You might have noticed a new candy filling on store shelves lately. It looks different from your typical sweets; if you’ve been curious, you’re not alone. Earlier this year, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) predicted that freeze-dried Candy would be one of 2024’s hottest trends—and they were on target.
What started as a few small bags in the specialty food section has exploded into large displays in many grocery stores, and there’s no sign of slowing down. Rumors are swirling that candy giant Mars Incorporated might join the freeze-dried candy craze soon.
But what exactly is freeze-dried Candy, and why is everyone so obsessed?
What Exactly Is Freeze-Dried Candy?
You may have heard of freeze-dried vegetables, fruits, or even meals, but now Candy is getting the freeze-dried treatment. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), freeze-drying is when food is frozen and put into a vacuum chamber where water is removed.
This process preserves the food for long periods, keeping its flavor and nutrients intact. Freeze-dried foods are often used in emergency kits because they can last for years.
The freeze-drying process serves a different purpose for Candy—it’s all about flavor and texture.
Freeze-dried foods tend to have a more concentrated flavor because the water is removed. Imagine the taste of your favorite gummy bear but intensified with an even sweeter, more powerful burst of flavor. Sounds pretty tempting.
The texture also changes dramatically. Instead of being chewy, freeze-dried Candy becomes crunchy. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good crunch in their Candy?
Why Is Freeze-Dried Candy So Popular?
One of the big reasons freeze-dried Candy has gained such popularity is because it offers a unique sensory experience.
Traditional gummy candy is chewy, but freeze-dried versions are crispy and crunchy. That change in texture adds a whole new dimension to the candy-eating expertise, making it feel fresh and exciting.
Another reason is that freeze-dried Candy is often much sweeter than regular Candy. Because the water is removed, the flavors become more concentrated, so a few bites are usually enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Instead of eating a handful of gummy bears, you might only need one or two freeze-dried ones to feel satisfied.
And finally, people love trying new things. With freeze-dried Candy popping up on social media and in stores, it’s hard to resist giving it a shot, even to see what all the fuss is about.
Freeze-Dried Skittles: Coming Soon to Stores Near You
One of the most exciting pieces of news in the freeze-dried candy world is that freeze-dried Skittles might soon be on the shelves.
You can only find freeze-dried Skittles through third-party sellers, but the prices are often sky-high. A single pack can cost up to $30! Understandably, fans are excited about possibly buying them directly from the Skittles brand at more reasonable prices.
According to industry rumors, “Skittles Pop’d “—freeze-dried versions of both Sour and Original Skittles—could debut at the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show in October 2024.
They should be available in stores by early 2025 if everything goes as planned. This is big news for candy lovers waiting for a more affordable, authentic, freeze-dried Skittles experience.
What Does Freeze-Dried Candy Taste Like?
So, what’s it like to eat freeze-dried Candy? If you’re curious but have yet to try it, I recently had the chance to sample Sow Good’s Freeze-Dried Candy Worms.
Surprisingly, they were much crunchier than regular gummy candy but not too hard. The texture was light and airy, almost like a meringue, and they practically melted in my mouth.
Taste-wise, the gummy worms were much sweeter than their non-freeze-dried counterparts.
Because of that, I only needed to eat one or two to feel satisfied, whereas, with regular gummies, I’d usually eat a handful. Many people who have tried freeze-dried Candy have noticed this: its intense sweetness makes it easy to enjoy in smaller quantities.
One user on Reddit compared the texture to “eating a meringue with more air in it.” And that’s a pretty accurate description.
Freeze-dried Candy is light and crispy, with a melt-in-your-mouth feel that makes it a different experience from traditional gummies or hard candies.
Will Freeze-Dried Candy Become a Regular in Your Pantry?
Freeze-dried Candy might not replace your go-to snacks, but it’s worth trying at least once. Its unique combination of concentrated flavors and light, crunchy texture makes it a fun treat that offers something different from the standard candies most of us are used to.
And with more and more brands jumping on the freeze-dried bandwagon, you’ll likely be seeing more of these candies on store shelves.
Whether you’re a fan of Skittles, gummy worms, or something else, there’s a good chance a freeze-dried version of your favorite Candy is either already available or coming soon.
Conclusion
Freeze-dried Candy is a fun, flavorful, and texturally unique treat that has taken the candy world by storm. While the trend started with small specialty brands, it has now grown into a significant phenomenon, with big players like Mars Incorporated soon entering the game.
If you have not tried freeze-dried Candy, it’s a trend worth exploring. Whether you’re a fan of crunchy textures and bold flavors or simply curious to try something new, freeze-dried Candy offers a unique experience that’s sure to surprise your taste buds.
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