Turkish Delight has a long and illustrious history, but its links to the West began in the 19^th Century. During his travels to Istanbul, an unknown British traveler became very fond of the delicacy, purchased many cases of Lokum and had them shipped to Britain under a new name; Turkish Delight.

It was initially intended as a luxurious treat to be offered during Christmas time. This is due to the fact that sugar, whilst it can be found in relative abundance today was once considered an extremely expensive commodity. This meant that Turkish Delight was a very rare treat reserved for the most special of celebrations.

However, there are also extensive literary connections between Turkish Delight and Christmas. Turkish Delight became known as ‘Lumps of delight’ to the English. In Charles Dickens’ The Mystery of Edwin Drood (published in 1870) there are references made to a Lumps of delight shop. Charles Dickens is responsible for much of our modern Christmas, especially its portrayal in A Christmas Carol.

In fact, so close was the connection between Charles Dickens and Christmas that, when he died in 1870, a young woman who heard of it was aghast. “Dickens dead?” she exclaimed. “Then will Father Christmas die too?” 

Of course, another literary great considered synonymous with both Christmas and Turkish Delight is CS Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch & The Wardrobe (published in 1950):

‘It is dull, Son of Adam, to drink without eating,” said the Queen presently. “What would you like best to eat?”

“Turkish Delight, please, your Majesty” said Edmund.

The Queen let another drop fall from her bottle onto the snow, and instantly there appeared a round box, tied with green silk ribbon, which, when opened, turned out to contain several pounds of the best Turkish Delight. Each piece was sweet and light to the very centre and Edmund had never tasted anything more delicious.’

CS Lewis, The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe

Further popularised in the 2005 Christmas film, the irresistible temptation of Turkish Delight piqued people’s interests and Turkish Delight sales hit an all-time high.

Truede Turkish delight is individually packaged and comes in exclusive and innovative flavours such as pomegranate, and proven favourites such as rose and lemon. We are committed to making sure a wide variety of customers can enjoy our products, therefore our Turkish delight is:

Gluten Free

GM Free

Suitable for Vegetarians

Suitable for Vegans

Whatever kind you choose, we know you’ll be delighted.