of salmiakki and looking for some other Finnish treats to try, I’ve got a few recommendations for you:

1. Fazer Mignon Chocolate Eggs – These chocolate eggs are filled with a variety of creamy flavors, including salmiakki. They’re a popular Easter treat in Finland and definitely worth a try.
2. Fazer Tyrkisk Peber – This candy is similar to salmiakki, but it also has a spicy kick from the addition of chili pepper. If you’re into spicy and salty flavors, this candy is definitely worth a taste.
3. Panda Soft Licorice – This brand of Finnish licorice comes in a variety of flavors, including salmiakki. It’s got a softer texture than traditional salmiakki candy, which some people prefer.
4. Fazer Liqueur Fills – These are chocolate candies filled with a variety of liqueur flavors, including salmiakki liqueur. They’re a popular treat for adults, so be sure to indulge responsibly!
5. Halva Finnish Licorice – This licorice candy has a sweeter taste than traditional salmiakki, but it still has a salty edge. It comes in a variety of flavors, including strawberry and raspberry, so you can mix things up a bit.
6. Fazer Marianne – These are chocolate-covered mint candies that are popular in Finland. They have a crunchy center and a refreshing mint flavor.
7. Sisu Pastilles – These are small, hard candies with a strong licorice flavor. They’re made with natural flavors and are perfect for freshening your breath.

Finnish Vodka Spirits: What is Salmiakki Koskenkorva?

Salmiakki Koskenkorva, a quintessential Finnish concoction, embodies the unique and bold spirit of Finland’s cultural and gastronomic heritage. This remarkable drink merges the potent, earthy flavors of salmiakki – a popular Finnish licorice – with the crisp, clear essence of Koskenkorva vodka, a staple in Finnish bars and homes.

Koskenkorva: The Spirit of Finnish Fields

In the heart of Finland, where the winter nights are long and the summer days are endless, there exists a tradition of crafting spirits that reflect the robust character of this Nordic nation. Koskenkorva, the vodka, takes its name from a small village, becoming synonymous with Finnish ingenuity and purity. Distilled from the finest barley, it captures the essence of the unspoiled Finnish fields.

Salmiakki: A Taste of Finnish Tradition

Then, there’s salmiakki. More than just a candy, salmiakki is an acquired taste, a rite of passage for anyone delving into Finnish culture. Made from ammonium chloride, it possesses a salty, sharp tang that contrasts with the sweetness typically associated with licorice. It’s an integral part of Finnish identity, a flavor that evokes memories and emotions.

A Bold Fusion: The Creation of Salmiakki Koskenkorva

The fusion of these two elements – Koskenkorva vodka and salmiakki – results in Salmiakki Koskenkorva, a drink that is bold, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in the Finnish ethos. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a cultural experience. The dark, almost mystical appearance of Salmiakki Koskenkorva is reminiscent of the Finnish winter nights, while its flavor is as complex as the Finnish landscape itself.

The Palate’s Adventure: Tasting Salmiakki Koskenkorva

To the uninitiated, the first sip of Salmiakki Koskenkorva can be a surprising jolt to the palate. The initial hit of salmiakki’s salty bitterness swiftly melds with the smooth, subtle warmth of the vodka, creating a harmonious blend that warms the soul. It’s a drink that demands savoring, each sip revealing new layers of flavor and complexity.

Planning Your Salmiakki Pilgrimage to Finland

If your idea of a food pilgrimage usually involves pizza in Naples or ramen in Tokyo, Finland’s black salty licorice might sound… eccentric.

But here’s the thing.

Once Salmiakki gets its hooks into you, it stops being “weird candy Finns prank tourists with” and becomes a genuine travel theme. You start planning layovers around how much you can stuff into your carry-on. You justify one more bag because, you know, “it’s for friends.”

If you’re even mildly Salmiakki-curious, you can absolutely shape part of your Finland trip around tasting, hunting, and hoarding the stuff – all while seeing a lot more than just the inside of a supermarket aisle.

Where to Find Salmiakki in Finland (Without Trying Too Hard)

You don’t need a secret map. In Finland, Salmiakki is basically a food group. Once you know where to look, it’s everywhere.

Everyday Spots

You’ll bump into Salmiakki in:

• Supermarkets (S-market, K-Market, Prisma, etc.)
• R-kioski convenience stores
• Petrol stations and highway stops
• Airport shops and train stations

Walk into almost any of these and you’ll see a wall of black and white bags, boxes, and chocolate bars staring back at you.

