What Is Freeze Dried Candy?
Freeze dried candy is ordinary candy that has been frozen and then had its moisture removed under vacuum. Chewy candies like taffy or gummies puff up and turn light, airy and crunchy, while the flavor stays bold. It is a novelty treat that crackles instead of chews.
How is freeze dried candy made?
The candy is frozen solid, then placed in a freeze dryer that pulls air out of the chamber. Under that vacuum, the ice turns straight into vapor without melting first. This step is called sublimation.
With the water gone, the candy's structure is left behind, often much bigger and full of tiny air pockets. For the full step-by-step, read our guide on how freeze drying works.
How is freeze dried candy different from regular candy?
The biggest change is texture. Regular chewy candy is soft because it holds water. Freeze dried candy has that water removed, so it becomes crisp and brittle, and it often melts on your tongue instead of sticking to your teeth.
| Feature | Regular candy | Freeze dried candy |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Chewy, sticky or hard | Crunchy, airy, crumbly |
| Size | Original size | Often puffed up and larger |
| Flavor | Sweet, steady | Often feels more concentrated |
| Best kept | Cool and covered | Dry and sealed airtight |
What does freeze dried candy taste like?
It tastes like the candy it started as, but the crunch changes how you experience it. Many people say the flavor seems stronger because the pieces dissolve quickly and the airy texture releases it all at once. Taste is personal, so what you notice may differ.
A freeze dried fruit chew will still taste fruity. A freeze dried caramel apple will still taste sweet and caramel-like. The difference is the sound and feel of every bite.
What kinds of freeze dried candy and treats do we make?
At Sarah Lilly's in Richmond, Texas, we make small batch, hand packed freeze dried treats. Our lineup includes:
- Freeze dried Skittles
- Freeze dried Starburst
- Freeze dried Jolly Rancher
- Freeze dried Salt Water Taffy
- Freeze dried Peeps
- Freeze dried caramel apples
- Freeze dried cheesecake
- Freeze dried mango
- Freeze dried strawberry shortcake bites
Our shop is being revamped and items are restocked over time, so browse the Novelty Snacks section to see what is available right now.
How do people enjoy freeze dried candy?
Most people simply snack on it straight from the bag. A few other ideas:
- Share a bag at a movie night or game night.
- Pack a small handful in a lunch box as a surprise.
- Add a few pieces to a gift basket or care package.
- Set out a bowl at a party so guests can try different flavors.
- Crumble a little over ice cream or yogurt for crunch.
Looking for more ideas? See our freeze dried candy gift ideas.
Is freeze dried candy hard to eat?
It depends on the candy. Some pieces are light and shatter easily. Others, especially ones that started out hard, can stay firm and crunchy. Small children should be supervised when eating any hard or crunchy candy. Our guide on freeze dried candy for kids and allergies has more detail.
Does freeze dried candy go stale or soft?
Moisture is the enemy. Because the candy is so dry, it can pull water out of the air and lose its crunch if the bag is left open. Keep it sealed and dry, especially in humid weather. Our storage guide explains how.
Where can I get freeze dried candy in Richmond, TX?
You can order from our online shop for shipping or pickup. Local pickup is free in Richmond, Texas 77407. Shipping takes 3-5 days, and orders over $50 ship free. You can also learn more about us or see the visit page for pickup details.
Does freeze dried candy contain allergens?
Our products may contain or be handled near common allergens. Always read the ingredient label of the original candy and ask us before ordering if you or someone you are buying for has an allergy. You can reach us on the contact page or by call or text at 701-721-7965.
Key takeaways
- Freeze dried candy is regular candy with the water removed through freezing and vacuum.
- It turns airy and crunchy, and often looks puffed up.
- Keep it dry and sealed so it stays crunchy.
- Supervise young children with hard or crunchy pieces.
- Ask us about allergens before you order.
- Browse our Novelty Snacks to see current items.