Sugar coated almonds go by a few different names. For example, you might know them as Jordan almonds, confetti, or simply sugared almonds. Traditionally, they are roasted almonds wrapped in a sugar shell. Families have given them at celebrations for hundreds of years.
Today, Sugared Almond Boutique offers a beautiful range of premium sugared almonds in a variety of flavours, colours, and metallic finishes. As a result, there’s something to suit weddings, christenings, baptisms, first holy communions, confirmations, baby showers, and other special occasions.
What are sugar coated almonds?
A sugar coated almond is a whole roasted almond wrapped in a hard sugar shell. Confectioners have made them this way for centuries. In fact, early makers coated nuts and seeds in sugar long before chocolate became widely used. Over time, they became a traditional celebration sweet. Hosts still share them at weddings and special occasions, as both a treat and a symbol of good wishes.
Today, people also call them Jordan almonds, sugared almonds or confetti. The idea remains the same: a classic almond coated in sugar, enjoyed across generations.
Why are they called Jordan almonds?
Most explanations trace “Jordan almond” back to the French word jardin, meaning garden. Historically, it refers to the fine garden-grown almonds once used in early confectionery. The name, however, has nothing to do with the country Jordan.
As the sweet travelled through Europe and into English-speaking countries, the name evolved and eventually became “Jordan almond”.
In Italy, the same sweet is known as a confetto, and in Greece as a koufeta. They go by different names depending on the language and culture. Still, they are all the same sweet: an almond coated in a sugary shell, shared at celebrations for generations.
The tradition behind them
Jordan almonds carry a long-standing meaning, symbolising good luck, prosperity, and the bittersweet nature of life. The almond represents bitterness, and the sugar coating carries the hope that life will be more sweet than bitter. It is why you so often see them wrapped in little bundles as bomboniere.
Watch how we wrap sugared almonds into bomboniere on Instagram.
At weddings, christenings and other celebrations, hosts give sugar coated almonds to guests to thank them for being part of the day. Traditionally, five almonds are given, an odd number that cannot be divided evenly. The five stand for health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life. However, for children’s occasions, families usually swap fertility for faith.
How ours are different
The sugar coated almonds many of us grew up with were hard and plain. They were the kind you were almost afraid to bite into. Ours are still made the traditional way, with a premium almond at the centre. The difference is in everything that surrounds it.
Traditional Sugared Almonds
Our traditional sugared almonds stay true to the original Italian sugared almond. A premium roasted almond sits at the centre, under a thin, crisp sugar coating. It is easier to bite into than the sugar coated almonds many of us grew up with. It’s the classic confection, simply made better.
Flavoured Sugared Almonds
Our flavoured sugared almonds are where tradition meets a modern twist. A premium almond sits at the centre. A soft, flavoured chocolate layer surrounds it, and our thin, crisp sugar coating finishes it off. It transforms the traditional sugared almond into a whole new flavour experience.
Coloured Sugared Almonds
Our coloured sugared almonds take that same premium almond and flavoured chocolate centre. We then finish them with a thin, crisp sugar coating in a beautiful range of colours. It’s an easy way to match your celebration theme while enjoying a modern take on the traditional Italian sugared almond.
Metallic Sugared Almonds
Our metallic sugared almonds combine the same premium centre and thin sugar coating with shimmering metallic finishes. Some stay true to the classic roasted almond, while others include a delicious chocolate centre, creating a striking twist on a timeless Italian tradition.
Where you would use them
Sugar coated almonds suit any celebration: weddings, christenings, baptisms, first holy communions, confirmations, anniversaries and birthdays.
Most people use them as favours. However, they also suit dessert tables, or bowls and plates for guests to enjoy during the celebration. They remain a small but meaningful part of many celebrations.
See our sugared almonds in a real celebration on Instagram.
Try them first
Not sure where to start? Our Sample Box is the easiest way to discover 15 of our most popular flavours before choosing your favourites. Then explore our full collection to find complementary colours suited to your event theme, and other flavours to complete your bomboniere for your celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are Jordan almonds?
