Saturday Candy Co. opens in Stony Brook
Julia Brandt, a Swedish native, capitalized on the viral trend of Swedish candy on social media and opened Saturday Candy Co. in Stony Brook. Credit: Nicole Destefano
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram at least once over the past year, chances are you’ve come across (and most likely, craved) Swedish candy. That’s why Saturday Candy Co.’s owner, Julia Brandt, jumped on the trend over a year ago, in the summer of 2024 — starting her company’s journey on social media.
She opened her shop in Stony Brook in October. Brandt, however, is the real deal when it comes to the candy craze.
Owner Julia Brandt opened Saturday Candy Co. in Stony Brook in October. Credit: Nicole Destefano
From gluten-free and vegan gummy candies, both sweet and sour, to Swedish chocolate — the store caters to all candy enthusiasts.
As a native of Sweden, she grew up in Gothenburg on the country’s west coast, indulging her sweet tooth with the now-viral confection. After moving to the United States eight years ago, Brandt found herself missing her favorite childhood treats and often resorted to ordering them online, having to wait days to satisfy her craving.
However, when Swedish candy brands like Bubs started gaining attention online, making their way into the mainstream, Brandt joined in the phenomenon. Finding enjoyment in creating curated content, editing reels and sharing her love for sweets — Brandt used social media as a tool in gaining exposure for her brand, and began selling assortments of Swedish candy.
Brandt learned the ropes of owning her own business through the help of her husband, Bo Brandt, a seasoned business owner.
The shop offers an array of treats, such as gluten-free and vegan gummy candies in both sweet and sour flavors, along with delectable Swedish chocolate. Credit: Nicole Destefano
Before she knew it, she was hosting parties and pop-ups in stores and cafes, such as LoveShackFancy and One Trick Pony in the Hamptons. As a mother of an 18-month old, Brandt found "tremendous support from moms on Long Island," and with increased opportunity, Brandt’s business, which started with her phone in a small home office, quickly grew into something demanding a storefront.
"I found families and especially moms super supportive, our mini party favors became very popular, and that made it so at parties across Long Island, many kids and families got to try our candy, which really helped grow the business around here," Brandt says.
Prices start at $17 per pound of candy.
Saturday Candy Co., 73 Main St., Stony Brook, 631-525-3492, saturdaycandyco.org
