IFA pastilles have existed ever since 1930, but are still popular pastilles.
The very first IFA pastilles were launched by the chocolate and confectionery manufacturer ASOLA in 1930. Back then, the pastilles were sold in a black box and had a sweet liquorice flavour. They became so popular that the company felt the market was ready for a new variety as well. That led to the introduction of the IFA pastilles that we know today, salty liquorice pastilles in a white box.
This variety soon became a Norwegian favourite, and the original sweet IFA pastilles were subsequently discontinued. In 1968, Kiellands Fabrikker took over the sale of IFA pastilles from ASOLA. In 1975, Kiellands was acquired by Nidar, making IFA pastilles a Nidar product.
To produce IFA pastilles, the raw materials are mixed and boiled. The mixture is then poured into moulding flour imprinted with the shape of the IFA pastille and its familiar ‘S’. The S stands for “salty”, indicative of the pastilles’ characteristic salty-sweet taste. The pastilles are then dried before being separated from the moulding flour using a brushing and blowing process. Finally, the pastilles are given a shiny glaze and packaged in boxes. IFA pastilles contain expectorant ingredients that help to clear the throat. There are currently four varieties of IFA pastilles on the market.