Gobstopper vs. Jawbreaker — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 22, 2024
Gobstopper and jawbreaker refer to the same type of candy: a hard, round confection made of layered sugar, enjoyed for its long-lasting quality.
Difference Between Gobstopper and Jawbreaker
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gobstoppers, known in American English as jawbreakers, are candies that consist of multiple layers of sugar and flavoring. Whereas jawbreakers are the common term in the United States, "gobstopper" is the preferred term in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries.
These candies are celebrated for their longevity in the mouth, designed to dissolve slowly layer by layer. On the other hand, they are notorious for being so hard that they can be a hazard, leading to the playful name "jawbreaker" which suggests they are tough enough to break one's jaw.
Gobstoppers are made using a process where layers of sugar are added successively to a core and allowed to harden. Jawbreakers, similarly, undergo a lengthy production process in a revolving pan that gradually builds up the candy’s size and layers.
In terms of flavors, both gobstoppers and jawbreakers offer a variety, with each layer potentially unveiling a new flavor as it dissolves. This aspect keeps the eating experience interesting and surprising.
The size of gobstoppers and jawbreakers can vary, ranging from small enough to fit comfortably in one's cheek to large versions that barely fit in the mouth. This size variation adds to their appeal, offering options for different preferences and occasions.
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Comparison Chart
Common Usage
Preferred in UK, Commonwealth
Preferred in the USA
Composition
Multi-layered sugar candy
Multi-layered sugar candy
Flavor Variety
Multiple, changes with layers
Multiple, changes with layers
Manufacturing Process
Layered in revolving pans
Layered in revolving pans
Candy Size
Ranges from small to very large
Ranges from small to very large
Compare with Definitions
Gobstopper
Known for being long-lasting and slow to dissolve.
She prefers gobstoppers to other candies because they don't disappear too quickly.
Jawbreaker
Also refers to anything particularly tough or enduring.
His new phone case was a real jawbreaker, surviving multiple drops.
Gobstopper
Often colorful, with each layer revealing a new hue as it dissolves.
The gobstopper changed colors as it melted away, delighting the children.
Jawbreaker
Characterized by its potential to change flavors as one gets through each layer.
The jawbreaker started tasting like cherry, then shifted to lemon.
Gobstopper
A traditional sweet popular in the UK and Commonwealth.
Gobstoppers have been a favorite at British sweet shops for generations.
Jawbreaker
Predominantly an American term for this candy.
Jawbreakers are a popular choice for Halloween treats in the States.
Gobstopper
A hard candy with multiple layers of sugar, each potentially a different flavor.
He enjoyed a gobstopper during the movie, which lasted well over an hour.
Jawbreaker
Comes in a variety of sizes, tailored to different age groups and preferences.
The small jawbreakers are perfect for younger kids, while the big ones are for the brave.
Gobstopper
Available in various sizes, from small to large.
The giant gobstopper was so big, it was almost impossible to eat!
Jawbreaker
A type of hard candy known for its durability in the mouth.
He bought a jawbreaker that lasted through the entire afternoon.
Gobstopper
Gobstoppers, also known as jawbreakers in the United States, are a type of hard candy. They are usually round, and usually range from 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 in) across; though gobstoppers can be up to 8 cm (3.1 in) in diameter.The term gobstopper derives from "gob", which is slang in the United Kingdom and Ireland for mouth.
Jawbreaker
A word that is very long or hard to pronounce.
Gobstopper
A large, hard spherical sweet.
Jawbreaker
A large, hard, spherical sweet.
Gobstopper
A type of hard long-lasting candy, usually spherical in shape.
Jawbreaker
A very hard candy.
Jawbreaker
(Slang) A word that is difficult to pronounce.
Jawbreaker
A machine that crushes rock or ore.
Jawbreaker
A large, extremely hard, boiled candy, typically spherical.
Jawbreaker
A long, hard-to-pronounce word.
The word “callipygous” is something of a jawbreaker.
Jawbreaker
A hard blow to the side of the face.
Jawbreaker
A large round hard candy
Jawbreaker
A word that is hard to pronounce
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between a gobstopper and a jawbreaker?
The main difference is regional terminology; "gobstopper" is commonly used in the UK, while "jawbreaker" is the term used in the US.
Are gobstoppers and jawbreakers suitable for young children?
Due to their hardness and potential choking hazard, they are generally recommended for older children.
What are the most popular flavors for gobstoppers and jawbreakers?
Popular flavors include cherry, grape, apple, and lemon, among others.
What should I do if a gobstopper or jawbreaker is too large to comfortably suck on?
It's best to choose a smaller size to avoid discomfort or potential dental issues.
Do gobstoppers and jawbreakers contain a lot of sugar?
Yes, they are primarily made of sugar and are quite high in calories.
How long does it typically take to finish a gobstopper or jawbreaker?
Depending on the size, it can take from 30 minutes to several hours.
How are gobstoppers and jawbreakers made?
They are made by layering sugar in revolving heated pans until the desired size is achieved.
Are there any health concerns associated with frequent consumption of gobstoppers and jawbreakers?
Regular consumption can increase the risk of dental decay and cavities due to high sugar content.
What's the largest size available for gobstoppers and jawbreakers?
Some can be as large as a baseball.
Can gobstoppers or jawbreakers help with quitting smoking?
Some people use these long-lasting candies as a way to curb smoking habits by keeping the mouth occupied.
Is it possible to make a gobstopper or jawbreaker at home?
While technically possible, it requires specialized equipment and considerable time.
How should gobstoppers and jawbreakers be stored?
They should be kept in a cool, dry place to prevent sticking and degradation.
Are gobstoppers and jawbreakers vegan-friendly?
Most are vegan, but it's important to check for specific brands as some might use non-vegan coloring.
Do gobstoppers and jawbreakers come in sugar-free options?
Yes, sugar-free versions are available, catering to those looking to reduce sugar intake.
Can gobstoppers and jawbreakers be used in other desserts?
Yes, they can be crushed and used as toppings for ice cream and cupcakes.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
