If you’ve seen candy on social media over the last few years, chances are you’ve seen people trying big, puffy pieces of candy. With a crunchy, crackly texture, this viral sensation is known as freeze-dried candy.

But what is freeze-dried candy, and why is it so popular?

We’re uncovering everything you need to know about freeze-dried candy in this blog, from what it is and how it’s made to why it should be on your must-try list.

Let’s dive in!

What is Freeze-Dried Candy?

Although freeze-dried candy may look a bit otherworldly, it’s actually just regular candy that has undergone a special dehydration process.

This process, known as freeze-drying, causes moisture inside the candy to be rapidly removed, creating a puffed-up texture with an airy and crunchy feel.

How Did Freeze-Dried Candy Become Popular?

Freeze-dried candy rose to fame in the 2020-era on social media, particularly on TikTok. Bright, crunchy and unconventionally shaped, videos of people trying freeze-dried creations went viral. Many small business owners on social media documented their process of making the viral treat, sharing what candy varieties succeeded versus those that simply fell apart after freeze-drying. Users were engaged by content featuring freeze-dried candy, propelling its success into the mainstream.

How Freeze-Dried Candy is Made

The secret behind that crazy freeze-dried texture is pure science. 

Here’s how it works!

1. Candy Selection

    Experts know what candies have the highest success rate for freeze-drying, including favourites such as gummies.

    2. Initial Freezing

      Believe it or not, all candies have a small amount of water molecules inside them. 

      To begin the freeze-drying process, candy is frozen to an extreme temperature (below 40°C), solidifying those water molecules into tiny ice crystals. This helps ensure the candy’s shape is preserved and doesn’t collapse in the rest of the process.

      3. Freeze-Drying

        Grab your lab coat – this is where the real science happens!

        The frozen candy is placed into a freeze-dryer machine. The freeze-dryer slowly raises the temperature in the vacuum chamber, turning ice crystals in the candy directly into a vapour, creating that iconic puffed appearance. Water molecules in the form of condensation are absorbed by the machine, slowly ‘drying’ out the candy. 

        Unlike a regular food dehydrator, freeze-drying removes moisture while still keeping the chamber at a very low temperature, preserving the flavour.

        Freeze-drying isn’t instant, though. It takes many hours of slow evaporation to achieve the perfect texture. The process varies based on the type of candy being dried, as each variety has different levels of water molecules present inside.

        4. Packaging to Preserve Freshness

          Since the candy has just had all its moisture removed to create a new, delicate texture, proper storage is key.

          Freeze-dried candy is packed into airtight, moisture-proof packaging, preventing any water molecules present in the air from being absorbed back into the candy. 

          What Does Freeze-Dried Candy Taste Like?

          Since freeze-drying removes the water molecules normally found inside a candy, the result is often a more concentrated flavour experience than the original candy. 

          Although the freeze-dried candy is puffed up and may look larger and lighter in flavour, the result is usually a more potent flavour.

          Is Freeze-Dried Candy Healthier?

          There are some rumours that freeze-dried candy is actually healthier for you than regular candy. 

          Unfortunately, the only thing that changes during the freeze-drying process is the candy’s makeup and texture, not its nutritional value. Even though the candy may appear larger, no additional ingredients or preservatives are added to the candy to make it freeze-dried. 

          Some people may find eating freeze-dried candy to be more satisfying than regular candy, which could help you reduce your portion size.

          Pros and Cons of Freeze-Dried Candy

          Unsure if you should try this unique type of candy? Here are some reasons to try it, or why it may not be for you.

          Pros

          • More Intense Flavour – Freeze-dried candy can have a more concentrated taste, since the moisture has been removed. 
          • Unique Texture – If you’re looking for a light, airy texture, this could be for you! There’s just nothing like melt-in-your-mouth candy.
          • Long Shelf Life – We don’t imagine you often have candy long enough to be concerned about shelf life, but freeze-drying actually extends freshness for up to 30 years!
          • Novelty – Everybody has a favourite candy. But what if you could experience it in a whole new way? That’s where freeze-dried candy comes in.

          Cons

          • Different Texture – Not everyone will love the airy crunch of freeze-dried candy, but you won’t know until you try it!
          • Fragile – You don’t want your freeze-dried candy to get crushed, as that could damage its unique texture.
          • Sourcing – This type of candy may be more difficult to find, unless you know where to buy it.

          Where Can You Buy Freeze-Dried Candy?

          This novelty candy can be harder to find than traditional favourites. 

          Lots of small shops and producers sell freeze-dried candy online. One of these companies is Cottage Country, which offers a variety of freeze-dried candy. 

          Check out our freeze-dried candy collection, full of favourites ranging from sweet to sour, and including classics like gummy sharks!

          Can I Make Freeze-Dried Candy at Home?

          The short answer? Yes — with the right equipment.

          You would need to purchase an at-home model of a freeze-drying machine, which could be a costly investment. And, it may not work as efficiently or create the same results as a commercial freeze-dryer. After freeze-drying, candy would need to be stored in a completely airtight environment. 

          If making your own freeze-dried candy sounds like a hassle, you can get a taste from Cottage Country instead.

          Which Freeze-Dried Candy is Best?

          The best freeze-dried candy? Now, that’s up to you! Your favourite candy may be the same as your typical taste in candies, or you may just discover a new favourite. If you’re looking to try it for the first time, we recommend our Original Puffs.

          Sweet Summary

          In this blog, we’ve covered what freeze-dried candy is, why it’s popular, and how it’s made. 

          Now all that’s left is to try it out for yourself!

          If you’re a business owner interested in adding freeze-dried candy to your retail selection, please contact us.