Salmiakki Hunter’s Cheat Sheet

Use this as a quick “where should I go first?” guide:

If you love candy aisles, make time for at least one proper supermarket wander. It’s like a Salmiakki safari under fluorescent lights.

A Salmiakki Day in Helsinki

You don’t need to dedicate your entire Finland itinerary to salty licorice, but weaving it into a Helsinki day is very doable – and very fun.

Sample “Salty & Sweet” Half-Day

Use this as a loose framework and tweak as you like:

Morning – Ease In Gently

• Start with a normal Finnish breakfast: coffee, rye bread, maybe a korvapuusti (cinnamon bun).
• Drop by a supermarket afterward and grab:
  • A mix-bag of Salmiakki (different shapes/textures)
  • One Salmiakki chocolate bar
  • A small box of milder pastilles

Stash them in your daypack. This is your portable tasting kit.

Afternoon – Waterfront Wander + Taste Testing

• Explore central Helsinki on foot: harbour area, market square, Esplanadi.
• When you find a park bench or harbour view you like, pull out the mix bag.
• Start with:
  • Chocolate (gentlest introduction)
  • Then soft, less salty pieces from the mix bag
  • Leave the “Super” or extra-salty ones for later when you’re feeling brave

Late Afternoon – Café + Ice Cream

• Hunt down a kiosk or supermarket freezer with Salmiakki ice cream.
• Order one Salmiakki ice cream for sharing plus a “normal” flavour as backup if you’re traveling with skeptics.
• This is where a lot of people cross over from “this is weird” to “okay, I could get used to this.”

Evening – Shot Time (If You Drink)

• Find a bar that serves Salmiakki liqueur or Koskenkorva-based shots.
• Order:
  • One Salmiakki shot for the group to share.
  • Something gentler on the side if you’re not sure.

Sip, don’t slam. Let your brain process that “candy + vodka + cough syrup + oddly pleasant” moment slowly.

By the end of the day, you’ve walked Helsinki, tried multiple styles of Salmiakki, and probably got at least one good story out of it.

Choosing Your First Salmiakki: Intensity Levels

Not all Salmiakki is created equal. Some pieces whisper; others scream.

Here’s a simple intensity guide to keep your taste buds on speaking terms with you.

The Salmiakki Intensity Ladder

A Good Progression for First-Timers

If you’re leading a group of friends through their first tasting, this order works nicely:

1. Salmiakki chocolate
   Creamy, familiar, with a salty twist. Almost everyone tolerates this.
2. Salmiakki ice cream
   Creaminess helps soften the shock; it’s like dessert with a Nordic accent.
3. Soft mix-bag pieces
   Chewy, more intense, but still recognizably “candy.”
4. Hard pastilles / “Super” pieces
   Give these to people who say, “That wasn’t so bad” with too much confidence.
5. Salmiakki liqueur or vodka shot
   A strong finish in every sense of the word.

Budgeting for a Salty Habit

The good news: compared to flights and hotels, your Salmiakki obsession is a cheap vice.

Approximate per-person prices in Finland:

If you love this stuff, set aside a “Salmiakki budget” of maybe 5–10 EUR a day while you’re in Finland. That covers a tasting each day plus a stash to bring home.

Common Salmiakki Mistakes Foreigners Make

You’ll enjoy the experience more if you dodge a few classic blunders.

Rookie Errors to Avoid

• Starting with the strongest stuff
  Super Salmiakki as your first experience is like learning to swim by cliff jumping.
• Popping multiple pieces at once
  One at a time. Let your brain figure things out before you go back for more.
• Mixing lots of Salmiakki with heavy drinking
  The liqueur is fun, but it’s strong in more ways than one. Treat it with respect.
• Assuming everyone will love it because you do
  Your Finnish friends might adore it. Your partner might spit it into a napkin and give you side-eye for the rest of the day.
• Writing it off after one bad piece
  Don’t let one ultra-salty pastille define the whole category. Chocolate and ice cream live in a different universe.
• Ignoring health considerations
  If you’ve got blood pressure issues or other concerns, go easy. Tasting is enough; you don’t need to demolish a whole bag.

Bringing Salmiakki Home: Souvenirs That Actually Get Used

Some souvenirs collect dust. Salmiakki disappears.

