Czechia and Slovakia were one country until 1993, and their confectionery traditions are deeply intertwined. Many snacks are shared across both nations, yet each country has developed its own iconic treats and flavour preferences. If you've ever wondered what the difference is between Czech and Slovak candy — or why some Slovaks insist that Horalky are better than Tatranky — this guide breaks it all down.
Shared Heritage: The Czechoslovak Classics
Some sweets belong equally to both nations. Brands like Orion, Opavia and JOJO were produced in Czechoslovakia and distributed everywhere from Prague to Bratislava. After the 1993 split, many of these brands continued to be sold in both countries, creating a shared snack culture that persists to this day. Treats like Kofila, Studentská pečeť, Lentilky, Margot and Ledové kaštany are loved on both sides of the border. You'll find all of them in CzechBox Czechoslovakia — our 30-piece box that celebrates this shared heritage.
Distinctly Czech
Kolonáda wafers are uniquely Czech — inspired by the spa towns of Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně in Western Bohemia. These thin, round wafers with hazelnut or chocolate filling are a Czech institution with no real Slovak equivalent.
Pardubický perník (Pardubice gingerbread) has been baked in the East Bohemian city of Pardubice since the 16th century. It's a protected Czech delicacy — soft, spiced and often filled with fruit jam.
Kofola, while popular in both countries, was invented in Czechia and remains more deeply embedded in Czech culture. It's produced by the Czech-based Kofola company and is a staple of Czech pubs and restaurants.
BeBe Dobré Ráno breakfast biscuits and Bohemia Chips are everyday Czech staples that are less common in Slovakia.
Distinctly Slovak
Horalky are Slovakia's answer to Czech Tatranky. While Tatranky use hazelnut cream, Horalky feature peanut cream — and many Slovaks (and quite a few Czechs) consider them the superior wafer bar. The debate between Tatranky and Horalky is one of Central Europe's most passionate snack arguments.
Vinea is Slovakia's beloved grape and elderberry soft drink, produced since 1974. It has no Czech counterpart and is deeply tied to Slovak identity — much like Kofola is to Czechia.
Figaro chocolate is Slovakia's flagship chocolate brand, producing pralines and bars that are distinctly Slovak in flavour and packaging. And Sedita (the company behind Horalky) produces several other wafer and biscuit products that are Slovak specialties.
The Great Debates
Kofola vs Vinea: The ultimate Czech-Slovak drinks debate. Kofola is herbal, dark and cola-like; Vinea is fruity, light and grape-based. Most Czechs choose Kofola, most Slovaks have a soft spot for Vinea — but both are loved across the border.
Tatranky vs Horalky: Hazelnut vs peanut cream wafer bars. Tatranky are more traditional and slightly milder; Horalky are richer and more intensely flavoured. Try both and decide for yourself.
Studentská pečeť vs Figaro: Czech and Slovak chocolate traditions differ subtly in sweetness, filling combinations and cocoa intensity. Czech chocolate tends to be slightly more experimental (jelly pieces in chocolate bars), while Slovak chocolate leans toward classic praline fillings.
Try Both Sides
Want to experience the best of both countries? CzechBox Czechoslovakia (30 items, €39,90) combines treats from both nations — including Kofola, Horalky, Tatranky and more. For a purely Slovak experience, CzechBox Slovakia (15 items, €29,90) features Horalky, Figaro, Vinea and other Slovak favourites. And for a deep dive into Czech classics, CzechBox Classic (20 items, €29,90) is the perfect starting point.
Explore all our boxes in the full CzechBox collection and discover the sweet side of Central Europe — delivered to your doorstep, anywhere in the world.