What is Pick n Mix? A Sweet Aussie Trip Down Memory Lane

Pick ‘n Mix is exactly what it sounds like. You pick the lollies you love, scoop the amount you want, and mix them with other favourites. Whether it’s for a birthday jar, a party bag, or your own snack stash, lolly mix puts you in charge.

While it’s been around for decades, Pick n Mix is making a strong comeback. You’ll now see it everywhere from online lolly shops to weddings, office desks, party tables, and personalised gift boxes. If you’ve ever wondered “What is Pick n Mix?” and why it’s so popular, this guide will walk you through it. We've also included practical tips on how to create the perfect mix.

History of Pick n Mix

The idea of Pick and Mix dates back to the early 1900s, when Woolworths introduced self-service lolly counters in its UK stores. It was one of the first retail models to offer such personalisation, and it changed the way people bought sweets forever.

Woolworths’ Pick and Mix became a cultural staple in the UK, and during the '80s and '90s, the trend made its way to Australia. Here, it quickly became a feature of corner stores, school canteens, and local cinemas. For many Aussies, it’s a nostalgic memory.

While the tradition lives on, Pick and Mix has evolved to fit the modern world. You can now build your mix online with just a few clicks — and you’re not limited to the old classics. Today’s lolly selections go far beyond snakes and red frogs. You’ll find vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options, plus themed mixes for birthdays, weddings, and corporate events.

Why Pick and Mix is Back in a Big Way

These treats aren’t just for kids anymore. It’s grown into a flexible and fun option for all kinds of people and settings:

Parties & Celebrations

From kids’ birthdays to baby showers and milestone events, it adds colour, excitement, and instant charm to any setup. It’s easy to match your theme and even easier to please a crowd.

Top choices: Red Frogs, Party Mix, Sour Straps, Strawberries & Cream, Spearmint Leaves

Corporate Events & Gifts

It works brilliantly as a branded gift, desk drop, or thank-you gesture. It’s a small touch that leaves a lasting impression — professional, fun, and universally liked.

Top choices: Jersey Caramels, Choc-Dipped Raspberries, Choc Coated Snakes, Gourmet Jelly Beans

Online Ordering Convenience

Ordering your lolly mix online takes minutes. With over 100 lollies to choose from and delivery straight to your door, it’s the simplest way to customise sweet treats for yourself or someone else.

Top choices: Killer Pythons, Pineapples, Bubblegum Bottles, Sour Cola Bottles, Rainbow Sour Straps

Thoughtful, Personal Gifts

Custom Pick ‘n Mix jars make gifting feel personal without the stress. With Sugar Baby Lolly Jars, you can tailor your lolly selection to someone’s favourite flavours, colours or dietary needs, and add a name or message to finish it off.

Top choices: Red Frogs, Snakes, Rainbow Straws, Sour Lizards, Watermelon Sharks, Jubes

We make it easy for you, from building your mix to packaging, labelling and fast delivery across Australia. Whether you’re planning a party, organising corporate gifts, or just treating yourself, lolly mix offers that sweet mix of fun and thoughtfulness in every jar.

Popular Pick and Mix Lolly Combos

Not sure where to start? Here are some tried-and-true Aussie favourites, sorted by type:

Sour Lollies

• Watermelon Sharks
• Sour Cola Bottles
• Super Sour Bears
• Sour Peach Hearts
• Sour Ears
• Sour Lizards
• Sour Blue Slices
• Kabluey Sour Straps
• Mini Sour Straps
• Britecrawlers
• Cola Sour Straps

If you love sour lollies, you can check out our mouthwatering Super Sour Mix here.

Bubblegum Flavours

• Bubblegum Bon Bons
• Bubblegum Bottles
• Jumbo Bubblegum Bottles
• Bubblegum Mermaids
• Fizzy Bubblegum Dummies

Minty Picks

• Spearmint Leaves

Sweet & Fruity

• Red Frogs
• Killer Pythons
• Pineapples
• Raspberries
• Jelly Beans
• Strawberries & Cream

Why Pick n Mix Over a Standard Lolly Bag?