A. Jordan almonds are roasted almonds covered in a hard sugar shell. They are a traditional confection known in Italy as “confetti” and are also commonly referred to as sugar coated almonds.
For generations, families have given them at weddings, christenings and other celebrations as a symbol of good luck and good wishes. Simple in form but meaningful in tradition, they remain a classic sweet found at special occasions around the world.
Q. Why are they called Jordan almonds?
A. The name most likely comes from the French word “jardin”, meaning garden, referring to the fine almonds originally used to make them. Over time, the name evolved through language and trade into “Jordan almonds”.
Despite the name, they have no connection to the country Jordan. They are simply a traditional confection: almonds in a hard sugar shell. Today we call them sugared almonds, sugar coated almonds or confetti.
Traditionally given at weddings, communions and other special celebrations, Jordan almonds remain a timeless symbol of good wishes and special moments shared.
Q. Are sugar coated almonds and sugared almonds the same thing?
A. Yes. Sugar coated almonds, sugared almonds, Jordan almonds and confetti all refer to the same traditional sweet. The names vary depending on country and language, but they all describe a whole almond coated in a hard sugar shell.
Italy calls them “confetti”, Greece “koufeta”, and Arabic-speaking regions “luz bi sukkar” or sugar almonds. Elsewhere, people say Jordan almonds or simply sugared almonds.
Today, people use all of these names for the same classic celebration sweet, shared at weddings and special occasions for generations.
Q. What is the centre made of?
A. Every Sugared Almond Boutique product starts with a premium centre, most commonly a whole roasted almond. First, we select each one for its quality and flavour. This, in turn, forms the heart of our traditional Italian sugared almonds and the majority of our collections. Alongside these, we also offer a select range with a premium hazelnut centre. For those who prefer a nut-free option, a smaller collection features a premium chocolate centre. From there, what fills them depends on the collection you choose.
Traditional Italian Sugared Almonds
Our Traditional Collection is the classic Italian confection enjoyed at weddings, baptisms, christenings and special celebrations for centuries. Each sugared almond features a premium whole roasted almond coated in a thin, crisp layer of sugar.
Looking for classic Jordan almonds for bomboniere? This collection offers the timeless taste and finish of Italian sugared almonds, a cherished celebration favour around the world.
Flavoured Sugared Almonds
Our flavoured sugared almonds start with a premium roasted almond at the centre, wrapped in a soft flavoured chocolate layer and finished with a thin, crisp sugar shell. It’s a modern twist on the traditional Italian sugared almond. We take a centuries-old classic and reimagine it with a soft chocolate centre, in a range of delicious flavours. They take the traditional favourite up a level: more exciting, more flavourful, and perfect when you want a modern twist.
Coloured Sugared Almonds
Our coloured sugared almonds feature a premium roasted almond centre, a flavoured chocolate centre in a variety of flavours. They are finished with a thin, crisp sugar coating in a beautiful range of soft and vibrant colours.
A richer take on the traditional Jordan almond, perfect for weddings and special celebrations where flavour and tradition go hand in hand.
Metallic Sugared Almonds
Our Metallic Collection brings together bold metallic finishes with a traditional Jordan almond base. Most of our metallic varieties feature a premium roasted almond with a thin, crisp sugar coating, while others include a premium chocolate centre. The result is a beautiful confection that’s perfect for luxury weddings, milestone celebrations and premium bomboniere.
Hazelnut Collection
Our Hazelnut Collection features a premium roasted hazelnut centre coated in premium chocolate and finished with a thin, crisp sugar shell. Available in a range of colours. These chocolate-coated balls are a delicious alternative to traditional sugared almonds. Ideal for bomboniere, candy buffets and special celebrations.
Q. Are they gluten free?
A. Yes, our sugared almonds are gluten free. You will find full ingredient details on each product page.