With their unmistakable crunch, golden toffee core and smooth chocolate shell, Daim bars have long held a special place in the hearts of sweet lovers. Whether you first discovered them in a pick-and-mix, tucked into a bar of chocolate or crumbled into ice cream, you are probably familiar with their distinct snap and buttery melt. But behind every bite of a Daim bar is a long and fascinating story of international chocolate-making. So who makes Daim bars? Where do they come from and how did this humble Scandinavian sweet become a beloved treat across the UK?
The Origins of Daim
Daim bars were born in Sweden in the 1950s, originally created by the much-loved Swedish chocolate company Marabou. The original spelling was Dajm, and it was inspired by the American Heath bar, which featured a similar combination of toffee and milk chocolate. Marabou wanted to introduce a product that would offer a unique eating experience—something crunchy, sweet and satisfying, with a European touch. The result was a slim, crunchy caramel and almond toffee bar enrobed in smooth milk chocolate. It quickly became a local favourite, and over time, the sweet success of Daim began to spread beyond Swedish borders.
Who Makes Daim Bars Today
Today, Daim bars are manufactured by Mondelēz International, a global snacking giant that owns many household confectionery brands including Cadbury, Toblerone, Milka and Oreo. Mondelēz acquired Marabou and its range of products in the early 1990s, helping to distribute Daim more widely across Europe and other international markets. Under Mondelēz ownership, Daim was rebranded for global appeal, changing from Dajm to Daim in the early 2000s. Despite this shift, the recipe and taste remained virtually untouched, maintaining that irresistible crunch and signature buttery toffee centre that fans love.
Is Daim Still Made in Sweden
Yes, Daim is still primarily manufactured in Sweden and Norway, keeping close ties to its Scandinavian heritage. Production has continued in the Nordic region, even as distribution expanded globally. The consistency of quality, the distinctive texture and the traditional recipe have remained cornerstones of the Daim experience. It is one of those rare sweets that has travelled far without losing its original charm or character.
Cadbury and Daim—A Sweet Collaboration
Many UK chocolate fans first encountered Daim in Cadbury collaborations. Cadbury, also owned by Mondelēz, released a Dairy Milk bar embedded with crunchy Daim pieces, bringing the Nordic treat to a broader UK audience. These collaborative bars helped introduce Daim to those who may not have picked up the original standalone bar. It gave the toffee crunch a new home, nestled inside Britain’s most iconic milk chocolate. This clever pairing brought together two beloved brands and allowed Daim to grow in popularity on UK soil.
Daim in Ice Cream and Beyond
Under Mondelēz’s umbrella, Daim has also found its way into ice cream tubs, cones and cakes. These Daim-inspired desserts often include crushed pieces of the original bar, offering that unmistakable crunch alongside smooth and creamy textures. It is a shining example of how one simple recipe can evolve across formats while still staying true to its roots. All these products, whether chocolate bar or frozen delight, are still produced under the Mondelēz name, ensuring consistency in taste and quality.
Why the Brand Has Stood the Test of Time
Daim’s enduring popularity is a credit to its unique composition and its ability to stand out from the crowd. While many chocolate bars are soft or chewy, Daim is unapologetically crunchy and bold. The thin layer of almond toffee is firm without being tooth-breaking, and the balance of sweetness from the chocolate adds a smooth counterpoint. Thanks to careful brand management and high production standards from Mondelēz, Daim continues to hold its place in sweet aisles across Europe and beyond.
Conclusion
So, who makes Daim bars? The answer begins in Sweden with Marabou and continues today under the global watch of Mondelēz International. Despite its widespread distribution and various product spin-offs, Daim remains true to its Scandinavian roots and original recipe. Whether you know it from a solo bar, a Cadbury mashup or an ice cream sundae, Daim’s journey from Nordic favourite to international icon is a testament to quality chocolate-making and the universal appeal of a good crunch. It is not just who makes Daim that matters, but how they have kept the magic alive for generations.
Share:
What Is Daim
Are Daim Bars Gluten Free