What Travels Best

• Boxed pastilles
  Small, sturdy, perfect for handing out at work or to friends who say, “Nothing shocks me.”
• Chocolate bars
  Great balance of unusual-but-accessible. They survive luggage handling pretty well if not packed next to something super hot.
• Medium candy bags
  Ideal for sharing at a party or game night. Turn it into a Salmiakki dare round if your friends are game.
• Duty-free liqueur
  If your home country’s rules allow, a bottle of Salmiakki liqueur is a guaranteed conversation starter at your next get-together.

Packing Tips

• Wrap chocolate and candy in a plastic bag or packing cube in case anything opens.
• Put liqueur in the middle of your checked bag, padded with clothes.
• Keep one small box or bag in your cabin luggage for inflight cravings and emergency nostalgia.

Salmiakki Questions Answered: Tasting Tips, Finland Travel Advice & Practical Salty Licorice Hacks

What does Salmiakki actually taste like if I’ve never tried salty licorice before?

Intense. The easiest way I can describe it is a mash-up of black licorice, sea salt, and a hint of cough syrup with an astringent, almost medicinal edge. The ammonium chloride is what gives it that sharp, salty kick that makes your mouth go “wait… what just happened?” on the first bite. Some people find it weirdly addictive, others are done after half a piece, but it’s definitely not bland or forgettable.

Is Salmiakki really a big deal in Finland or more of a tourist gimmick?

Absolutely. Salmiakki is very much a real part of everyday Finnish life, not just something they dust off for tourists as a joke. You’ll find it in supermarkets, kiosks, petrol stations, bars, and even turned into ice cream, chocolate, and liqueur. Locals grew up with it and have strong opinions about which brands and styles are best. The tourist prank angle is more of a side bonus for Finns than the main purpose.

Where can I buy Salmiakki in Helsinki without going on a wild goose chase?

Easy. In Helsinki, you can find Salmiakki in pretty much any supermarket (S-Market, K-Market, Prisma), R-kioski convenience stores, many petrol stations and kiosks, and at the airport shops. If you want the biggest selection and best prices, head to a larger supermarket and wander the candy aisle. If you’re short on time, R-kioski and airport shops are perfect for quick grab-and-go boxes or gift packs.

Can I find Salmiakki outside Finland or do I have to fly there?

It depends. In many countries you can sometimes track down Salmiakki in Nordic specialty shops, international supermarkets, or Scandinavian-themed cafes and bakeries. Online, there are international candy retailers that ship Finnish products, including Salmiakki, to different parts of the world. The selection and price just won’t match what you get in Finland itself, so if you fall in love with it, stock up while you’re there and treat the online sources as emergency backup.

Is it safe to eat Salmiakki if I have high blood pressure or health issues?

Caution. Both licorice and ammonium chloride can affect blood pressure and heart health if you eat a lot of them, especially over a long period of time. Most healthy people are fine sampling a few pieces here and there on a trip, but if you already have high blood pressure, heart issues, or you’re on related medication, it’s smart to keep portions small and occasional. And if in doubt, ask your doctor before turning Salmiakki into a daily snack habit.

Is Salmiakki vegan or gluten-free, or do I need to be picky about brands?

It depends. Some Salmiakki candies are vegan and some are not, depending on whether the brand uses gelatin, beeswax, or milk-based chocolate. A lot of licorice-style candies also contain wheat flour, so they’re not gluten-free by default. If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, you’ll need to read the ingredient lists carefully and look for specific “vegan” or “gluten-free” labeling. The good news is that more Nordic brands are starting to offer clearly labeled options for different diets.

How much should I budget for Salmiakki on a Finland trip?

Surprisingly little. Compared to what you’re spending on flights and hotels, your Salmiakki obsession is a cheap indulgence. A small pastille box might cost a couple of euros, a candy bag or chocolate bar is usually somewhere in the 2–4 EUR range, and ice cream bars are often in a similar bracket. A shot of Salmiakki liqueur in a bar can be a bit more, and a bottle of liqueur will set you back more again, but overall you can easily enjoy Salmiakki daily on 5–10 EUR a day.

What’s the best way to introduce Salmiakki to friends who think they hate licorice?

Gentle. Start with “gateway” versions like Salmiakki chocolate or ice cream, where the creaminess softens the shock. After that, move to softer, milder candies from a mix bag and save the hardcore Super Salmiakki and liqueur for the end. Let people take tiny bites instead of full pieces, and keep it fun instead of pushy. A group tasting session with lots of laughter and honest reactions usually works way better than ambushing someone with the strongest candy in the bag.

