Why Are They Called Swedish Fish?
Swedish Fish are named for two reasons that have nothing to do with seafood: the Swedish company that invented them, and Sweden's tradition of fish-shaped candy. Here is the quick history.
Swedish Fish are called Swedish Fish because they were created by the Swedish candy company Malaco in the late 1950s, and because they are shaped like a fish, a nod to Sweden's tradition of fish-shaped sweets. The name is about origin and shape, not flavor. They do not taste like fish.
The Swedish company behind the name
Malaco, a Swedish confectioner, developed the chewy fish and exported them to the United States and Canada. The 'Swedish' in the name is literal: it points to where the candy was invented, even though it is American-made today.
Why the fish shape?
Sweden has a long tradition of fish-shaped candy, so the mould was a natural choice. The shape stuck, and it is now the most recognizable thing about the brand.
Are they actually Swedish, then?
Invented by Swedes, now American-owned and American-made. We tell the full story in Are Swedish Fish actually Swedish? For the candy Swedes really eat, browse our Swedish pick-and-mix.
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Gustav Lindqvist · Candy Master
Gustav grew up in Sweden on a strict Saturday-candy schedule, mixing his lördagsgodis bag at the lösgodis wall before he could spell salmiak. He has spent years tasting his way across Scandinavian candy, and now curates the range at TheSweetsTruck, from BUBS sour skulls to the saltiest licorice most people cannot finish.
Last updated 6/10/2026