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Freeze-Dried Candy

Freeze-drying turns chewy candy into light, crunchy puffs with a more intense flavor. Here's how it works and how to keep it crisp.

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Freeze-drying turns chewy candy into light, crunchy puffs with a more intense flavor. Here's how it works and how to keep it crisp.

How freeze-dried candy is made

Freeze-drying freezes candy and then removes the water under a vacuum. The air trapped inside expands, so taffy, gummies and fruit chews puff up and become airy and brittle, and hard candies crack into a honeycomb-like crunch.

The trend took off on social media in 2022 and 2023 with videos of candy 'blowing up' in home freeze dryers, and it's now a popular gift and party treat.

How to choose

  • Chewy candies such as taffy, fruit chews and gummies change the most, which makes them the classic choice.
  • Sour mixes stay tangy and get extra crunchy.
  • Net weight: freeze-dried candy is very light, so a big bag may weigh only a few ounces.
  • Variety packs let you try several textures in one bag.

Brands and prices

Brands in this collection include FD Pantry and Assortit. Most products are priced between $21 and $39.

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Keeping it crunchy

Keep the bag tightly sealed. Moisture from the air slowly makes freeze-dried candy chewy again, so store it away from humidity and heat, and eat it within a few days of opening.

Frequently asked questions

Does freeze-dried candy taste different?

Yes. The flavor is more concentrated because the water is gone, and the texture becomes light and crunchy.

How long does it last?

Sealed, usually months, so follow the pack date. Once opened, from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on humidity.

Can chocolate be freeze-dried?

It doesn't change much, because chocolate contains very little water.

Is it suitable for young children?

The airy pieces can be large and brittle, so supervise young children as you would with any hard candy.

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