Russia is known for its rich cultural heritage, and its sweets and chocolates are no exception. Russian candies and chocolates are cherished not only for their distinct flavors but also for their long history and association with Russian traditions. Whether you’re visiting Moscow, St. Petersburg, or a smaller town, you’ll encounter a wide variety of delicious, iconic sweets that are perfect to bring home as souvenirs.
Many Russian candies have been beloved for generations, often evoking nostalgia and a sense of warmth for locals. These treats come in a range of flavors, textures, and forms, from classic chocolate bars to uniquely flavored bonbons and caramelized delights. This guide highlights some of the best Russian candies and chocolates to bring home, ensuring that your loved ones can experience a taste of Russia’s culinary tradition.
1. Famous Russian Candies and Sweets
1.1 Kоровка (Korovka)
Korovka, meaning “little cow,” is one of the most famous and beloved Russian candies. These caramel-flavored milk sweets are individually wrapped in colorful wrappers and have a rich, creamy taste. The traditional Korovka is made with sweetened condensed milk and sugar, creating a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Korovka candies are especially popular with children and are available in both classic and chocolate-covered varieties.
Where to Find It: Korovka can be found in almost every candy store or supermarket in Russia, making it an easy souvenir to take home.
1.2 Babaevsky Chocolate (Бабаевский)
Babaevsky is one of Russia’s oldest and most respected chocolate brands, dating back to 1804. Their chocolates are known for their high quality and distinct taste. One of their most popular products is the Babaevsky Milk Chocolate bar, which combines rich cocoa with a smooth, creamy filling. The brand also offers an assortment of chocolate-covered pralines, truffles, and dark chocolate options.
Where to Find It: Babaevsky chocolates are widely available in Russian supermarkets, department stores, and specialty sweet shops.
1.3 Alenka Chocolate (Аленка)
Alenka is an iconic Russian chocolate brand known for its milk chocolate bars adorned with a picture of a little girl on the packaging. The chocolate itself is smooth, creamy, and sweet, and it’s beloved for its nostalgic, comforting taste. Alenka chocolate bars come in several varieties, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and hazelnut-filled versions.
Where to Find It: Alenka is available in most Russian supermarkets and is often sold in large bars, making it a great souvenir for anyone with a sweet tooth.
1.4 Sukharevka (Сухаревка)
Sukharevka is a traditional Russian treat that consists of caramelized nuts and is often shaped into small, bite-sized pieces. The combination of rich caramel with crunchy nuts like hazelnuts or almonds gives it a satisfying texture and flavor. These candies are often sold in beautiful packaging, making them perfect for gifting or bringing home as souvenirs.
Where to Find It: Sukharevka is widely available in confectionery shops, especially those specializing in Russian sweets.
1.5 Zefir (Зефир)
Zefir is a classic Russian dessert made from fruit purée, egg whites, and sugar, resulting in a fluffy, marshmallow-like texture. It is traditionally flavored with apple, cherry, or black currant, though it can also come in other fruity varieties. Zefir is a soft, delicate sweet that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea.
Where to Find It: Zefir can be found in almost every bakery or grocery store in Russia. It is often sold in attractive boxes, making it easy to take home as a souvenir.
2. Popular Russian Chocolate Brands
2.1 Red October (Красный Октябрь)
Red October is one of the most famous and historic Russian chocolate brands, founded in 1851. The brand produces a wide variety of chocolates, including chocolate bars, truffles, and candy assortments. Red October’s classic Kievskaia chocolate, named after the Ukrainian capital, is one of the brand’s flagship products, made with a rich cocoa filling and a smooth chocolate coating.
In addition to their chocolates, Red October is known for producing iconic Russian treats like Praga, Baton, and Suvorov chocolate bars, all of which are popular both within Russia and abroad.
Where to Find It: Red October chocolates can be found in most major supermarkets and specialty candy shops across Russia.
2.2 Krasny Oktyabr (КРАСНЫЙ ОКТЯБРЬ)
Another major player in the Russian chocolate industry, Krasny Oktyabr has been making high-quality chocolates since 1967. Famous products include their Alenka chocolate, Kievskiy chocolates, and the famous Cavalier chocolate bars. Their products are known for their rich flavor and fine textures.
Where to Find It: Krasny Oktyabr products are available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and souvenir shops across Russia.
2.3 Belyi Medved (Белый Медведь)
Belyi Medved is a brand famous for making premium chocolates with natural ingredients. Their signature product is the milk chocolate bars filled with soft fillings like caramel or nougat. The Belyi Medved chocolates have a smooth, luxurious taste and are often packaged in elegant wrapping.
Where to Find It: This brand can be found in most Russian grocery stores, especially in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
3. Other Notable Russian Candies
3.1 Pryanik (Пряник)
Pryanik is a traditional Russian gingerbread cookie often filled with jam, honey, or sweet cream. It’s sometimes topped with glaze or icing and has a slightly spicy, aromatic flavor. While not technically a candy, pryani are a popular sweet treat in Russia, and they make a great souvenir gift, especially when packaged in decorative boxes.
Where to Find It: Pryanik is commonly available in bakeries, souvenir shops, and specialty food stores.
3.2 Tula Gingerbread (Тульский Пряник)
A particular type of pryanik hails from the city of Tula and has become famous for its delicate, sweet filling and decorative designs. These gingerbread cookies are often embossed with intricate patterns and filled with sweet fillings like condensed milk, fruit jams, or chocolate. The Tula gingerbread is a historical and regional specialty, making it an excellent souvenir to bring home.
Where to Find It: The Tula Gingerbread is best found in Tula itself, but you can also find it in many major cities or Russian-themed stores abroad.
4. Where to Buy Russian Candies and Chocolates
Russian candies and chocolates are widely available in supermarkets, specialty candy shops, and department stores across Russia. Additionally, in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, there are many souvenir shops that sell packaged sweets for tourists. If you are looking for authentic and high-quality Russian chocolates, it is a good idea to visit confectionery stores that specialize in locally made products.
For visitors to Russia, online retailers can also be a convenient way to purchase these iconic sweets to bring home, especially if you are unable to travel to certain regions.
Conclusion
Bringing home Russian candies and chocolates is a wonderful way to share a piece of Russia’s rich culinary culture with friends and family. From the creamy sweetness of Alenka to the unique flavor of schokoladki from Red October, these treats offer a taste of Russia’s long-standing confectionery traditions. Whether you’re looking for classic chocolates, fruity bonbons, or nostalgic treats like Korovka or Zefir, you’re sure to find something that will delight any sweet tooth. So, next time you visit Russia, be sure to take home some of these delicious sweets—perfect for gifting or indulging in a taste of Russia long after your trip has ended.
