Freeze Drying Blog
Top 20 Freeze-Dried Candy Hits
Have you ever browsed the candy aisle and seen those weird little packets that tout ‘freeze-dried’ treats? With the revival of freeze-dried foods, candy is not to be left out. Thus, let’s embark on a sweet mission and unwrap the top 20 freeze-dried candy hits!
Introduction to Freeze-Dried Candy
Freeze-drying has revolutionised food preservation for space travel, military rations, camping trips, and even modern supermarkets. When you think of freeze-dried foods, you might think of cereal bars or little pouches of fruit, even ice cream. But freeze-dried candies are something newer – they bring new flavours and a new crunch to regular old sweets.
The Freeze-Drying Process
But first: the science. The technology behind it. How does the ordinary candy turn into something magical?
Why Freeze-Dry Candy?
Unlike most other preservation processes, it removes the moisture while the food is frozen, changing water from ice to vapour. This method preserves the food’s structure, nutrition and flavours. With candy, it means keeping it sweet, making it crisp, and sometimes intensifying the flavour as well.
Ranking Methodology
How we chose the top 20
Nor have we picked it out of a hat – we’ve scoured review sites, sales data and even guzzled a few ourselves (tough job, but perhaps not as tough as it sounds…?!).
Factors in popularity
But sales figures only partly measure popularity. When you choose your favourite sweets, taste and texture are important. Don’t forget the nostalgia factor too!
The Top 20 Freeze-Dried Candy Hits
1-5: The Cream of the Crop
- Gummy Bears: Dried – Although you might not want to go all the way and eat the Dried Gummy Bears, the freeze-dried ones emerge victorious. They maintain their crispy exterior and soft centre.
2. Starbursts: These become incredibly crunchy and even more flavorful.
3. Skittles: Taste the intensified rainbow with these freeze-dried wonders.
4. Sour Patch Kids: First they're sour, then they're sweet, then they're... crunchy!
5. M&Ms: The crispy shell and the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate core, a delightful combo.
6-10: Sweet and Unique
6. Freeze-Dried Marshmallows: Think space food but better.
7. Twizzlers: A bit of a twist on your classic favorite.
8. Milky Way: That caramel core is everything!
9. Jelly Beans: An Easter favorite, now with more crunch.
10. Tootsie Rolls: Chewy turned crunchy.
11-15: Classic Favorites with a Twist
11. Twix: More crunch to your biscuit and caramel.
12. Snickers: Nutty, chocolatey, and with an added kick.
13. Lollipops: Because who doesn’t love a crunchy lollipop?
14. Lifesavers: Saving lives, one crunch at a time.
15. KitKat: Break me a piece of that freeze-dried KitKat bar!
16-20: Dark Horses of the Candy World
16. Almond Joy: A joyous coconut crunch.
17. PayDay: Nuttier and crispier than ever.
18. Butterfinger: Nobody lays a finger on my crunchy Butterfinger!
19. Reese’s: The peanut butter center just got better.
20. Baby Ruth: A delightful texture transformation.
Health Benefits of Freeze-Dried Candy
Nutrient Preservation
The freeze-drying process usually retains all or nearly all of the food’s essential nutrients. So, at least food-wise, such candies could be considered a tad healthier than their regular variants.
Low in Additives
Since it no longer needs preservatives added because of the water removal, you’re probably eating fewer additives.
Conclusion
Freeze-dried candy is adding a fresh, crunchy flavour to our old standards. It’s not just a trend. It’s the future of candy. So, are you ready?
FAQs
How is freeze-dried candy different from regular candy?
It mainly differs in texture. Freeze-dried candy is typically crunchier.
Are freeze-dried candies more expensive?
Due to the process, they might be slightly pricier than regular candies.
Can I freeze-dry my candy at home?
Technically, yes, with the right equipment. But commercial methods might achieve better results.
Do freeze-dried candies have a longer shelf life?
Yes, removing moisture extends the shelf life of the product.
Which is the most popular freeze-dried candy?
Based on our research, freeze-dried Gummy Bears currently reign supreme!
