10 Most Popular Freeze Dried Candies You Won't Want to Miss

Freeze dried candies are a type of candy that has been frozen and then dehydrated using a process called sublimation. This process causes the ice crystals in the candy to turn directly into vapor without first becoming a liquid.

This fun approach to candy is often used in astronaut food and camping supplies because it is lightweight, non-perishable, and easy to store.

Freeze dried candy is different from regular candy in a few key ways:

• Moisture content: Regular candy contains a significant amount of moisture, which can cause it to spoil or lose its texture over time. On the other hand, freeze dried candy has had most of the moisture removed, making it less likely to spoil or change its texture.

• Texture: Regular candy can become softer or harder over time. Freeze drying preserves some of the candy's texture, but freeze dried candy may not keep its original shape, texture, and consistency. 

• Shelf life: Regular candy has a relatively short shelf life, usually a few months. On the other hand, freeze dried candy can have a shelf life of several years if stored properly in airtight containers.

• Weight and volume: Freeze drying removes most of the water from the candy, which means that it is much lighter and takes up less space than regular candy. This makes it an ideal choice for astronaut food or camping supplies, where weight and volume are important considerations.

Freeze drying does not alter the nutritional value of the candy; it just removes the water. Freeze dried candy is still candy, so it will have the same amount of sugar and calories as regular candy and the same amount of fun. 

How to Freeze-dry Candy

Freeze drying candy involves several steps:

1. Preparing the candy: The candy should be fresh and in good condition before it’s frozen. Some sweets that include a large amount of oil or butter might not be suitable for freeze drying.
2. Freezing the candy: The candy is placed in a freeze dryer or a deep freezer and frozen to a temperature of -40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. This is done to ensure that the ice crystals in the candy are small, which will make the freeze drying process more efficient.
3. Vacuum sealing: The frozen candy is then placed in a vacuum-sealed bag or container. This step is essential because it removes most of the air from around the candy, which will prevent oxidation and help preserve the color and flavor of the candy.
4. Freeze drying: The sealed, frozen candy is placed in a freeze dryer, which uses a combination of low temperature and high vacuum to remove the moisture from the candy. This process can take several hours to several days, depending on the size and type of freeze dried candy.
5. Packaging: Once the freeze drying process is complete, the candy is removed from the freeze-dryer and packaged in airtight containers. This will help preserve the candy's color, flavor, and texture.

10 Popular Freeze dried Candies

1. Skittles

Skittles come in many different flavors, but the original five flavors were lime, lemon, orange, strawberry, and raspberry. Nowadays, some variations of Skittles include wild berry, tropical, sour, and even a limited edition of sweet heat.

Freeze dried Skittles have the same rainbow of flavors with a delightful crunch. 

2. Airheads

Airheads candy was originally marketed as a taffy-like candy that could be stretched and pulled before eating. This unique texture and the ability to stretch and pull the candy were part of the candy's original appeal.

While they can’t stretch, freeze dried Airheads keep their unique texture and yummy flavors. 

3. Candy Corn

Candy corn was initially made by hand, with each kernel of candy being individually shaped and colored. This process was very time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it helped create the distinct, tri-colored appearance associated with candy corn.

For those who say they don’t like candy corn, don’t write it off until you try it freeze dried! Free-dried candy corn is a delectable treat no matter the time of year.

4. Milk Duds

The name "Milk Duds" is a play on words, as the candy's original name was "Perfections." The candy was called "duds" because of their irregular shape, and the "milk" in the name refers to the fact that the candy is made with real milk chocolate.

The irregular shape of Milk Duds is only more irregular when they are freeze dried; however, the classic combination of chocolate and caramel is still the same. 

5. Sweet-Tarts

Sweet-Tarts have undergone several changes in its recipe and packaging throughout the years. The original Sweet-Tarts were hard, pebble-shaped candy but later changed to a softer, chewier texture.

Freeze dried Sweet-Tarts are neither hard nor chewy, but have more of a crackling crunch to accompany the sweet & tart flavors. 

6. Starburst

Starburst were originally sold in packs of 12, with three pieces each of the four flavors: strawberry, lemon, orange, and lime. The original flavors were later expanded to include additional fruit flavors such as raspberry, peach, and blackberry.

If you haven’t tried freeze dried Starburst, you’re missing out on delicious, crunchy candy that packs a punch of fruit flavor. 

7. Hi-Chew

Hi-Chew was first produced in Japan in 1975 by Morinaga & Co. Ltd. under the name "Chocobi" and was later introduced to the US market in 2008.

Looking for a treat that’s a bit less sweet but still fun and fruity? Freeze dried Hi-Chew is the answer!

8. Bit-O-Honey

One less-known fact about Bit-O-Honey is that it was first produced in 1924 by the Schutter-Johnson Company, which later became Nabisco. The candy was created in response to the popularity of a similar product, "Beechnut Chewing Gum," produced by the Beech-Nut Packing Company.

With freeze dried Bit-O-Honey, you get a bit of everything — honey, almonds, and a crunchy, then chewy consistency.

9. Salt Walter Taffy

Salt Water Taffy comes in a wide variety of flavors, including traditional flavors such as strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate, as well as more unique flavors such as root beer, green apple, and even bacon.

The favorite flavors and colors you love are even more intense with freeze dried Salt Water Taffy.

10. Caramel

Caramel has been around for centuries and can be traced back to ancient civilizations. For example, the ancient Egyptians made a type of caramel by mixing honey and dates.

With each freeze dried caramel, you can savor the light, buttery, sweet caramel flavor in a crispy bite-size piece. 

Get Your Freeze Dried Goodies From Candy Jan

The lady behind all the magic at Candy Jan is Janet d’Argy, and she and her team are excited about spreading goodness with the best freeze dried treats for all occasions. Support this awesome female-owned business and share the sweetness of your new favorite candies with all your friends and family. Still not sure? Try one of our sample bundles today!