Swizzels Refresher Chew Bars are one of those classic British sweets that everyone recognises. Known for their chewy texture, zesty flavour and that unmistakable fizzy centre, they’ve been a favourite for generations.
Whether you love the sharp lemon kick or prefer the fruity varieties, Refresher Chew Bars deliver a perfect mix of chewiness and sherbet fizz.
They’re ideal for lunchboxes, pick and mix bags, party treats or simply enjoying on the go. Made by Swizzels, a brand with decades of sweet making heritage, these bars continue to be one of the most popular retro sweets in the UK.
Refreshers sweets are one of the best known retro treats in Britain, but many people don’t realise there are actually two completely different types. Both share the same name and both have a loyal following, yet they come from two separate brands and offer completely different flavours, textures and eating experiences. On one side you have the famous Swizzels Refresher Chew Bars with their soft, stretchy chew and fizzy sherbet centre. On the other you have the classic Barratt Refreshers, a hard, fizzy, tablet style sweet that has been around for generations. Together they form the world of Refreshers sweets, giving fans two ways to enjoy that zingy, sherbet infused flavour.
Swizzels is one of the most iconic names in British confectionery. Founded in the 1920s, the company is responsible for classics like Drumsticks, Love Hearts, Rainbow Drops and Double Lollies. The Refresher Chew Bar was introduced as part of their growing line of chewy sweets, becoming an instant hit thanks to its unique texture and fizzy centre.
The original flavour was lemon, combining a tangy outer chew with a sherbet filling that gives a satisfying pop of fizz as you bite into it. Over time the range expanded into fruity options such as strawberry and apple. Swizzels designed the chew bar to offer something different from traditional boiled sweets. It was softer, more playful and perfect for children’s lunchboxes and party bags. The classic yellow and pink wrapper quickly became a familiar sight in corner shops throughout the UK.
The other type of Refreshers sweets comes from Barratt, another huge name in British confectionery. Barratt is the brand behind Sherbet Fountains, Dip Dabs, Fruit Salads, Black Jacks and Anglo Bubbly. Their version of Refreshers dates back many decades and is completely different from Swizzels’ chewy bar.
Barratt Refreshers are hard, fizzy, pastel coloured discs with a chalky texture similar to Love Hearts or Fizzers. They dissolve on the tongue and release a gentle sherbet fizz. These were extremely popular in the mid twentieth century and continue to be a nostalgic favourite today. They often appear in retro sweet hampers and pick and mix selections thanks to their bright colours and soft, fizzy bite.
The biggest difference is texture. Swizzels Refresher Chew Bars are soft, stretchy and chewy with a fizzy centre. Barratt Refreshers are hard, brittle and chalky with sherbet fizz built into the sweet itself.
Swizzels Refreshers usually focus on bold, zesty flavours such as lemon, strawberry and apple. Barratt Refreshers offer softer, fruitier notes in multiple pastel colours, creating a milder fizz experience.
A Swizzels Chew Bar gives you a chewy pull and a pop of sherbet when you reach the middle. A Barratt Refresher gives a fizzy melt on the tongue, similar to classic tablet style sweets.
Swizzels is strongly associated with fizzy, chewy and playful sweets. Barratt is known for old fashioned, nostalgic treats that remind people of the golden age of sweet shops. Both have huge heritage, but Refreshers sit in very different parts of their ranges.
Swizzels bars come individually wrapped, perfect for on the go snacking. Barratt Refreshers are usually sold in rolls or loose in pick and mix, making them ideal for sharing.
Refreshers sweets have stayed popular because they capture what people love about classic British confectionery: fizz, flavour and fun. The Swizzels chew bars deliver a satisfying chew and a burst of sherbet that feels exciting and nostalgic at the same time. Children love the bright wrappers and bold flavours, while adults appreciate the retro charm.
Barratt Refreshers appeal for completely different reasons. They’re gentle, fizzy and melt in the mouth, making them ideal for people who enjoy lighter, softer flavours. They also tap deeply into nostalgia, reminding many adults of school days, penny sweets and traditional sweet shops. The name itself brings a sense of familiarity that keeps customers coming back.
Most Barratt Refreshers are vegetarian because they are made using sherbet and compressed sugars rather than gelatine. Many varieties of Swizzels Refresher Chew Bars are also vegetarian, as Swizzels has been gradually removing gelatine from many of its recipes. However, exact ingredients can vary, so it’s always worth checking the label if you follow a strict vegetarian diet.
Lemon, strawberry, apple, limited edition flavours and mini chew versions. These are ideal for party bags, pick and mix and kids’ treats.
Hard fizzy discs in pastel colours, available in rolls, gift boxes and sweet shop jars. Perfect for retro hampers and nostalgic gifts.
Both brands often appear in mixed retro selections, making them easy to include in gift hampers or themed sweet bundles.
Refreshers sweets succeed because they offer variety. You can enjoy a chewy, fizzy bar or a hard, sherbet infused disc depending on your preference. The two versions don’t compete — instead they complement each other, giving the Refreshers name a wider reach and broader appeal.
They also represent the best of British sweet making. Swizzels and Barratt both have deep roots in the UK, strong brand identity and decades of experience creating sweets that people love. The combination of heritage, flavour and texture keeps Refreshers sweets firmly in the spotlight.
Whether you love the stretchy chew of Swizzels Refresher Bars or the fizzy melt of Barratt Refreshers, both versions of Refreshers sweets have earned their place as timeless favourites. Their history, distinct textures and bold flavours make them a staple in any retro sweet collection. At One Pound Sweets you can stock up on both types, making it easy to experience the full Refreshers world whenever the craving hits.
Sign Up
For Our Newsletter