What makes Russian candy different?

Russian candy is regional. There are national favorites that the entire country enjoys, such as Belochka, Alenka, and Mishka. But then there are varieties that are more popular only in certain regions or ethnic republics.

Russian candy is more uniform in packaging. Most packaging consist of either 1) rectangular prism that is wrapped in wax paper or 2) spherical or orb-shaped wrapped in paper-backed foil, twisted at the top.

Russian candy is eaten with tea. Candy typically accompanies tea. There are unofficial "tea-times" at workplaces multiple times a day, usually at a break. For that reason, adults are just as likely to consume candy as children. I feel that in the US, candy is a dessert, and adults do not eat as much, they might just have one favorite candy bar.

Russian candy is a form of nostalgia. I'm not saying that in the US, it isn't a form of nostalgia as well. But many older Russians are nostalgic for the Soviet Union, and the three candies listed above: Belochka, Alenka, and Mishka have retained their original packaging and flavor from the USSR days. Russia is a country that has undergone many major changes in government, and certainly way of life for the average person. So candy is a special symbol that can bring a lot of people back.

It's rare to find Russians without a sweet tooth! In my year of living in Russia, young and old alike had sweets in their purses or in their offices. I feel like in the US, it's a little more rare to find grown adults with candy in their purses, if not mints or gum. As an outsider, I was invited to countless tea-times accompanied by candy. Sweet old ladies and repairmen alike were always finding ways to give me candy. It was certainly a place where I felt like I consumed way above my usual quota of sweets. I had a hard time keeping up!

Photos of a typical candy shop in Samara, Russia