When you think of candies oozing with flavor, Skittles likely comes to mind.
True to the Taste of the Rainbow brand, every bite of Skittles gives you vibrant fruity flavors. There’s a spectrum of flavors in every bite, giving you a mix of sweet and tangy sensations that stimulate your taste buds and leave you craving more.
But what if you could take this sensory experience up a notch and get more with every bite?
One of the biggest crazes now in the candy industry is freeze-dried Skittles. Freeze-drying candies intensify their flavors and add a pleasant crunch. Not only does it ensure longer shelf life, freeze-drying Skittles allow you to enhance the flavors, intensifying the fruitiness in each bite.
Table of Contents
What Makes Freeze-Dried Skittles Popular?
Freeze-dried Skittles have gained popularity for several reasons. Unlike their traditional counterparts, they undergo a unique preservation process called lyophilization that removes moisture while preserving their flavor and color.
When compared to regular Skittles, freeze-dried Skittles expand and have this crunch that contrasts the regular Skittles hardshell and chewy interior. They offer a satisfying texture in the mouth and and chewiness.
And because freeze drying removes moisture content in Skittles, you get more intensified flavors than the usual store-bought bag!
Why Do Freeze-Dried Skittles Stand Out Among Other Freeze-Dried Candies?
What makes Skittles popular from the rest of the freeze-dried candies is its familiarity with many people. Skittles is widely recognized, and people are curious to try this crowd favorite with a new twist.
This brand association gives freeze-dried Skittles a head start in the trendy candy category, leveraging their existing popularity to attract both loyal fans and new customers.
How to Freeze Dry Skittles
If you’re looking to freeze-dry Skittles at home, the first thing you need is a home freeze dryer, as this makes the process easy and fast.
Step 1: Pre-Freeze Skittles
Pre-freeze in your freezer, ideally overnight.
Place Skittles on the freeze dryer tray and make sure to put some space in between, as the candies will expand during freeze-drying.
Tip: Use a parchment paper or silicone liners to prevent candies from sticking and to save time on cleanup!
Step 2: Turn On and Set Cooling Cycle
Turn on your freeze dryer and adjust the temperature between 135 - 150 Fahrenheit. Allow at least 15 minutes of cooling cycle.
This will activate the candy mode or high temperature mode if your freeze dryer has that setting.
You can also use the normal cycle, however, it would take 20 hours or more.
Step 3: Put Trays Inside the Freeze Dryer
After the cooling cycle, it's time to load the trays into the freeze dryer. Avoid overcrowding the candies to prevent the Skittles from sticking together.
You can use parchment paper or silicon liners for easy cleanup.
Make sure to close the drain valve and then toggle candy mode.
Step 4: Warm Trays (Optional)
You'll be given the option of warming the trays. You can either choose to skip, cancel, or start. However, if the warming cycle is taking about an hour and there is no option to reduce the time to five minutes, you can skip this step.
Otherwise, the Skittles are likely to puff or turn into powder.
Step 5: Adjust Drying Time
Adjust drying time to 2-3 hours. Once time is up, open the drain valve and remove the trays.
Check if the Skittles are ready. The outer part should pop out, and the center should expand.
- If it feels chewy or soft, add more drying time.
- If it feels light and crumbles when squeezed gently, then it is dry already.
Step 6: Store Skittles
Store freeze-dried Skittles in mason jars or mylar bags. Don't forget to put in an oxygen absorber before sealing.
Store in a cool place for longer shelf-life.
Pro Tip: You can freeze dry up to five batches without having to defrost the freeze dryer.
Exploring Freeze-Dried Skittles Variants
Freeze-drying Skittles opens up a world of possibilities, allowing fans of the candy to explore other twists to it.
One of the popular takes now is Sour Skittles. The combination of sourness and crunch makes freeze-dried Sour Skittles an exciting treat for those who love a tangy kick.
Adding this twist involves mixing sugar and citric acid and lightly misting the Skittles before freeze-drying them.
Another take is the Mango Habanero Skittles. With some subtle heat from habaneros and some mangoes to balance it, you can complement the fruity flavors, creating a unique sweet-and-spicy combination.
Freeze-drying them preserves the spice's warmth while enhancing the fruity notes, resulting in a complex and satisfying crunch.
You can also make edibles with your freeze-dried Skittles. Using CBD powder or concentrates, you can coat the Skittles before freeze drying can help infuse its benefits. You get calmness in every crunch, this way!
Freeze-Dried Skittles Potential for Business
Curious about starting a freeze-dried candy business? Freeze-dried Skittles also opens up a potential business opportunity.
For one, there are plenty of sources to get these candies, such as local retail stores, wholesale suppliers, and even online stores. At this point, you already have plenty of options to ensure a steady supply.
On the potential profitability, a one-pound bag of Skittles that costs around $4 can produce half a pound of freeze-dried Skittles. You can sell this at $5 per ounce, giving you around $35 in profit, with plain freeze-dried Skittles.
Conclusion
Freeze-dried Skittles have changed the candy game with the heightened flavors and texture. With the help of its popularity, and sensory appeal, it has made its way to become a popular variant.
The nice thing about them is the possibilities they offer. You can add twists to it to elevate the sensory experience. And with its popularity, it can even become a business venture.
Whether you're a candy lover looking for a new treat or an entrepreneur seeking to ride the wave of innovation, freeze-dried Skittles offer something special. Their blend of familiarity and innovation ensures they will continue to delight and surprise, standing out in the world of sweets.
Learn more about freeze-drying candy and food here:
- A Guide To Starting A Freeze-Dried Candy Business: What You Need To Know
- Best Freeze Dryer for Candy
- What Freeze Drying Does to Candy
- How to Freeze Dry Food At Home
- Freeze-Dried Peaches: Unlocking Potential and Uses
Frequently Asked Questions About Freeze-Dried Skittles
- ◄What are freeze-dried Skittles?
- Regular Skittles with the moisture removed through a freeze-drying process, making them crunchy and intense in flavor.
- ◄Do freeze-dried Skittles taste different?
- Yes, the flavor is more concentrated and some find it sweeter due to the lack of water.
- ◄Is the texture different?
- Absolutely! Freeze-dried Skittles are light and very crunchy, unlike the usual chewy texture.
- ◄Are they healthier than regular Skittles?
- Not necessarily. Freeze-drying preserves the nutrients but concentrates the sugar content.
- ◄How long do freeze-dried Skittles last?
- Freeze-dried Skittles can last for decades if stored properly in a cool, dry place.
- ◄Do freeze-dried Skittles melt in your hand?
- No, they won't melt due to the lack of moisture.
- ◄Do freeze-dried skittles rehydrate?
- While technically possible, rehydrating freeze-dried Skittles wouldn't bring them back to their original chewy texture. They might become a bit soggy and lose their intense flavor.
- ◄Is there a sugar-free version of freeze-dried Skittles?
- Sugar-free Skittles exist, but freeze-dried versions are not as common. It's best to check with candy stores or online retailers specializing in freeze-dried treats.