Is Salmiakki Koskenkorva really strong, and how should I drink it?

Yes. Salmiakki Koskenkorva is basically vodka infused with salty licorice flavour, so you’re dealing with something that tastes bold and also carries a proper alcohol punch. Most people try it as a chilled shot, either on its own or shared between a couple of curious friends. You can also sip it slowly or mix a small amount into a longer drink if you want to soften the impact. As with anything stronger, pace yourself and treat it as something to savour, not to down in rapid-fire rounds.

Can I bring Salmiakki candy and liqueur home in my luggage?

Usually yes. Solid candies and chocolate are easy to pack in your checked or cabin luggage, and they travel well as long as they’re sealed and protected from being squashed or melted. Salmiakki liqueur or vodka needs to follow your airline and country’s rules on liquids and alcohol allowances, so it’s often easiest to buy it duty-free at the airport and carry it in the sealed bag. Always check your home country’s customs limits so you don’t get a nasty surprise at arrival.

When is the best time of year to visit Finland if I want a foodie trip that includes Salmiakki?

Year-round. Salmiakki doesn’t have a specific harvest season, so you’ll find it in shops whether you visit during snowy winter or midnight-sun summer. If you want to combine your Salmiakki tasting with long city walks, market halls, and outdoor ice cream, late spring to early autumn is very comfortable. If you’re dreaming of northern lights, saunas, and cosy indoor vibes with candy and hot drinks, winter is the better fit. The candy is constant; the backdrop is what changes.

Is Salmiakki suitable for kids, or is it more of an adults-only thing?

Mostly adult. Many Finnish kids grow up with Salmiakki and love it, but the flavour is strong, salty, and very intense compared to what most kids elsewhere are used to. Some of the milder candies might be okay for older kids who are curious and like licorice, but the stronger varieties and anything alcoholic are definitely for adults only. If you offer it to kids, keep pieces tiny and be prepared for dramatic faces and instant “nope” reactions.

What are some fun ways to use Salmiakki in desserts or cocktails at home?

Playful. Beyond just eating the candies straight, you can chop Salmiakki chocolate into brownie batter, crush candies and sprinkle them over ice cream, or mix small pieces into homemade fudge. For drinks, a splash of Salmiakki liqueur works in hot chocolate, coffee, or as a base for a quirky Nordic espresso martini. The key is moderation: Salmiakki is powerful, so a little goes a long way in both desserts and cocktails.

I tried Salmiakki once and hated it – is it worth giving it a second chance?

Maybe. Your first encounter might have been with the strongest, saltiest version, which is kind of like starting your coffee journey with a double espresso and no milk. If you’re curious, try again with gentler options like Salmiakki chocolate or ice cream, or a milder candy from a mix bag. If it still doesn’t click after that, you can happily file it under “interesting cultural experience” and move on. Not every travel memory needs to become a new favourite flavour.

Is it rude in Finland to say you don’t like Salmiakki or to spit it out?

Not really. Finns know Salmiakki is an acquired taste and are often amused rather than offended by foreigners’ reactions. Spitting it discreetly into a napkin and laughing about it is totally fine, especially if you gave it an honest try. What locals usually enjoy is the shared moment: you tried something very Finnish, and now there’s a funny story. As long as you’re respectful and not mocking the culture, honesty is absolutely okay.

When a Weird Candy Becomes a Travel Memory

What I love about Salmiakki is that it starts as a joke – “Hey, try this bizarre Finnish thing” – and slowly turns into a memory anchor.

You remember:

• The first time you tried it in a Helsinki hotel room and immediately reached for a second piece.
• The look on your partner’s face when they bolted for the bin.
• The bus ride where you quietly inhaled an entire mix bag before even reaching the city.
• The Finnish bartender who smirked and poured you a liqueur shot, clearly waiting to see your reaction.

For most people, Finland is saunas, lakes, forests, design, and northern lights.

For a strange little sub-group of us, it’s also a black diamond-shaped candy that tastes like salt, licorice, medicine, and somehow… home.

And if, somewhere over the Atlantic, you catch yourself daydreaming about your next bag of Salmiakki instead of the next big sight, don’t worry.

You’re in good company.

Now here is the part I’m most curious about – do you like licorice? Have you tried Salmiakki before? Would you eat it? On a dare? Let me know about your experiences in the comment section below.