What Is Freeze-Dried Candy and Why Is It Everywhere Right Now?

Is it worth the hype?

You may have seen a new type of candy popping up on shelves that looks unlike anything you’ve seen before. Earlier this year, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) predicted freeze-dried candy would be among 2024’s top candy trends—and they were right.

What started as a few bags in the grocery store's specialty section has grown into full-blown displays with no signs of slowing down. There are now rumors that Mars Incorporated could soon enter the freeze-dried candy race. But what exactly is freeze-dried candy and why is everyone so obsessed?

What Is Freeze-Dried Candy?

You may be familiar with freeze-dried vegetables, fruit, and even meat. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), freeze-dried food is made using a special vacuum cabinet. The food is first frozen, then a process called sublimation occurs, which is when water gets removed from the food, resulting in shelf-stable meals that don’t lose flavor or nutrients. Freeze-dried food is often used as part of emergency stockpiles because it lasts for years. So, why are brands freeze-drying candy? It's mainly for flavor.

Freeze-drying food results in a highly concentrated flavor. For example, freeze-dried strawberries can add a burst of bold, fruity flavors to baked goods like these cupcakes. Now, imagine your favorite gummy bear with a sweeter, more pronounced flavor. It sounds pretty tasty, right?

Freeze-drying candy also alters the texture. It becomes crunchy, rather than chewy, and who doesn’t love a good crunch?

Freeze-Dried Skittles May Be Hitting Shelves Next Year

In late August, Instagrammer @snackolator dropped some details about how we might see a freeze-dried product from Mars Inc. in the future. “Coming soon are Skittles Pop'd which are freeze dried Skittles in both Sour and Original varieties. The only downside is that these are probably coming out next year—they are set to be debuted at the NACS [National Association of Convenience Stores] show in October, so I'd expect them in early 2025,” he wrote.

Freeze-dried Skittles have been available through third-party suppliers, but at exorbitantly high prices, so fans are excited to see the candy coming directly from the brand itself. “Now my only option isn't the people selling them for $30/pack,” said one commenter whose comment received nearly 300 likes. “Finally! All the other ones are either overpriced or taste weird,” added another.

What Does Freeze-Dried Candy Taste Like?

I recently tried Sow Good’s Freeze-Dried Candy Worms and they were much better than expected. They were very crunchy compared to gummy candy but delicate in taste and not overly hard. One Redditor said the eating experience was “like eating a meringue with more air in it. Just melts in your mouth.” And I’d have to agree. Plus, the gummy worms I tried were much sweeter than typical gummies so you’re likely to only need one or two to satisfy your sweet tooth, rather than four or five.

Overall, freeze-dried candy offers a unique taste experience and is worth a try at least once, even if they don’t become a regular in your candy stash.

Read the original article on All Recipes.