There’s a reason why Pick and Mix are crowd favourites. Here are some of them:

1. You Choose What Goes In

You set the budget and the portion. Just want a small treat? No problem. Stocking up for a party? Easy. Your assorted lollies are always flexible and budget-friendly.

2. Buy as Much or as Little as You Like

Custom lolly jar lets you choose how much you want, whether it’s a small snack or a full jar.

3. The Experience Feels Personal

Picking your lollies is simply fun. The hands-on experience is why kids and adults love it.

4. More Variety in One Bag

Pick and Mix lets you try all kinds of lollies in one bag, from sour, sweet, chewy, crunchy, to chocolate. No need to choose just one.

5. Great for Gifting

While making a Pick n Mix jar is effortless, this gift can be personal and extremely thoughtful. You can match someone’s favourite flavours or dietary needs, making it better than a standard lolly box.

It is simple, budget-friendly, and sure to make anyone smile, whether it’s for you or as a gift for someone else.

Tips for Building the Best Pick n Mix

Here are some of the best tips to make a smashing custom lolly jar.

Combine Textures

Add chewy, soft, fizzy, and crunchy pieces so each scoop feels different.

Balance Flavours

Don’t let sour or chocolate take over. Include a variety so there’s something for every mood.

Think About Your Guests

What works for kids may not suit adults. Tailor your mix to the people who’ll be eating it.

Use a Theme

Pick a colour palette or style to match your event — pink for baby showers, pastels for Easter, red and green for Christmas.

Include Allergy-Friendly Options

It’s thoughtful and inclusive. Go for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan treats where possible.

Offer Ready-Made Combos

If you’re building lolly jars for gifts, events, or even selling them online, having ready-made themed combos can save time and add a playful touch. Popular ideas include:

• Super Sour Mix – For fans of fizzy, tangy treats.
• Gummy Mega Mix – Your favourite gummy lollies all mixed together perfectly!
• All Stars – Full of nostalgic classics like red frogs, snakes and bananas.
• Clouds Mix – Dive into a rainbow of clouds - You get the point.

Don’t Skip Presentation

Lastly, package your treats in attractive wrappers. Use jars, boxes or clear bags. Add a label or ribbon. It turns a simple treat into a memorable gift or display.

Order Your Custom Jar from Sugar Baby Lolly Jars

Sugar Baby Lolly Jars offers everything you need to build a perfect Pick n Mix. No one knows how to better answer “what is Pick ‘n Mix?” than the sweet experts. We know the best combos for your lolly jars.

Choose from over 100 lolly options, including halal, vegan and gluten-free varieties. You set the flavours, the portion, and the message, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Perfect for parties, gifting, staff rewards or just because — we deliver anywhere in Australia.

Ready to build your custom lolly jar? Start picking your favourites at Sugar Baby Lolly Jars today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pick n Mix?

Pick ‘n Mix is a way to create your own lolly selection. You choose the types and amounts you want, so every mix is personalised to your taste.

How does Pick ‘n Mix work?

Simply pick your favourites from a wide range of lollies, choose how much of each you'd like, and we’ll pack it up fresh. You get all the sweets you love — nothing you don’t.

What kind of lollies can I choose from?

You’ll find sour lollies, fruity chews, freeze-dried candies, bubblegum flavours and more. We also offer vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options.

Are your lollies suitable for people with allergies?

If you or the person you're buying for has allergies, we recommend caution. All our lolly jars are packed in the same facility, which handles products containing gluten (wheat), milk, peanuts and soy. We can’t guarantee any mix is free from cross-contamination.

Do you have halal options?

Some of our lollies are halal certified, and many do not contain pork-based ingredients, but due to the way mixes are packed, we can’t guarantee they haven't come into contact with non-halal products. If you need clarification, you’re welcome to contact us before placing your order.

Can I get nutritional information?

Yes. For specific ingredients or nutritional details, send us a quick message, and we’ll be happy to help.

Is Pick n Mix good for events and gifts?

Definitely. It’s a fun and easy option for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, thank-you gifts and corporate events. You can even personalise jars or lolly bags to match your theme.

How long do the lollies stay fresh?

For best quality, we recommend enjoying your lollies within six months of delivery.