Freeze-dried candy is any kind of candy that’s been rapidly frozen, removing all the water and moisture and leaving behind only the pure sugar crystals and flavours of the candy. Not only does it enhance the flavour, but it also extends the shelf life for up to 25 years.
What Is Freeze-Dried Candy and How Is It Made?
The freeze-drying process can be broken down into three basic steps:
- Freezing: The process begins by initially freezing the candy, and turning the water inside the candy into ice.
- Sublimation: By lowering the pressure and raising the temperature, the ice skips the liquid stage and rapidly turns into a gas. At this point, 95% of the water has been removed from the candy.
- Adsorption: The temperature is raised even higher to remove the remainder of the water. In the end, you’re left with a new version of your favourite treat.
Here at That Sweet Lyfe, we freeze-dry all kinds of sugary sweets, including fruits, gummies, cookie dough, marshmallows, and even ice cream. Check out our shop for our current selection.
Tips on How to Freeze Dry Candy
Freeze-drying candy is a relatively easy, at-home experiment that can be completed without any kind of special machinery:
- To freeze dry your candy, place it in an unsealed, compostable freezer bag.
- Place your candy in a normal freezer and freeze it all the way through
- Place your bag into a large cooler or container.
- Fill the container with dry ice.
- Wait 48 hours and enjoy.
Safety Tips and Best Practices
Although this process is quite simple, there are some tips to ensure the best result and safety for performing this experiment:
- Freeze-drying works better for sugar-based candies, such as chewy candies, taffy, or gummies.
- Candies will freeze better in smaller pieces, under 1 inch.
- Ensure that the dry ice covers all surfaces of the candy bag. So be sure that it lines the bottom of the box and the sides and covers the bag.
- Do not close the freezer bag or box completely, as gases and pressure could build up and cause an explosion!
- Follow proper safety procedures during this experiment. Wear thermal gloves when handling the dry ice and ensure that no one accidentally ingests any of it, as this could lead to toxic effects!
- Choose a container that holds cold well, such as a cooler or insulated bag.
- Don’t stuff the bags full of candy, as this will prolong the drying time. Ensure that as much of the candy is exposed to air as possible for quicker freezing and drying!
The Best Kinds of Freeze-dried Candy
The best candies that freeze-dry are typically those that are sugar-based, such as skittles, gummy bears, starbursts, taffy, and jolly ranchers. Gelatin candies such as gummies and Hi-Chews are especially popular. Freeze-drying causes these candies to transfer from soft and chewy to light, crunchy, sweeter, and intensely flavourful.
Oil-based candies, such as pure chocolate, don’t fare well during the freeze-drying process since it removes moisture and leaves behind oil which doesn’t result in that great of a taste. But if you aren’t in love with sugary candies, there are other options. Some chocolate-covered candies can be freeze-dried and enjoyed. Many chocolate lovers enjoy freeze-dried chocolate bars such as Milk Duds, Twix, and Milky Way. Freeze-dried candies and fruits can also be dipped in chocolate, resulting in a delicious treat.
Your Next Taste Adventure
Here at That Sweet Lyfe, we offer a wide, ever-changing variety of sweets for all kinds of customers! Why not treat your tastebuds with something unique? Check out our current candy selection to see our full range of products!