You've heard of pairing cheese with fruit, wine, maybe even jam. But we're flipping the charcuterie board on its head—with candy.
Yep, candy and cheese.
Stay with us.
This surprisingly delicious combo brings together salty, creamy, sweet, sour, and everything in between. So whether you're planning a party, looking to impress your foodie friends, or just want to treat yourself to a next-level snack plate, these pairings are here to surprise and delight.
Here are 6 of our favourite unexpected but totally snackable candy + cheese duos:
1. Brie + Strawberry
The classic: Brie is often paired with strawberry preserves or fresh berries.
The candy dupe: Strawberry Belts
Why it works: Brie's buttery, bloomy richness loves a hit of sweet, juicy brightness. The mild tang of strawberry candy cuts through the creaminess and leaves you with a balanced bite that feels fancy without trying too hard.
2. Aged Cheddar + Pineapple
The classic: Cheddar and pineapple are a sleeper hit—sweet, sharp, and tropical.
The candy dupe: Sour Pineapple Rings
Why it works: That crumbly, sharp cheddar gets a lift from pineapple's zingy brightness. It's giving backyard BBQ, grown-up lunchbox, and "I snack with intention" all in one. A little sweet, a little salty, a little perfect.
3. Goat Cheese + Sour Cherry
The classic: Tangy goat cheese with tart cherries or cranberry sauce.
The candy dupe: Sour Cherry Slices
Why it works: Goat cheese has that signature tang and smooth texture, so it begs for something punchy. Sour cherry candy brings the sharp edge that makes this combo taste like a luxury picnic moment—no jam jar required.
4. Blue Cheese + Apple
The classic: Bold blue cheeses are traditionally matched with honeyed apples or crisp apple slices.
The candy dupe: Green Apple Bites
Why it works: This one's for the adventurous eaters. The funk of the blue is mellowed by the bright, sweet-tart apple candy, creating a wild but balanced contrast. It's intense, weirdly addictive, and ideal for your "host with the most" snack plate.
5. Gouda + Peach
The classic: Aged Gouda pairs well with stone fruits like peaches or plums—Creamy Gouda Pairs well with grapes and apples.
The candy dupe: Peach Hearts
Why it works: Smooth and creamy, Gouda pairs perfectly with juicy, mellow peach candy. Together they're buttery, sweet, and just a little bit floral—a total "who knew this would work?!" moment that tastes like summer in a single bite.
6. Cream Cheese + Grapefruit
The classic: Think Grapefruit cheesecake.
The candy dupe: Pink Grapefruit Gummi Bears
Why it works: The tangy zip of grapefruit candy hits just right with soft, slightly sweet cream cheese. It's refreshing, indulgent, and tastes like the dessert course of your dreams—without the baking.
Want to Try It?
Grab a few cheeses, line up your candy stash, and start pairing. Bonus points if you make a full-on sweet-and-savoury tasting board for your next hangout or office snack moment.
These combos are low-effort, high-reward, and guaranteed to make people go, "Wait… this slaps?"
