What is freeze-dried candy and what does it taste like?

What it actually is

Freeze-dried candy is regular candy with the water pulled out of it. Freeze-drying freezes the candy and then removes the moisture, which makes it puff up, turn light and crunchy, and taste more intense.

Why people love it

Texture

Chewy candy becomes airy and crunchy. Hard candy becomes light and shatter-crisp. It is a completely different mouthfeel from the original.

Flavor

Pulling the moisture out concentrates the flavor, so a freeze-dried piece hits harder than the normal version. That is why freeze-dried Skittles-style crunch and freeze-dried chamoy went viral.

Where to try it in San Antonio

Thirsty Candies keeps a rotating wall of freeze-dried candy on the River Walk. Because it moves fast, the exact lineup changes, so it is always fresh.

Want the pickup details? See where to buy freeze-dried candy in San Antonio.