Is Freeze Dried Candy Healthier? 

If you have been on TikTok, Instagram or even walking through your favorite store, chances are you've seen the buzz about freeze dried candy. With the vibrant colors, explosive crunch, and unique texture, freeze dried candy has taken over as one of the trendiest treats out there. But it also raises a common question: Is freeze dried candy healthier?

Let's get straight to the point: Freeze dried candy is not healthier than regular candy. But like most things in life, there's more nuance to the story. Let's dive into what freeze drying actually does, how freeze dried candy compares to its original form, and what makes some versions of it- like our Krackles with no artificial dyes or flavors, a slightly cleaner indulgence. 

What is Freeze Dried Candy?

Freeze dried candy is exactly what it sounds like: regular candy that has gone through the freeze drying process. This process removes the moisture from the candy and uses a high suction vacuum to make it crunchy, airy, and melt in your mouth delicious. It doesn't require any preservatives, oils, or additives. The result? A puffed up, ultra light, version of your favorite sweets with an entirely new texture. Some of the most popular types of freeze dried candy include:

• Freeze Dried Skittles (often sold under creative names like Halo Drops)
• Freeze Dried Starburst Minis (Like our Frost Bites)
• Freeze Dried Sprees (aka Freezbies)
• Freeze Dried Red Hots (our spicy Cinna-Dots)
• Freeze Dried Caramel M&M's (Caramel Blasts)
• Freeze Dried Peach Rings
• Freeze Dried Lemon Heads (Lemon Bursts)
• Freeze Dried Ince Cream Sandwiches

What Does Freeze Drying Actually Do?

Freeze drying is a process that removes water from food by freezing it, then reducing the surrounding pressure and adding heat to allow the frozen water to sublimate directly from the solid to the gas phase. Since most candy doesn't have a high moisture content, often times the freezing process can be skipped, or significantly shortened to allow the candy to fully heat up, and the vacuum pressure to expand the candy. This process preserves the color, flavor, and sugar and calorie content. 

That last point is key: Freeze drying does not remove the sugar, calories or carbohydrates. It simply removes water. This makes the candy crunchy, melt in your mouth, and shelf stable, but not less sugary or calorie dense. 

Is Freeze Drying Candy Healthier?

The short answer is still no. Freeze dried candy virtually has the same nutritional content as the original candy. 

For example: 

• If a handful of regular Skittles has 110 calories and 24g of sugar, the same amount of freeze dried Skittles will have nearly the same.
• Because the volume of the freeze dried candy is larger, it can trick you into thinking you are eating less, but it's actually the same. 

What About "Clean" Freeze Dried Candy?

Now while freeze dried candy isn't technically healthier, some freeze dried candy can be a cleaner option. At Frizzle, we offer a line of Krackles that are made without artificial dyes or flavors. These include:

• Strawberry Lemonade Krackles (Clean)
• Watermelon Krackles (Clean)
• Strawberry Kiwi Krackles (Clean)
• Coconut Lime Krackles (Clean)
• Mixed Berry Krackles (Clean)
• Peach Krackles (Clean)

Our clean Krackles still taste amazing, and have the signature fizzy, crunchy pop. But they don't contain artificial colorings or chemical based flavors. 

Why This Matters:

• No Red 40 or Yellow 5
• No synthetic flavors
• Dye Free for kids or adults with sensitivities 

So while sugar and calories remain the same, many customers feel better choosing treats that are free of synthetic additives. Especially for families, parents often prefer snacks that are free from questionable ingredients.

How to Enjoy Freeze Dried Candy Mindfully?

Just like with regular candy, moderation is key. Here are a few tips:

• Portion Control: Our resealable bags are perfect for enjoying a little at a time.
• Share With Your Friends: Sharing with your friends is the perfect way to not eat an entire bag by yourself!
• Know What You're Eating: Check the label. Ingredients from the regular candy carry over.
• Pick Cleaner Options: Choose candy that doesn't have artificial dyes or synthetic flavors.
• Have Fun With It: Freeze dried candy isn't just for snacking. Try using it to top cupcakes, ice cream, decorate cakes, or gift in goodie bags.

The Bottom Line

So, is freeze dried candy healthier? Not exactly. But it is: 

• Crunchier
• More fun
• Longer lasting
• Easier to store

And with clean options like our dye free Krackles, you can still enjoy sweet treats with fewer artificial ingredients. While it shouldn't replace fruit or whole foods in your diet, it makes a super fun, unique indulgence when you want a pop of flavor and texture.

Looking to try freeze dried candy yourself? Browse our shop to discover customer favorites like Halo Drops, Lemon Bursts, and our full lineup of Krackles- including clean options for a colorful, crunchy, guilt-free treat!