19 Best Candies To Freeze Dry
Freeze drying candy is a fun way to turn your favorite sweets into crunchy, airy treats. You can dry freeze candy at home or buy pre-made freeze dried options. From chocolate to gummy candy, freeze dried candy has a unique texture that makes snacking extra fun. If you’re wondering where to get freeze dried candy or looking for cheap freeze dried candy, this guide will help you find the best options and show you which candies work best for drying.
I’ve always loved trying new ways to enjoy candy, and freeze drying is one of my favorites. It’s so fun to see the candy puff up and get that light, crunchy texture. I like keeping some on hand for snacks, adding to desserts, or even using them as a topping for fun breakfasts. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a popular trend!
Best Candies To Freeze Dry
Now that you know why freeze drying candy is so much fun, here’s a list of some of the best candies to try. These options work really well in a freeze dryer and come out light, crunchy, and full of flavor. I’ve included a mix of chocolates, gummies, and hard candies so there’s something for everyone. Keep reading to see which candies you’ll want to try first!
1. Skittles
These were the very first candy I tried when my friend started freeze drying, and they’re still one of my favorites. They puff up and get crunchy, but keep all their fruity flavor. Store them in an airtight container to keep that crunch for longer.
2. Hi-Chews
Hi-Chews get super airy and almost melt in your mouth after freeze drying. They’re fun to snack on and stay chewy in a way that’s totally new. Try different flavors to see which puffs the best.
3. Peach Rings
Peach rings puff up into light, crispy treats that taste even sweeter. The sugar coating becomes crunchy, which is such a fun texture. Let them cool a few minutes before tasting, they’re extra fragile right out of the freeze dryer.
4. Nerds
Nerds are tiny but magical when freeze dried. They turn into crunchy little bursts of flavor. They’re great to sprinkle over ice cream or just eat by the handful. I love how the colors get even brighter too.
5. Salt Water Taffy
I see these all over craft fairs and they taste so good! Salt water taffy blows up into airy, soft clouds of sweetness. Each bite is chewy but light at the same time. Freeze dry small batches first to see how your machine handles taffy.
6. Laffy Taffy
Laffy Taffy works really well and puffs into little melt in your mouth bites. It’s fun to experiment with different flavors, especially fruity ones.
7. Fruit Roll Ups
Fruit roll-ups turn into crisp, crunchy sheets that taste just like candy leather but better. They make great snacks for kids or to cut into fun shapes. Fold or layer them carefully when storing so they don’t crumble. Or you can also roll them into little balls.
8. Charleston Chews
Charleston Chews freeze dry beautifully, keeping a bit of chew inside the fluff. Chocolate and vanilla both work, and the puffed texture is addictive. Breaking them apart and sharing with friends is so fun!
9. Sour Gummies
Sour gummies keep their tangy punch even after puffing up. The freeze dried version makes the sour flavor sharper and the chew crunchier. Perfect for a little pick me up treat.
10. Jolly Rancher Candies
These turn into hard, airy gems with intense flavor. They’re so crunchy that you can almost hear them snap when you bite. Crush them gently over ice cream or yogurt for a fun twist.
11. Airhead Sours
Airhead Sours get puffy and light while keeping their sweet and tangy flavor. They make a fun, crunchy snack that’s different from the regular candy.
12. Twinkies
Twinkies are so fun to freeze dry. They puff up like little golden clouds. The sponge becomes crunchy but melts in your mouth, and the cream stays airy.
13. Airhead Mini Bars
Airhead minis puff up nicely and get crunchy but still taste just as sweet. They’re perfect for snacking or adding to a candy mix.
14. Big Hunks Candy
Big Hunks become light and airy, but the chewy peanut pieces still hold their shape. It’s a fun mix of crunch and chew in each bite. Slice them into smaller pieces before freeze drying for easier snacking.
15. Jujube Nougat
Nougat turns into an airy treat after freeze drying. It keeps its sweetness but gets this crispy, delicate texture. Great for combining with chocolate or nuts for a snack mix.
16. Caramel M&M’s
Caramel M&M’s puff up and stay chewy on the inside while the candy shell gets crisp. The flavor is super rich and satisfying. Store in airtight containers to keep the crisp shell crunchy or they will get soft.
17. Werther’s Soft Caramel
These soft caramels puff up and get so light and fluffy. It’s like candy clouds. They still have that buttery caramel taste that melts in your mouth.
18. Oreo Cookies
Freeze dried Oreo cookies become crunchy little bites with the cream puffed and sweet. They’re fun to crush over ice cream or just snack on as is. Handle them carefully as they can be fragile right out of the dryer.
19. Jet-Puffed Marshmallows
Marshmallows are one of the most fun candies to freeze dry. They puff up into airy, crunchy clouds that almost melt in your mouth, and they keep their sweet flavor perfectly. Try dipping them in chocolate after freeze-drying for an extra treat. They are good for hot cocoa or snacking straight from the bag.
Tips For Freeze Drying Candy
Start with small batches
Try freeze-drying just a few pieces at a time so you can see how each candy reacts. Some candies puff up a lot while others stay mostly the same, and doing small batches first helps you figure out what works best. This also makes it easier to adjust timing and settings on your machine without wasting a big batch.
Keep candies separated
Place each piece on the trays with a little space around it so they dry evenly and don’t stick together. It’s especially important for sticky or soft candies, and it helps each piece hold its shape and texture.
Use airtight storage
Once your candies are done, store them in airtight containers or proper mylar bags to keep them crisp. Freeze-dried candy can absorb moisture quickly from the air, so airtight storage keeps that light, crunchy texture. You can even keep some in the fridge or freezer for longer storage if you like.
Label your batches
Write down the candy type and the date on each container or bag. This helps you remember what you tried and which candies you liked the most. It also makes it easy to repeat a favorite batch or share with friends without guessing which candy is which.
Freeze drying candy is such a fun way to enjoy your favorite sweets in a new way. Just remember, to make it at home you’ll need an at home freeze dryer. Once you have one, you can try all sorts of candies and see how they puff up and get that light, crunchy texture. If you give it a try, share your creations with friends and family, they’re sure to be impressed!
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