Sour Candy – Brief History & Most Popular Sweets

Since ancient times, people have enjoyed sweet treats. However, the savory flavor they craved came primarily from fruits and foods. Therefore, sour candy can be considered a relatively new phenomenon. And who does not love the sour taste that opens up every bit of our taste buds and makes us feel alive?

Follow us on the journey of sour candy.

Brief History of Sour Candy

At first, when sour candy production started, it didn’t really have a good reputation amongst people. Sour candy-making started in the 19th century. Well, it turns out, people were deeply concerned about the condition in which those colorful treats were made. Also, they were afraid of the chemicals that could have been used in the candy. Later on, those thoughts changed. 

Manufacturers mainly relied on acidic ingredients to create the savory taste of the treat. Vinegar is the most commonly used. Vinegar could turn the sugar into glucose, and all that creates the sweet-tart combo. 

How It All Started

Even though sour candy was not popular at first, the smartness of candy makers changed everything. In the 1950s, manufacturers actually started to promote their candy and make it popular by using the great opportunity of Halloween. The manufacturers used to run Halloween-themed promotions, and all that created a bond between the festivals and the candy itself. 

So, the sour candy became connected to the love of Halloween. The increase in popularity also created the possibility of experimenting with new flavors. And it all worked great!

One of the greatest examples of such promotions is the Ferrara Pan Candy Company, which actually introduced the sour candy – Atomic Fireballs around a specific historical moment. Sour candy came out in 1954. It was around the time of the U.S. military’s first detonation of the hydrogen bomb. And it worked great. Because the candy was filled with cinnamaldehyde and capsaicin, it left the mouth numb. 

By the end of the 19th century, sour candy was already popular and loved by people. One of the main reasons for this was another great candy on the market known as Warheads, which was introduced in 1993. The founder of Warheads candy was Peter De Yager. He traveled to Taiwan with the mission to find the sourest variety of candy, and eventually, he did.

Most Famous Sour Candy

Warheads

Warheads is a very sour candy produced by Impact Confections. Candy is manufactured in Wisconsin and is marketed as an “extreme” candy with intense flavor. Candy is popular among many people, especially children. One of the reasons for the popularity of candy was the fun game it was for kids. Children would play games at school with the candy, seeing who could eat the largest number of warheads at once. 

Warheads is the sour candy from the 1970s. The origin was in Taiwan. It was then imported to the United States in 1993 by a foreign candy company. The name of the candy comes from its taste. When biting, the extreme flavor and savory taste created a “warhead” in the mouth. The sour flavor is caused primarily by citric acid and malic acid.

Sour Patch Kids

Sour Patch Kids is a sour candy that was introduced in the USA in 1985. The very first production of candy was in the late 1970s in Ontario, Canada. This candy mascot was based on a product that was called Mars Men and was created by Frank Galatolie. 

In the beginning, the Sour Patch Kids were shaped like Martians. It was so for the capitalization of space enthusiasm in the 1970s. However, later on, it was transferred and changed into children, creating the Cabbage Patch. Candy was a huge success at that time. 

The original candy had lemon, lime, orange, and raspberry flavors. However, new variations were added later on. Sour Patch Kids is currently owned by Mondelez International, which has also brought many new variations and unique additions to it.

Top 5 Sourest Candies in the World

1. Toxic Waste

Toxic Waste candy is very famous for its sourness and is one of the most sour candy in the world. It truly has a place among the top 5 sour candies. Candy comes in 5 different flavors. Those are apples, lemons, watermelons, blue raspberries, and black cherries. There is actually a toxic waste challenge. People compete with each other to see who manages to eat the most of this sour candy. 

Candy is marketed by the American company Candy Dynamics, Inc. Pieces of candy are packed in novelty drum containers. There are 16 pieces in each. Apart from the original flavors, the purple container and the red drum can be found too. In purple, there are flavors of blueberry, blackberry, black cherry, and grape. In red- raspberry, cranberry, red pear, strawberry, and red grape flavors are found. 

2. Sour Nerds

Sour Nerds remain a popular candy for many people. This sour candy is manufactured by the Big Chew brand, which is also one of the biggest bubble gum manufacturers. Candy has a crunchy shell but a chewy texture inside. Even from its name, we can guess that it must be very sour. 

Chewy Sour Nerds are packed with different flavors. including lemon, orange, strawberry, and grape. With the bite, the chewy texture comes with fruity flavors and sourness, creating the perfect combination. 

3. Sour Skittles

We all love Skittles, and who would not, right? Those colorful rainbows really create the taste of festivals in our mouths. But can you imagine the tasty, colorful rainbows without the sourness? Sour Skittles are there for memorable tastes and experiences. 

This sour candy comes in bite-size pieces and has a crunchy shell. When biting, the soft, cherry filling comes out and creates the balance of sweet and savor, crunchy and chewy. Sour Strawberry candies come in the following flavors: sour lemon, sour orange, sour green apple, and sour grape. Candies are often used as decorations for cakes and cupcakes too. 

Care for some tricks? Make some fun memories with loved ones by combining the sour skittles with the regular ones.

