What Makes Sour Candy Sour?

Have you ever found yourself puckering up at the taste of sour candy? While the sweet taste of candy is enjoyable, sour candy seems to have a certain appeal that just can't be ignored. But have you ever wondered what makes sour candy sour? Is there a secret to the tangy and tart flavors that leave you craving for more? In this blog post, we'll dive into the science behind sour candy and discover what makes it so mouth-puckeringly good.

Secret Behind Sour Candy

The secret behind sour candy's tart and tangy taste lies in its acidic properties. Most sour candies are made with citric acid, which is a weak organic acid found in citrus fruits. This is why you'll often find lemon and lime flavors in sour candy, as these fruits have naturally high levels of citric acid. Other acids used in sour candy production include malic and tartaric acid, which are also commonly found in popular sour candies like Sour Patch Kids and Warheads.

In addition to acids, sour candy manufacturers often use a sugar coating to create a greater contrast between the sweet and sour flavors. This allows the sour taste to stand out even more, as the sugar slows down the release of the sourness in your mouth, leading to a longer-lasting sensation. The combination of acid and sugar leaves a unique taste that people of all ages seem to enjoy.

Sour Sensations

The sensation of sourness in your mouth is caused by the sour receptors on your taste buds. When sour candy hits your tongue, these receptors are activated and send signals to your brain that the candy is sour. This reaction is what causes your mouth to pucker up and leaves you with a slightly bitter aftertaste. However, not everyone enjoys sour candy due to its strong acidic taste, but for those who do, it's a unique choice of flavor.

Surprising Health Benefits

Ok, so we are not saying that sour candy is actually healthy.   But research has shown that consuming acidic foods like sour candy can help stimulate saliva production in your mouth, which can help protect your teeth from harmful bacteria. Acidic foods have also been shown to help improve digestion and relieve symptoms of acid reflux. That being said, it's important to consume sour candy in moderation, as too much acid in your system can cause harm.  

Candy Flavoring and Extracts

If you're craving mouth-puckering sour hard candies, all you need is some hard candy flavoring. And guess what? You're in the right place! At Flavor Jungle, we offer a wide variety of sour flavor extracts and concentrates that will elevate your candy-making experience. After understanding what makes sour candy so tantalizing, explore our delightful extracts and concentrates and be prepared to create your own mouth-puckering goodness. Don't wait, buy today and start enjoying the deliciousness of your sour candy!

Ready to pucker up and get sour? 
Check out Sour by TFA.

 

Explore our Hard Candy flavorings.