Sweet-toothed brothers and sisters, welcome. Ever wondered, “What are the best candies to Freeze Dry?” Short Answer: Just about any kind you want. This is your guide, based on my personal experience, the Best Candies to Freeze Dry.
Have you ever explored the magic of freeze-drying confections? If the answer is no, let me tell you, you are missing out! Once you try freeze dried candy, you may ask yourself, “Where has this been my whole life?” So follow along, and let me tell you what I feel are the best candies to freeze dry. By the way, most candies run a very short cycle time. Also, if you’re looking for a Freeze Dryer, see our recommendations for the Best Home Freeze Dryers for 2024.
To quote Sean Spencer, “Freeze dried candy, would you like some? Wait before you answer that, are you a fan of delicious flavor?”
The Best Candies to Freeze Dry
Now, let’s be honest, everyone has different tastes. So, this is just my personal starter list of the best candies to freeze dry. Also, keep in mind that freeze-drying transforms items, so if you don’t like a particular candy because of its texture, that’s all about to change. So either buy them already made or your own home Freeze dryer. It’s up to you. So, without further adue, here are my personal preferences of the best candies to freeze dry.
Skittles: A Rainbow, Freeze-Dried
Skittles are a sure winner in the freeze-dried candy world. Once freeze-dried, these little fruit-flavored candies transform into a light, crispy, taffy-like delight bursting with amplified flavors. The colors remain vibrant with the addition of a white ring through the middle, looking like a mini moon pie, so not just cool looking but, in the freeze dried world, a must-try.
Gummy Bears: Transform into Little Nuggets of Joy
Another excellent candidate for freeze-drying is the loveable gummy bear. Once freeze-dried, they puff up into light, crispy little nuggets while retaining some of their shape; look, I said “some.” My best description is a piece of airy sherbet with chewy gummy bear flavors. I think of them as candy puffs freeze dried, Absolutely a favorite!
Starburst: Journey to the Stars
Hello Starburst. I’m not a big fan in its natural state, and some people may overlook it as a freeze-dry candidate, but they are surprisingly delightful when run through a freeze dryer. They hold their form better than most, and the flavors are just as fruity upon tasting; strawberry is the bomb. Once in the freeze dried form, they start living up to their name.
Mint Candies: A Crisp Bite of Freshness
Who wouldn’t love a mint candy that melts in your mouth, leaving a chilled, refreshing feeling with every bite? Freeze-dried mint candies do just that, adding a unique, exquisite texture to your usual mints. Not suggested in large quantities, the mint can get intense. Then again, may want to share with that particular co-worker.
Marshmallows: Who’d Thought They Could Get Even Lighter
Once these puffs of goodness go through the freeze-dryer, they come out like crunchy clouds of fantastic flavor. No, No, No, I know what you’re thinking: these are nothing like the chalky styrofoam pieces we had in your cereal growing up; these babies will blow your mind.
Other Experimental Contenders
The abovementioned suggestions are at the top of my list, but don’t be limited. The field of freeze-dried candies is a vast confectionary adventure waiting for exploration, only limited by your imagination.
- Tootsie Rolls
- Jolly Ranchers
- Gummy Anything
- Salt water Taffy
- Caramel candies
The Spectacle of the Best Candies to Freeze Dry
So why should you consider freeze-drying your confections in the first place? Plenty of reasons make the case.
Transformed Texture and Intensified Flavors
Freeze-drying creates a perfect combination of crunch, chew, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness that standard room-temperature non freeze dried sweets cannot offer. Some of the hardest-to-chew, stick-to-your-teeth treats turn into the texture of cheese puffs, are as light as popcorn, and melt like cotton candy.
- It preserves the integrity of the candy.
- The process intensifies the flavors, making them taste even better.
- They make for a fun surprise treat that also stores well.
- It’s the same candy you love but in a different form.
Selling Freeze-dried Candy
There is a huge market out there for selling freezedried candy. Think about the last time you walked into a candy store; now imagine it all freeze-dried. The amazing thing is, with a stable shelf life, not all the best candies to freeze dry need to be candy. Healthy options can enter the mix: My personal favorites are freeze dried watermelon, raspberries, pineapple, and bananas.
Extended Shelf Life
As with other freeze-dried items, freeze-drying significantly increases the shelf life of candy if prepared and stored properly. Imagine 25 to 30 years from now, you could have one of these candies in your food reserves that is no longer being made. What will be the street value of that? (at the time of this writing, Gummy Bears are selling for $6.00 an ounce on esty)
The Sweet Ending
Immerse yourself in the novelty, fun, or even business that freeze-dried candy offers. It’s more than just a food preservation method. It’s an avenue to amplify and experience your beloved sweets on an alternate level.
Remember, when deciding on what candy to freeze dry, the best candies to freeze dry will hold their form and amplify their flavor post-freeze drying. I wish you sweet success on your sugary adventure. So grab your favorite candy and freeze-dry it!
FAQ’s
What kind of candy can be freeze-dried? Answer: The best candies to freeze dry are those with a low oil content, unlike peanut butter cups. Freeze drying will not dissipate oil as it does water. Hmm, that might be an invention for the future. Also, those with a bit more moisture, unlike, say, jelly beans.
What are the best snacks to freeze-dry? Answer: Those snacks that have low oil and somewhat of a natural moisture content will freeze dry the best. Ultimately, the options are endless if you like a particular snack…Freeze Dry it!
Can you freeze-dry Twizzlers? Answer: Absolutely, you can! and it’s amazing.
Does candy need to be frozen before freeze-drying? Answer: Not necessarily, but it does help speed up the process if it is a candy with a higher moisture content.