Sugared almonds are one of the few sweets on our shelves with a history that stretches back over two thousand years, and a tradition — the wedding favour — that's still very much alive today. If you've come across them as a wedding gift and wondered what the story actually is, here it is, along with what we stock.
An ancient sweet with a Roman start
The idea of coating almonds in something sweet is genuinely old — honey-coated almonds were handed out at Roman celebrations as far back as 177 BC. Sugar didn't reach European kitchens in any real quantity until the start of the Renaissance, at which point sugar began replacing honey as the coating of choice. The sugared almond as it's recognised today really took shape in the 1400s, and the craft became centred on the town of Sulmona, in Italy's Abruzzo region, where they're known as confetti. The Pelino family has been making them there since 1783, and Sulmona is still considered the historic home of the sugared almond trade.
Why they're a wedding sweet specifically
The wedding tradition comes from Italian and Greek culture, and the symbolism is built into the sweet itself: a bitter almond sits underneath a sweet sugar shell, representing the mix of bitter and sweet moments a marriage will bring. They're traditionally given in odd numbers — because odd numbers can't be evenly divided, symbolising that the couple's bond can't be split — with five being the most common count, standing for five wishes: health, wealth, happiness, fertility and a long life. The English-language name "Jordan almond" is sometimes used for the same sweet, though its origin is disputed — it may come from the French word jardin (garden), or from a variety of almond associated with the River Jordan. Either name generally refers to the same product.
What we stock
Our Kingsway Sugared Almonds 3kg is a bulk bag rather than a small retail pack — a practical size if you're buying for a wedding, putting together your own favours, or stocking a pick 'n' mix counter rather than looking for a single small gift bag.
Frequently asked questions
Why are sugared almonds given at weddings?
The bitter almond under a sweet shell symbolises the mix of bitter and sweet in marriage, and they're traditionally given in odd numbers — usually five — for five wishes: health, wealth, happiness, fertility and a long life.
Where did sugared almonds originate?
Honey-coated almonds date to ancient Rome around 177 BC; the sugar-coated version developed later and became centred on Sulmona, Italy, from the 1400s onward.
Why are sugared almonds also called Jordan almonds?
The name's origin is disputed — possibly from the French 'jardin' (garden), or from an almond variety linked to the River Jordan. Both names describe the same sweet.
Is your Kingsway Sugared Almonds product in stock?
Yes, as a 3kg bulk bag.