Hašlerky herbal and menthol candies

Hašlerky are among the most iconic Czech confections, celebrated for their unique anise and herbal flavor. Although the recipe was originally created by a pharmacist in Hamburg, Germany, in 1877, the brand as it is known today was born in Prague in 1920.

Initially named 'Caruso' after the Italian tenor Enrico Caruso, the candies struggled to gain traction in the local market. This changed when Czech businessman František Lhotský secured the endorsement of the popular singer and actor Karel Hašler, who lent his name to the brand to help with his vocal struggles. The distinctive blue-and-white striped packaging has since become a staple of Czech culture.

Today, Hašlerky are produced at the Sfinx factory in Holešov, Czech Republic. Following the post-communist privatization era of the 1990s, the brand was acquired by the Swiss multinational Nestlé. It remains one of the best-selling mint and herbal candies in the region, with the factory producing over 1,000 tons annually to meet local and international demand.