The UK’s Most-Loved Candy Is Finally Coming to the US for the First Time Ever

We know that some people like to rag on the U.K. for its cuisine, but I refuse to participate in the jabs. Because, no matter how I may feel about black pudding or mincemeat pie, I can’t deny that fish and chips are delicious and a slice of Victoria sponge will always hit the spot. Plus, without the U.K., we wouldn’t have Walker’s Shortbread, Heinz Baked Beans, and, of course, all that glorious candy. 

Even though the U.S. and U.K. share a lot of similar candy brands, the actual products can be quite different—much like Heinz’s offerings across the pond. Kit Kat sells peanut butter-filled bars, Kinder has the real surprise-filled chocolate eggs, and Cadbury chocolate just tastes better when you buy it internationally. Of course, the U.K. has some unique products, too, like Emily Blunt’s favorite Maltesers and a line of gummy candy so beloved that we Americans have been asking for it for years: Percy Pigs.

What Are Percy Pigs?

Percy Pig is a cartoon pig made famous long before Peppa at Marks & Spencer department store in the ‘90s. The retailer sells an entire line of Percy Pig merchandise, from bedding to cosmetics and, of course, candy. The original gummy is a pink pig-shaped candy, but the line now includes other animal shapes, sour Phizzy Pigtails, and more.

Today, Marks & Spencer (M&S) sells more than 20 million bags of Percy Pigs sweets a year, equating to about 38 bags every minute. 

For years, Americans have been discovering Percy Pigs and stocking their suitcases after a trip to the U.K. because the M&S exclusive is nearly impossible to find stateside. Occasionally, you might be able to find them at a U.K. specialty store or World Market, but Percy Pigs have never truly been available in the U.S.—until now. 

Percy Pigs Gummy Candy Is Coming to Target

The British favorite is officially making its U.S. debut this month. Percy Pigs gummy candy will launch exclusively at Target stores nationwide on March 30. 

“The original Percy Pig sweet is truly an iconic product that has stood the test of time with more than 30 years of history. The fact that he remains just as popular today as M&S’s bestselling sweet line is a testament to everything that makes the sweet so special. We’re beyond excited to introduce Percy to the U.S. for the very first time," said Kathryn Turner, the head of product development at M&S.

For now, we’ll only have the original berry-and-grape-flavored candy, which has the perfect mixture of “foam and jelly” consistency. However, with the demand for Percy Pigs in the U.S. as high as it is, I’d hope that more flavors will eventually hit Target stores. 

Percy Pigs Gummy Candy will be sold in 6-ounce packages for $3.99 in Target stores and online. I know after waiting years to get Percy Pigs in the U.S., a few more days doesn't seem too hard, but no judgment if you start checking your local Target daily to see if that bright pink pig candy gets stocked early.