4. Sour Flush Candy Toilets

“Flush away your troubles.” Here comes the weird candy. Sour Flush Candy Toilets actually have a toilet plunger and a toilet. The plunger is supposed to be dipped in the plastic “toilet” full of sour sugar powder. It has almost the same concept as “Baby Bottle Pops“. 

The bright and vibrant colors make the candy pretty fun to eat, and the taste is delicious and sour too. There are three flavors in total. Sour Flush Candy Toilets consists of citric acid, which gives it a savory hint. 

5. Cry Baby Extra Sour Tube

Just like the previous one, this particular candy has a very weird name too. And it stays true because it is so sour that it brings tears. There is a challenge too, to eat as many as you can in one go. One must be brave to eat it for a longer time. 

Once the candy has disappeared, there is chewing gum inside. It is kind of a sign of victory that one managed to beat the sourness and managed to do it to the end. Candy comes in assorted flavors, including lemon, cherry, apple, blue raspberry, and orange. This treat is kosher candy certified, gluten-free, and peanut/nut-free.

All-time Popular Sour Candy

Cry Baby Tears

This candy is literally shaped like tears. This retro candy may be somehow overshadowed by new varieties, but it still remains at its height. Cry Baby Tears is so sour that it brings tears, so that’s why it is called Cry Baby Tears (just like Cry Baby Extra sour tube).

Packaging includes six terrifically tart fruit flavors: cherry, lemon, apple, orange, and watermelon. Cry Baby Tears are kosher, gluten-free, and peanut-free.

Taveners Sour Lemon Drops

Sour Lemon Drops, manufactured by Taverners, are some of the most popular English candies. It is somehow similar to the Lemonheads. Those sour candies have a lemon shape. The taste of tangy lemons opens up the receptors and wakes up our brain. 

Sour Candy is actually made with vegetarian ingredients and natural coloring. The packaging is very different from traditional ones and is easy to carry around while traveling. 

Jolly Rancher Sour Surge

Jolly Rancher Sour Surge is an Individually wrapped tangy candy. Often, these candies can be seen at parties and celebrations. Little candy packs have different fruity flavors and a hint of sourness. 

And while eating, there is a surprise- the powder inside the hard candies. So, when biting the candy, the extra sourness comes from the center and mixes with the crunchy shell. 

SweeTARTS Extreme Chewy Sours

Chewy Sour Candies from SweeTARTS are a great treat and entertainer. Candy is chewy inside but has a sour coating, which creates a mix of sweet and savory. Each package comes with a range of tart and tangy flavors. 

Candy is made without any artificial flavors, which makes it much healthier. The packaging of SweeTARTS sour candy is colorful and one would be willing to taste it even at the glance of its packaging.

Project 7 Sour Apple Rings

Sour Apple Rings are candy that will make you fall in love with them. Only the packaging is worth a look. On the package, there is a cute, green apple, winking at us and attracting us to the candy. Here, one can find the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and sour. 

Candy comes in a ring shape. It is fat-free, low in sodium, GMO-free, and suitable vegan candy because it is plant-based. That’s all you can ask for. It is suitable for different diets, and people love it even more.

Sour Brite Crawlers

The Sour Brite Crawlers is a combination of fruity flavors and tangy, savory tastes. It has a gummy texture, bright colors, and is sugar-coated. Altogether, the wildly delicious and addictive combination was well received. The flavors include orange-lime, cherry-lemon, and strawberry-grape. Some packages come with spicy, hot flavors too. 

The package of candy is resealable. So you can eat it as often as you want and the gummies won’t even lose their quality.

Starburst Minis Sours

Starburst Minis Sours, just like Sour Brite Crawlers, come in a resealable bag. So, it is good for snacking once in a while. Classic flavors include cherry, strawberry, blue raspberry, and watermelon. And of course, lots of sour and tanginess. 

Tiny, pillow-like, colorful Starburst Minis are unwrapped in the packaging, so you can get as many as you want. These mini candies have a soft and chewy texture.

Smart Sweets Sour Blast Buddies

There come our favorite Blast Buddies. The perfect treat for families and friends. While eating, the candy bursts with sour powder and gains an extra hint of sourness. There are five delicious Buddy flavors per bag. 

Sour Blast Buddies are absolutely healthy to eat. It does not contain artificial flavors or preservatives. They are not made with hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup. It contains natural sweeteners made from monk fruit, stevia, and allulose and is plant-based. It is gluten-free and non-GMO. What else could we ask for?

Interesting Facts about Sour Candy

July 18th became National Sour Candy Day. In 2015, the American Licorice Company actually established the National Sour Candy Day. The day became a celebration of the sweet and savory flavors of amazing treats that everybody loves. 

Many believe that Toxic Waste is the sourest candy in the world. The sourness comes instantly at the moment when the tongue touches the candy and lasts for 50 seconds. After chewing, the sourness fades and you get a sweeter taste. However, those 50 seconds are not easy.

Bottom Line

The candies discussed above have many differences. Some are gummier, some are harder. They have different shapes, textures, and tastes. However, one thing unites them all, and that is the sour taste. 

Sour candy gives us a taste that touches every bit of our taste buds and can cure any sweet tooth. It is so intense that it immediately connects and bonds with our memories. This extra kick of sourness makes us feel alive and gives us energy. 

In the comment section, share with us your favorite sour candy and what memories are linked to it!