Difference between 'such as' and 'like'

Such as is more than a thousand times commoner in academic writing than in speech, whereas like is straightforward and direct. Like implies comparison and such as implies inclusion. Consider these two examples:

Chuck enjoys desserts such as brownies, cheesecake, and macaroons
Chuck enjoys desserts like brownies, cheesecake, and macaroons

When you say “desserts like brownies,” you're implying that you don't enjoy brownies themselves, but instead enjoy a different dessert similar to brownies. It's a subtle difference, but one to be aware of.

We normally use a comma before such as when we present a list of examples. Where there is just one example, we don’t need a comma:
The shop specialises in tropical fruits, such as pineapples, mangoes and papayas. (… for example, pineapples, mangoes and papayas.)

Countries such as Sweden have a long record of welcoming refugees from all over the world.

She has worked in several countries where English is spoken as a first language, such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and so on. (or, less formal, … like Australia, New Zealand, Canada and so on.)